Kamala Hampana, a prominent woman writer in the Kannada language, passed away on June 21, 2024, due to a heart attack in Bengaluru. She was 88 years old.
Kamala Hampana was not just a writer, but also an academician, teacher, researcher, and literary critic. She was born on October 28, 1935, in Devanahalli in Bengaluru’s Rural district. In a career spanning over six decades, she wrote and published more than 60 books in various genres in Kannada.Apart from this, she also wrote two books in the English language. Talking of her research, she worked on and brought out nine documents.
Considering her illustrious career, she was presented with the prestigious Dana Chintamani Attimabbe Award by the government. She also conferred some notable awards for her immense works in the field of arts and literature, including the Sahitya Akademi Award, Rajyotsava Prashasti, Kittur Rani Chennamma Award, Baba Amte Award, and Nadoja Award. In 2003, she was also the president of the 71st Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana which was held at Moodabidri.
Reacting to the news of her demise, many political leaders took to social media to show their respect and express their condolences.
Remembering Kamala Hampana, the Chief Minister of Karnataka– Siddaramaiah, wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “I am saddened by the unexpected death of veteran writer Dr. Kamala Hampana. Along with her literary work, Dr. Kamala was also popular for her research and teaching. She wished good for all in her life. I also share the grief of Dr. Hampa Nagarajaiah and his family.”
As per Kamala Hampana’s wish, her body will be donated to Ramaiah Medical College. She is survived by her husband Prof Hampa Nagarajaiah- who is a writer and scholar, their two daughters and a son.
Kamala Hampana’s important works
Kamala Hampana published 60 books during her lifetime, and she wrote fiction and poetry. Some of her prominent works include an autobiography, four stories collection, three radio plays, among others. She also wrote two books in English, named: ‘Attimabbe and Chalukyas’, and ‘Jainism and Other Essays’.
Ms Hampana was also an editor and translator. She translated Dr. B R Ambedkar’s ‘Annihilation of Caste’, among other works. During her lifetime, she identified herself and also worked with many women’s and Dalit movements.
She also extensively worked as a researcher, especially in the field of Jaina literature. Her main areas of focus were: Ancient Kannada literature and Jainology (the study of Jainism).
Our condolences to her family and friends.