Venkataraja Puninchathaya

Pundur Venkataraja Puninchathaya (10 October 1936 - 13 September 2012), also known as P. V. Puninchathaya, was a scholar, teacher, author, and researcher known for his contributions to Tulu language and literature.

Early life and education
Venkataraja Puninchathaya was born on October 10, 1936, to Damodar Puninchathaya and Saraswathi Amma at Punduru, Kasaragod District, Kerala State. In his formative years, he received education in Tulu, Kannada, and Sanskrit, gaining proficiency in these languages alongside his native language. He completed his schooling and Vidwan (equivalent to a bachelor's degree) in Sanskrit. He was a postgraduate in Kannada from the University of Mysore.

Career and contribution
Puninchathaya started working as a teacher in Swamiji's High School in Edneer, Kasaragod Taluk, Puninchathaya was a researcher in the Tulu language, Tulu script, Sanskrit manuscripts, and folklore. His pioneering work in manuscriptology led to the discovery and publication of Tulu epic poems, such as 'Shree Bhagavatho', 'Kaveri', 'Tulu Devi Mahatme', 'Tulu Mahabharatha', and 'Tulu Karnaparva'. Puninchathaya was also appointed as the founder president of the Kerala Tulu Academy, serving from 2008 to 2012.

Puninchathaya was a Yakshagana artist, excelling in Arthadhari (character portrayal), notably portrayal of female roles in Talamaddale, a form of Yakshagana.

Awards and recognition

 * National Award for Outstanding Professor in 1991,
 * Sandesh Media Award in 1997, Kayyar Award in 1998,
 * Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy Award in 1999,
 * Bevinje Sridhara Kakkillaya Award in 1999,
 * Parasurama Award in 2002,
 * Karnataka Sriprashasti in 2003,
 * Polali Sheenappa Hegade Award in 2004,
 * Ananta Prakash Award,
 * Mr. Award of Page,
 * Keerikadu Master Award,
 * Kukkila Award in 2006,
 * Best Research Dravidian VV Kuppam Award,
 * Deraje Award in 2007.
 * Mangalore University awarded honorary doctorate in 2007