Writer-jurist Jinadatta Desai passes away at 93
Renowned Kannada writer, judge, and educator Jindatta Desai dies at 93; legacy spans literature, education, and philanthropy.
Post retirement, Dr. Desai served as the Chairman of Bharatesh Education Trust for several years
Updated - November 02, 2026 10:01 am IST - BELAGAVI
Jinadatta Desai passed away in Belagavi on Sunday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Jindatta Desai, award-winning Kannada writer, translator, educationist and retired judge, passed away in Belagavi on Sunday.
He is survived by his son, daughter and an extended family. The final rites will be carried out at the Sadashivnagar crematorium in Belagavi on Monday at 11 a.m.
Hailing from Amminbhavi in Dharwad district, he served as a judge in some districts. Post retirement, Dr. Desai served as the Chairman of Bharatesh Education Trust for several years.
He completed his LL.B degree course in Dharwad and began his career as a lawyer in 1962. He retired as a District Judge in Belagavi in 1991.
He began writing his first book Nilanjana while in college. His other books include Matte Bandiddeni, Madhushalini, Olagina Male and Hejje Saalu.
His poems have been published in 18 anthologies. Some students have pursued Ph.D-level research based on his works.
Dr. Desai was instrumental in starting the Dr. A.N. Upadhye Kannada study centre at Bharatesh Education Trust in Belagavi, that now offers MA-Ph.D course in Kannada and History.
He won several awards. The State government presented him with a Rajyotsava Award in 2017 and Sri Bhagavan Mahaveer Shanti National Award.
His works were selected for the Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award in 2021. Rani Channamma University awarded him with an honorary doctorate in 2015 and Shri Kshetra Swadi Digambar Jain Matha, Sonda, presented the Akalanka Shree in 2022.
He was also the president of the Akhil Bharatiya Jain Sahitya Sammelan held at Shravanbelagola in 2018.
As a generous philanthropist, he donated large sums to several educational institutions and organizations and causes close to his heart.
Published - November 01, 2026 06:44 pm IST
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