Mangalore: Dr. Anuradha Ananthamurthy, daughter of Jnanapeeta Awardee late U.R Ananthamurthy expressed anguish over many hate letters the family receives even weeks after the death of her father. Many of these letters and mail are sent from Dakshina Kannada, she said.

Dr. Anuradha and Esther Anathamurthy were interacting with participants in a programme hosted by the English Association and the Kannada Sangha of University College, Mangalore.

“Such letters are not new to my father. Earlier, people attacked him for his thoughts and writings. However, in the recent times, the attacks were too personal and less-intellectual”, Anuradha added. He loved to argue on scientific temper and on subject, she said.

Anuradha recollected two incidences where her father was attacked. He was attacked at a stage programme in Mysore, following the comment on Kannada actor Rajkumar and another during  the Gokak agitation. But, despite criticism, he continued to speak his mind, she added.

His writings never opposed to tradition neither he was associated with one ideologue. Mestru (teacher) was constantly evolving with new thoughts. But, not many followed his writings clearly”, said Deepa Ganesh, who translated many Kannada literary works of Ananthmurthy to English.

Esther Ananthmurthy spoke how her husband was a great loss to her as she no longer had a companion. She said Ananthmurthy received many friends and students as guests at home daily.