Konkani language activist and author dies
N. Purushothama Mallya, a prominent Konkani language activist and Padma Shri awardee, has passed away at age 97. He was instrumental in the movement to gain linguistic minority status for the Konkani community in Kerala.
Why it matters
Mallya's death marks the loss of a significant figure in Indian linguistic advocacy and cultural preservation.
N. Purushothama Mallya, 97, Konkani language activist, author, and Padma Shri awardee, died following a short illness at his residence near TD Temple at Cheralayi on Friday (September 11).
He was the honorary secretary and founder of the Konkani Bhasha Prachar Sabha. He campaigned to make Konkani a national language and earn linguistic minority status for the Konkani community in Keralam. He is survived by his wife, Sarojini Bai, daughter Sushmitha Mallya Rao, and son Nagesh P. Mallya.
Published - September 11, 2026 07:26 pm IST
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in