Dr Shivaram Karanth’s personal assistant Malini Mallya passes away at 72

Udupi: Malini Mallya, who had been the personal assistant of the renowned Kannada writer and Jnanpith awardee the late Dr. Kota Shivaram Karanth, passed away at the age of 72 on Monday. Mallya, who was suffering from Parkinson’s disease for a long time, breathed her last at a hospital in Bengaluru after a prolonged illness.

Malini Mallya, a retired employee of the Life Insurance Corporation of India, was known for her tireless efforts in promoting the literary works of Shivaram Karanth. She had worked with Karanth until his last days and was instrumental in setting up the Karanth Smriti Bhavan at Saligrama.

Mallya also organized various programs and events to keep Karanth’s legacy alive including the founding of the Dr. Shivaram Karanth Research and Study Center.

Apart from her contributions to promoting Karanth’s literary works, Malini Mallya was also an accomplished writer herself. She had authored several books, including a biography of Shivaram Karanth titled “Nanu Kanda Karantharu,” a novel called “Gondalapurada Nindalaru,” and a collection of articles titled “Sivaramakaranthara Kinnarloka.” She also wrote about birds and nature for kids.