MANGALORE: K Byrappa, the former Vice-Chancellor of Mangalore University, breathed his last on a somber Monday, July 31st. At the age of 69, he bid farewell to this world, leaving behind his wife Sunita, a retired professor of English, and two sons, Shayan and Nayan. Shayan now resides in the United States, while Nayan is actively engaged in the workings of the University of Mysuru.

Byrappa's roots were firmly entrenched in Mysuru, and he assumed the esteemed position of the eighth Vice-Chancellor at Mangalore University. Known for its illustrious reputation in the academic realm, the university bore the indelible mark of his leadership.

As the sun began to rise over Bengaluru, fate had a different plan. Byrappa's journey was unexpectedly cut short due to a cardiac arrest at the bustling airport, en route to Belagavi.

Beyond the realm of academia, Byrappa was an accomplished researcher in the realm of Materials Science, having earned his Ph.D. from Moscow State University, Russia, in 1981. His academic pursuits extended even further as he served as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the same university during 1981-82. Multilingual and versatile, he wielded a working and spoken knowledge of Spanish, Japanese, and Russian.

During his remarkable tenure as the Vice-Chancellor from June 2014 to June 2018, Mangalore University witnessed a resurgence in research programs. The H index witnessed a remarkable surge, soaring from 17 to an impressive 50 and beyond, a testament to Byrappa's unwavering commitment to academic excellence. Under his able guidance, the university secured RUSA and PURSE grants, which injected vitality into its academic endeavors.

With the passing of K. Byrappa, the academic community has lost a visionary leader, an accomplished researcher, and a compassionate human being. His legacy will forever be etched in the annals of Mangalore University's history. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
 

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