CDN Lost

Another day passes, and another light is snuffed out. This time, the lost light is that of Professor C.D.Narasimhaiah - teacher, writer, literary giant, champion for the cause of literature and education, institution builder. This time, it hits so close to home that almost anyone who grew up, lived and studied, in Mysore feels the loss keenly.

The Professor was not the typical key figure on the literary and cultural scene, remote and detached from the common man. He was characterized by his 'right-here-right-now', grassroots approach to both Life and Literature. And showcased in his approach by his Dhvanyaloka - a haven for both the learned and the learning. With doors that opened to all, asking only that you have a thirst for knowledge, Dhvanyaloka nestles next to Mysore's Manasagangothri. And the force that drove people to come there, and to look and learn, was an elemental one, known fondly to one and all as just 'CDN'.

I, and innumerable other students, feel the loss of CDN much like one feels the loss of an anchor in a choppy sea. There have been many who professed, but few who taught, many who built institutes, but few who could build an institution. And few who made themselves dear to the community, more by the wealth of their minds. Dhvanyaloka stands today, deprived of the light that shone from its doors. We stand today deprived of a teacher and truly public citizen. Professor CDN, we mourne your loss.

StarofMysore Report