Venkataraja Puninchathaya

Venkataraja Puninchathaya
Born	(1936-10-10)10 October 1936 Kasaragod, Kerala State
Died	13 September 2012(2012-09-13) (aged 75)
Academic work
Main interests	Tulu Language, Yakshagana

Venkataraja Puninchathaya (1936-1912 ), is a distinguished scholar, teacher, author, and researcher who has made significant contributions to Tulu language and literature. He is widely recognized for his expertise in various domains, including manuscriptology, Yakshagana narration, acting, directing, and oratory.

Early Life and Education

Venkataraja Puninchathaya was born on October 10th, 1936, to Damodar Puninchathaya and Saraswathi Amma at Punduru, Kasaragod District, kerala State. In his formative years, he received education in Tulu, Kannada, and Sanskrit, gaining proficiency in these languages alongside his mother tongue. He pursued his studies diligently and quickly completed his schooling and Vidwan (equivalent to a bachelor's degree) in Sanskrit. He was a post graduate in Kannada from Mysore University.

Career and Contribution

Puninchathaya embarked on a career as a teacher. He joined Swamiji's High School in Edneer, where he dedicated a significant part of his life to shaping young minds. Throughout his teaching journey, he nurtured the talents of numerous students and established himself as a revered mentor.

Puninchathaya's immense passion for research led him to delve into various fields, including Tulu language, Tulu script, Sanskrit manuscripts, and folklore. His pioneering work in manuscriptology led to the discovery and publication of several Tulu epic poems, such as 'Shree Bhagavatho,' 'Kaveri,' 'Tulu DeviMahatme,' 'Tulu Mahabharatha,' and 'Tulu Karnaparva.' These findings not only elevated the status of Tulu language but also positioned it among the distinguished classical languages of India with rich literary traditions. Puninchathaya was appointed as the founder President of the Kerala Tulu Academy, serving from 2008 to 2012.

Puninchathaya showcased his talents as an accomplished Yakshagana artist, excelling in Arthadhari (character portrayal). Notably, he received acclaim for his portrayal of female roles in Talamaddale, a form of Yakshagana. Additionally, he composed prasangas, including the notable "Sri Shankara Vijaya," which delves into the life of Sri Shankaracharya.

Awards and Recognition

Venkataraja Puninchathaya's exceptional contributions have garnered widespread acclaim, resulting in numerous prestigious awards. Among these accolades, he has been bestowed with the National Award for Teachers, Tulu Academy Award, and State Awards from both Kerala and Karnataka. These honors aptly acknowledge his invaluable contributions to literature and scholarship.

• National Award for Outstanding Professor in 1991,
• Sandesh Media Award in 1997, Kayyar Award in 1998,
• Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy Award in 1999,
• Bevinje Sridhara Kakkillaya Award in 1999,
• Parasurama Award in 2002,
• Karnataka Sriprashasti in 2003,
• Polali Sheenappa Hegade Award in 2004,
• Ananta Prakash Award,
• Mr. Award of Page,
• Keerikadu Master Award,
• Kukkila Award in 2006,
• Best Research Dravidian VV Kuppam Award,
• Deraje Award in 2007.
• Mangalore University awarded honorary doctorate in 2007

In recognition of his remarkable contributions to literature, Venkataraja Puninchathaya was honored with the Muliya Thimmappayya Award, named after the renowned scholar, writer, and teacher who played a pivotal role in the Kannada renaissance. This prestigious accolade appropriately acknowledges Puninchathaya's lifelong commitment to the literary and cultural heritage of the region.