Udupi: Freedom Fighter B. Govinda Nayak (82) Passed Away

By Subhash Marne
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 18 May 2011: Freedom fighter and Ganidhian, B. Govinda Nayak (82) passed away on Tuesday at his residence in Kukkikatte Udupi. Govinda Nayak Born on 16th August 1918 to Nagappa Nayak – Lakshmibai, studied up to 8th standard at Modern School Udupi. At the age of 12 years he joined the Salt Protest (Uppina Sathyagraha) responding to the call from Gandhi. During 1934 while Gandhi visited Udupi he was chosen to personally take care of Gandhi by Sevadala, which he performed very well and was appreciated for it. He had the opportunity to be with Gandhi, staying close to him while Gandhi was resting during his  stay at Udupi.

 

 

While the Quit India revolt was announced in 1942, he carried forward the revolt in Udupi and for this he was imprisoned for 3 months. In 1947 when India got Independence, he was given the honour to hoist the flag in front of the Govt. Hospital in Udupi. From 1935 for 20 years he became popular as a wrestler in Udupi Gymnasium run by Wrestler Sanjeeva Pai. Later in Udupi he did the Electrical contracting work and then started Modern Electrical Works which he successfully established.

 

Govinda Nayak married in 1944 and had four sons and one daughter. He was looking after all the works of Udupi Lakshmi Venkatesha Temple successfully. He served as the Vice President of Bailur Panchayath from 1957 to 1972, as the Director of Koragrapadi C.A. Bank, Director of Udupi Cooperative Stores, Hon. President of Venkatesha Sevadala and made a strong impression in the service to the community and in every work he used to follow Gandhian way.

 

Shri Lakshmivara Theertha of Paryaya Shiruru Mutt, Mutt Divana Lathvya Acharya, Jilla Nagarika Samithi Chief Secretary Nithyananda Volakadu and many others has expressed their condolences upon his passing away.