Padmabhushan Rajarshi. Dr. Veerendra Heggade
Hampa Nagarajaiah, popular as Hampana, is known to me for the past 50 years, ever since I was a boy. He used to deliver lectures in the Annual Literary conference at Dharmasthala from the time of my father who was Dharmadhikari then. Later Hampana was my teacher during my College days. He was an inspiring teacher and students had high regard for his fund of knowledge. He is a prolific author, an eminent orator, an excellent organiser and a successful administrator. Having travelled far and wide, he has contacts with prominent personalities in various fields. He has an attractive voice and his running commentaries of the Maha-mastaka-abhisheka of Lord Bahubali at Shravanabelagola, Karkala, Venur and Dharmasthala are unforgettable. His wife Professor Kamala Hampana is also equally learned and a popular writer. As an eloquent speaker, she has delivered lectures in India and abroad. Both of them are made for each other. Kannada people and Karnataka Government respect the literary persons and hold them in high esteem.
