Belagavi – Mysuru, KARNATAKA :
Mysuru :
Chutuku Kavi was also a former MLC
Renowned poet and former MLC Dr. M. Akbar Ali, passed away at a private hospital in city this morning following illness. He was 91.
He is survived by three sons, three daughters and a host of relatives and friends. His wife Banubi had predeceased him.
Dr. Akbar Ali, was said to be suffering from cancer, was admitted to the hospital about 15 days ago, where he breathed his last at 6 am this morning.
Deputy Commissioner C. Shikha, other eminent personalities and dignitaries from all walks of life paid their last respects to the departed poet at his residence in T.K. Layout.
His last rites will be performed at the Muslim Burial Ground behind city’s Central Prison this evening, according to family sources.
Profile: Dr. M. Akbar Ali, who gained popularity as a ‘Chutuku poet,’ was born at Ullegaddi Khanapur village in Hukkeri taluk of Belagavi district on Mar. 3, 1925.
After getting his early education at his village, Dr. Akbar Ali did his higher education at Belagavi and Pune and got his Ph.D Degree from the University of Mysore.
Beginning his career as a teacher at Belagavi in 1953, Dr. Akbar Ali retired from Mysore University as a Professor (Distance Eduction Wing) in 1985 on superannuation, before serving in different colleges at many places.
He has written many ‘Chutuku’ poems including Akbar Ali Chutukugalu, Belakina Aradhane, Kasi Gulabi, Kathana, Kannada Kavyadhyana and Akbar Ali Samagra Kavya.
Among the many awards and prizes he has won, includes Rajya Sahitya Academy Award (1967), National Integration Award (1974), Kannada Rajyotsava Award (1985), Honorary Award of Karnataka Sahitya Academy (1985) and DVG Muktaka Sahitya Award in 2009.
Dr. Akbar Ali was a nominated Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) from 1986 to 1992.
He had chaired the 9th Mysuru District Kannada Sahitya Sammelana in 2008 and the All India Poets meet held at Mandya in 1994.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / February 21st, 2016