K Bhogishayana

Early life

Bhogishayana was born in Mysore on June 1, 1926 in an orthodox Hindu family. He was the youngest of 9 children. Subjected to strict discipline, he had to concentrate on his studies from a very young age. This led to the Purna Krishna Rao Gold Medal for being at the top of his graduating class in English for his M.A. from the University of Mysore.

Professional Life

Early in his career, Bhogishayana was a lecturer in English at various colleges in Mysore, Bengaluru, Belgaum and Solapur. His professional career took off in Solapur at Sangameshwar College. He began as a lecturer at Sangameshwar College in 1953 and was promoted to principal in 1960.

Considered one the finest teachers in English, he grew the college into one of the best academic institutions in the region in his role as the principal. He ran the college with an iron fist. Feared and revered, the students nicknamed him “Boss”. An intellectual himself, he valued students who were athletes but mediocre in their studies. He knew and remembered the names and backgrounds of nearly 75% of the more than 6000 students in the college. He remained a mentor and guide to many of them throughout his life.

Bhogishayana was awarded the Ideal Teacher Award for College and University Teachers by the Government of Maharashtra in 1976-77. Even as a principal, he got involved in the work of university administration. He first served on the Academic Council of Pune University followed by several positions on the Senate and several Boards of the University.

At Kolhapur University, Bhogishayana was elected the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, which led to him serving as the Interim Vice-Chancellor in 1973, 1979 and 1980. He also served on the Senate, and presented the budget in spite of being on the Arts Faculty. Bhogishayana was eventually appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of Kolhapur University in 1983. He retired at the end of his term in 1986. Under his leadership, the university grew to add management institutions, improve the finances and address the complexities of staffing the institution. Bhogishayana counted educators, politicians, artists and industrialists among his students.

Incident

In year 1968-1969, students were striking against the unfair rules of the university examination system and were rallying in Sangameshwar College. Police in riot gear were threatening the students who were inside. Bhogishayana stood at the college gate informing the armed police that they would have to get past him before they got to the students. This made a tremendous impression on the students, making the incident and the man legend among student circles for generations at the college.

Rotary Club

Bhogishayana, an introvert by nature, was persuaded to join the Rotary Club of Solapur in 1967. This membership is considered to have changed his life – making him social and friendly. He became sought after for his guidance, leadership and oratory skills. Soon after Bhogishayana joined the Rotary, he rose in the leadership to become the president of the Rotary Club of Solapur. He was unanimously elected the District Governor of Rotary International District 3170 in 1979. He represented the Rotary International President at district conferences and served at Rotary Institutes.

Other

In addition to Bhogishayana’s extensive work in the Rotary, he served on several boards and government commissions –

Bhogishayana was awarded the Best Citizen of Solapur, his adopted hometown, by the Soni Trust.

Bhogishayana earned a reputation as an outstanding orator in English, in a region where it was not the first language and rarely spoken. He was invited to speak on a variety of topics, both those he was familiar with, and those outside his expertise.

Personal life

Bhogishayana was married to Vedavathi for 51 years, until his death on July 14, 2003. He is survived by his wife and two daughters K. Sujata and Sucharita Rajeev.