THE Delhi Union of Journalists paid glowing tributes to the memory of renowned writer and social activist UR Ananthamurthy. In a resolution adopted at a meeting of its office bearers held on August 27 the DUJ noted that the writer had made a big impact on Indian literature through his socially relevant writings.

The DUJ resolution observed that Shri Udupi Rajagopalacharya Ananthamurthy was a towering figure, who through his literary works questioned many deeply-held beliefs. He had strong political views and was a firm advocate of secular values, pluralist culture and social justice.

He won the Padma Bhushan in 1998, Jnanpith award in 1994 and the Karnataka state Rajyothsava award in 1984. He was also the vice-chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University in Kerala during late 1980s. Ananthamurthy had also served as the chairman of National Book Trust for a year and was also president of the Sahitya Academy.

Considered one of the pioneers of the Naya movement in the Kannada literature, he entered the Kannada literary world with his much acclaimed novel Samskara, which was a scathing attack on the Brahamanical order, superstitions and hypocrisies.

His death is a big loss to the country. The DUJ pays respectful homage to his memory.