Udupi: State Rajyotsava awardee, renowned Kannada activist and social worker Bijoor Govindappa Mohan Das (70), better known as Beeji, died of a heart attack this afternoon on Monday, August 31, 2020. He was 70 years old.
He was treated at the Manipal hospital for a month after suffering a bacterial infection and heart disease.
Biji, who came home six years ago and settled in Manipal, is survived by his wife Yashoda, son Akhil and daughter Akshay.
He immigrated to the Gulf nation in the 80s and hoisted the Kannada flag there. He was awarded the Rajyotsava Award for his achievement in organizing Kannadigas and proudly raising the association today in the absence of a mobile and social network.
He has worked for 35 years in various pharmaceutical institutes, postgraduate at Manipal College of Pharmacy and served as an assistant professor. He joined the founders of the Dubai Karnataka Sangha in 1985 and formed a constitution in 1988. In 1989 he became the first elected president of the association. From 1992–94, he served as Secretary, 1996-98, and President of UAE Indian Pharmaceuticals.
The Sharjah Karnataka Sangha has been awarded the Mayura Award in 2007 and the Manipal VVU Best Alumni Award in 2002. Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha was awarded the first DA Bendre Award for his achievement in Kannada journalism, despite him being abroad.