Belthangady: Veteran writer and journalist Nagaraja Poovani (Na Ujire) (86) passed away at his home in Ujire on Monday morning.

He worked as a reporter for Udayavani newspaper of Belthangadi Taluk for many years and was known as Na. Ujire in the literary world.

Mr. Ujire, who contributed a lot to the world of literature as a writer, was the president of Beltangady Taluk Chutuku Sahitya and Kannada Sahitya Sammelan. Also he has served as Hindi lecturer at SDM College.

He also received several awards for his services in the field of literature. Dignitaries visited the house of the deceased and condoled his death.

Na. Ujire is survived by wife Saraswati N. Raj and son Parshwanath, who is an engineer in America.