A diary that remained incomplete – Srinivasamurthy’s book released in Sringeri

Sringeri in Chikkamagaluru district, witnessed an unusual book release on Wednesday. It brought together friends, well-wishers, acquaintances, teachers and family of a farmer-writer who did not live to see it in print.

The book, Khaliye Ulida Dinachariya Halegalu (The Sheets of a Diary That Remained Blank), is a collection of writings by K. Srinivasamurthy, a native of Mundugodu near Sringeri, released at a programme attended by those who knew him closely.

Srinivasamurthy wore many hats — progressive farmer, environmentalist, writer, and storyteller among them. He was regarded as an authority on issues ranging from changing agricultural patterns to the diseases afflicting arecanut and other major crops in the Malnad region, as well as the toll of unchecked development on the region’s fragile ecosystem.

His early life was marked by hardship. He lost both his parents in childhood, within a gap of a few weeks. As he writes in the book, he received no support from the State government, since no scheme existed at the time for children left without an adult in the family. For years afterward, he and his sister worked in agricultural fields to fulfil basic needs.

Srinivasamurthy died of cancer in August 2025, a year before this book’s release. Known to readers across the State through his writings, he had spoken openly about his illness, often saying he was counting his remaining days — and had, in that time, prepared his wife and two children to face the world without him.

In a gesture that reflected the writer’s own life, the book was released not by a literary figure but by Fathima, a neighbour who had stood by the Srinivasamurthy family through its most difficult times.

Retired teacher M.R. Chinnappa, who had encouraged Srinivasamurthy to pursue his education despite poverty and hardship at home, presided over the programme. Ravi Krishna Reddy, founder of Karnataka Rashtriya Samiti, a political party, spoke on the occasion and recalled the time he spent with Srinivasamurthy. The author of the book had identified with the party and also participated in the protest march of the party actively.

Advocate Sudhir Kumar Murolli spoke about the book and about Srinivasamurthy’s life and personality. T.L. Umesh, an officer of the Department of Women and Child Development, recalled his friendship with the author. The collection has been brought out by Aharnishi Prakashana, owned by poet and writer Akshata Humchadakatte, who was also present at the programme.

Friends of Srinivasamurthy organised the event.