Newskarnataka-Mangalore

Mangalore : Veteran artist and Founder of Jagath Art Gallery Jagadish Ammunje passed away at a private hospital in Mangalore on November 27, Wednesday morning. He was 58 and was  undergoing treatment for hyperglycemia since the past few days. He is survived by his wife, two children and innumerous fans and admirers.

A born artist, Jagadish Ammunje was known for his creative works of art including landscape, portraits and terra cota statues. One of the front runners in the screen printing industry in Mangalore, Jagadish  had also opened a Jagath Art Gallery and had conducted several art workshops. He was also the Founder President of  Karnataka State Trainers Collective.

An alumnus of St Aloysius College,  Ammunje had a strong inclination towards Leftist ideologies and  emerged an artist of the people by  reflecting the problems of the common man  through his art works. He always preferred to be a mass artist rather than a class artist.

Through his recreation of a 50 year old Tulu Grama during the Vishwa Tulu Sammelan held at Ujire, he had won a lot of appreciation.

Noted physician Dr Srinivas Kakkillaya who has condoled the death of Ammunje has said it is hard to believe that Jagga is no more.

Prof. BA Viveka Rai described  Jagadish Ammunje  as a great artiste, hard worker and good organizer  who had helped him a lot when he was the Tulu Academy Chief in 1994. His  creativity  was displayed even in several invitation cards and books, Rai said.

His cremation will be held at Nandigudda crematorium in the city on November 28, Thursday at 9.30 am, family sources said. The mortal remains have been kept at the  mortuary of the Colaco Hospital.