Karnataka bids farewell to a towering literary figure, Professor Mogalli Ganesh, who passed away peacefully at his Hosapete home in Vijayanagara district. A revered Kannada writer, critic, and folklore scholar, he was 63 years old and is survived by his beloved wife and three daughters.
For several years, Professor Mogalli bravely battled multiple organ ailments, necessitating frequent hospitalizations. He had recently returned home, where his family provided loving care during his final days.
Born in Santemogenahalli, Channapattana taluk of Ramanagara district, Professor Mogalli emerged from a Dalit family to become one of Karnataka’s most distinctive and influential voices in both literature and folklore. He pursued extensive academic endeavors, earning double master’s degrees in Economics and Folklore, and later a Ph.D. for his profound research into the rich and complex evolution of Karnataka’s village deity culture.
His academic career was distinguished, notably his nearly 28-year tenure as a Professor in the Department of Folklore Studies at Kannada University, Hampi. He also lent his expertise as a Syndicate Member of Karnataka Folklore University, located in Shiggavi, Haveri district.
Professor Mogalli was a truly prolific author, mastering various literary forms, from captivating short stories and novels to insightful plays and critical essays. His acclaimed short story collections include Buguri (1992), Atte (1998), Bhoomi (2002), Mannu (2004), Kannemale (2010), Mogalli Kathegalu (2010), and Devara Dari (2017). Among his notable novels are Tottilu (2006), Kireeta (2007), Anadi (2008), Hokkulu (2024), Alli Yaroo Illa (2024), and Bittuhoda Manushya.
His extensive body of critical and cultural studies features seminal works such as Deshi (1997), Sollu (1998), Dalitaru Mattu Jagatikarana (1998), Dalita Kathana (2005), Maukhika Kathana (2006), Hampi Jeevajala Janapada (2007), Adima (2004), Takararu (2008), Jaati Meemamse (2012), Ambedkar Emba Mahanadi Mattu Dalitikaranagonda Gandhiji (2017), Dalita Janapada (2024), Samskruti Mattu Asprushyate (2024), Avyakta Charitre (2010), and Adima Janapada (2018).
Beyond academic and written literature, Professor Mogalli also contributed to theater with street plays like Moote (1994), Ottappa (1995), Maaru Maaru Desha Maru (1998), and Baligamba (2000). He further enriched Kannada literature by editing numerous volumes, including Dalita Adhyayana, Deshi Kathana, Hyderabad Karnatakada Kathegalu, Urida Negilu, Mateeya Bhayavatara, and Bannada Chitta.
His personal journey was chronicled in his autobiography, Nanembudu Kinchittu.
Throughout his illustrious career, Professor Mogalli was recognized with a multitude of prestigious awards, including the Kavyananda Award, U.R. Ananthamurthy Award, Goruru Ramaswamy Award, Masti Award, Besagarahalli Ramanna Award, Putina Poetry Award, Muddanna Ratnakaravarni Award, B.H. Sridhar Award, National Culture Award, G.S. Shivarudrappa Award, Vardhamana Award, Karnataka Sahitya Academy Honorary Award, and the Siddalingayya Poetry Award.
His profound influence extended globally, with his celebrated novel Tottilu being translated into English as The Cradle in 2018. Many of his short stories also found international audiences through translations into Swedish, German, Polish, and various other Indian languages, establishing his reputation far beyond his native Karnataka.