Kasargod: Well-known writer and scholar Dr Venkataraja Puninchittaya Bellur passed away at Aitanadka in Kasargod on July 13, Friday. He was 75 and ailing since some time.

A post graduate in Kannada from Mysore University, Dr Puninchittaya has also worked as Editor of Viveka, a monthly magazine published from Mysore. He had also authored “Sri Bhagavato” a book of Tulu poetry and has translated several books in Kannada and Tulu. True to his achievements, the Mangalore University has conferred him an honorary doctorate. He was also the recipient of several awards including Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy Award, Karavali Cultural Foundation Award and Sandesha Media Award.