Lakkur Anand, a renowned Dalit poet, researcher, and translator, was found dead near the Central University of Karnataka in Gulbarga district on Monday, May 20.
Anand, who was 44 years old, was a PhD scholar in the Kannada Department of the University. His body was discovered by locals who then informed the police. Following a post-mortem, his body was sent back to his home in Kolar.
Anand was a native of the Kolar district and had previously worked as a Kannada lecturer at Kengeri Seshadripuram College. His academic and literary contributions include the publication of one research book, five poetry collections, and five translations of poetry. He translated Rani Shiva Shankar Sharma’s “Koney Brahmana,” which was published by Abhinava Prakashan.
Throughout his career, Anand received numerous accolades, including the Anand Kendra Sahitya Akademi Yuva Award, Sri Sri Kavya of Andhra, Dalit Sahitya Parishad Award of Delhi, Du Nim Belagali Award, Vibha Sahitya Award, Kadengodlu Shankarabhatta Award, and Dr. Tipperudra Swamy Award. He dedicated all his awards to oppressed communities.
His poetry collections include “From Town to Town,” “On Twenty Stones,” “Undelivered Receipt,” “Iti Nin Dhieyanu,” and “Uriva Ekanta Deepa.” His translated works are “Smriti Kinantham,” “Kone Brahmana,” “Akasha Deva,” and the comprehensive stories of “Nagna Muni.”
