Obituary: Journalist K.B. Ganapathy Departs, Leaving Behind a Legacy in Ink and Ideas

His passion for writing led him to join the field of journalism. Photo Courtesy: X.com/Siddaramaiah

Mysuru: Kalyatanda B. Ganapathy, the pioneering editor and founder of Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra, breathed his last at a private nursing home in Mysuru on Sunday. He was 85.

A native of Kodagu district, Ganapathy leaves behind his wife Ralie Ganapathy, sons Vikram Muthanna and Mickey Bopanna, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. His mortal remains were kept at his residence in K.C. Layout for the public to pay their final respects.

Among those who visited his home to offer condolences were Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Gundlupet MLA H.M. Ganesh Prasad, and Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna, along with numerous admirers, colleagues, and well-wishers. The final rites were performed at the crematorium located at the foothills of Chamundi on Sunday evening.

Born on December 27, 1939, to K.A. Bopaiah and K.B. Muthavva (Baby) in Kunjila (Kakkabbe) village in North Kodagu, Ganapathy was the second among four siblings. 

Ganapathy held degrees in Arts and Law, and also completed a Diploma in Journalism from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Mumbai. He began his career as an advocate, practising at the Karnataka High Court and Bengaluru Civil Courts between 1961 and 1964, according to Star of Mysore. 

His passion for writing led him to join the field of journalism. He worked as a reporter and sub-editor at the Free Press Journal and The Indian Express in Mumbai until 1970. 

In 1976, after his marriage, Ganapathy settled in Mysuru, where his family resided. Two years later, in 1978, he launched Star of Mysore, an English evening daily that quickly carved a niche for itself in Karnataka’s media landscape. He also founded Mysuru Mithra, a Kannada-language newspaper that catered to a wide regional audience.

Ganapathy was known for his sharp wit and incisive commentary. His popular columns Abracadabra and Hocus-Pocus, which appeared on alternate days, earned him a dedicated readership and played a key role in the success and visibility of Star of Mysore.

A multifaceted personality with a deep commitment to public discourse, Ganapathy's contribution to journalism, particularly in Mysuru and Kodagu, leaves behind a lasting legacy.

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