Renowned Nityotsava poet, Kannada writer Nissar Ahmed dies at 84
Nityotsava poet of Kannada literature KS Nissar Ahmed passed away at his residence in Bengaluru after prolonged illness
FollowBengaluru: Kokkare Hosahalli Shekh Haider Nissar Ahmed, known as KS Nissar Ahmed, an Indian poet and writer in Kannada language breathed his last at his residence on Sunday (April 3) in Bengaluru.
He passed away at the age of 84 after prolonged illness. Born on February 5, 1936, Ahmed was best known for his poem 'Nityotsava' and the title was often used as a prefix to his name.
Prof Ahmed was shattered after the death of his son in America recently. Much against the advice of doctors, he had himself discharged from hospital.
He was a leading poet in Navya literary movement. His works include Manasu Gandhi, Bazaru, Nityotsava, Sanje Aidara Male and Manadondige Mathukathe.
His Anaamika Anglaru, an anthology of poems, won the Karnataka Sahitya Akademi Award in 1982. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2008, Rajyotsava award in 1981 and Pampa Award in 2017.
He served as an assistant geologist in Mysore Mines and Geology at Gulbarga (now Kalaburagi). He worked as a lecturer in Geology at Central College, Bengaluru.
He also taught at Sahyadri first grade college in Shivamogga. He chaired the 73rd Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana in Shivamogga. He inaugurated the 407th edition of Dasara in 1959.
Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa condoled the death of Kannada writer and poet Nissar Ahmed and said, "Nissar Ahmed contributed some of the best works in all genres of Kannada literature. He has won many accolades including Padmashri, Karnataka Sahitya Award and Pampa Award. He had special bonding with Shivamogga as he worked there for some years. He was also the President of the 73rd Kannada Sahithya Sammelana held in Shivamogga."
The CM described Nissar Ahmed's death as an "irreparable loss" to the state and Kannada literature. "May his soul rest in peace and may God give the strength to his bereaved family to bear this loss," Yediyurappa said in his condolence message.
