Venkataraja Puninchathaya

Pundur Venkataraja Puninchathaya (10 October 1936 – 13 September 2012), commonly known as P. V. Puninchathaya, was an Indian scholar, teacher, author and researcher of the Tulu language and literature.

Puninchathaya was born on 10 October 1936 in Pundur, Kasaragod district (in present-day Kerala). He grew up in a Tulu-speaking community where he developed an early interest in language, oral traditions, and folklore.

He completed his schooling locally and later pursued higher education in literature and education.

Puninchathaya began his career as a teacher at Swamiji's High School in Edneer, Kasaragod Taluk. He researched the Tulu language, Tulu script,^[1] Sanskrit manuscripts, and folklore. His work in calligraphy led to the discovery and publication of Tulu epic poems, such as Shree Bhagavathi, Kaveri, Tulu Devi Mahatme, Tulu Mahabharatha, and Tulu Karna Parva.^[2] Puninchathaya was the founding president of the Kerala Tulu Academy from 2008 to 2012.^[3] He was a Yakshagana artist, primarily in Arthadhari (character portrayal), and portrayed female roles in Talamaddale, a form of Yakshagana.^[4]

Alongside teaching, he worked in cultural and linguistic organizations. His research focused on preserving traditional knowledge, documenting oral literature, and analyzing linguistic structures within Tulu and related Dravidian languages.

Puninchathaya passed away on 13 September 2012. His work continues influencing contemporary research in Tulu language and literature. Scholars and cultural institutions frequently cite his publications, and his contributions remain central to modern efforts in Tulu preservation and documentation.

• National Award for Outstanding Professor in 1991
• Sandesh Media Award in 1997, Kayyar Award in 1998
• Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy Award in 1999
• Mangalore University honorary doctorate in 2007^[5][6]

• infographicsOfficial website