Journalist Echanur Kumar’s literary journey remembered

A collection of articles by late journalist Echanur Kumar was brought out in the form of a book titled ‘Bhavya Chitrapata Mysuru’ at a function organised in Mysuru on Sunday to mark 50 years of his literary journey.

The 364 pages book brought out jointly by Mysuru District Journalists’ Association (MDJA) and Vijayalakshmi Publications was released by senior journalist G. Satyanarayana also known as Gauri Satya at MDJA premises in the city.

The book documents about 50 heritage structures and the history about them, besides the contributions of Mysuru to World War I.

Director of Karnataka State Archives Department Gavisiddaiah, who was the chief guest on the occasion, acknowledged Mr. Echanur Kumar’s remarkable enthusiasm for Mysuru’s history and referred to the series of articles he wrote during the centenary of University of Mysore. The articles related to the university’s 100 year journey, its buildings and its evolution were an enduring testimony to his relentless quest for history, he said.

Retired professor of Ancient History and Archeology, University of Mysore, N.S. Rangaraju recalled some fascinating historical anecdotes unearthed by Echanur Kumar like the statue of a postman installed in front of the office of Mounted Police on Lalitha Mahal Palace Road.

After the Department of Archeology, Museums and Heritage was formed, a list of 230 heritage structures in Mysuru were identified. But, the State government recognised only 129 of them that too ten years later. However, Mr. Echanur Kumar continued his research on heritage structures and came up with a list of 500 such heritage structures, displaying his passion for Mysuru’s history, Prof. Rangaraju said.

Journalist Satyanarayana, who released the book, described Mr. Echanur Kumar as a “rare historical researcher”. He said Mr. Echanur Kumar presented the Mysuru palace, its royal legacy and architectural grandeur to the public in a meaningful manner.

Apart from giving Mr. Echanur Kumar the credit for introducing the heritage structures of Mysuru to the people, Mr. Satyanarayana said Mr. Kumar was also a principled journalist, who upheld honesty and professional integrity under all circumstances.

President of MDJA K. Deepak, Mr. Echanur Kumar’s son Ajith and daughter Akshara were also present on the occasion.