Venkataraja Puninchathaya


Pundur Venkataraja Puninchathaya, commonly known as P. V. Puninchathaya, was an Indian scholar, teacher, author and researcher of the Tulu language and literature.

Early life and education

Puninchathaya was born on 10 October 1936 in Pundur, Kasaragod district. 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.

Career

Puninchathaya began his career as a teacher at Swamiji's High School in Edneer, Kasaragod Taluk. He researched the Tulu language, Tulu script, 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. Puninchathaya was the founding president of the Kerala Tulu Academy from 2008 to 2012. He was a Yakshagana artist, primarily in Arthadhari, and portrayed female roles in Talamaddale, a form of Yakshagana.
Alongside teaching, he worked in cultural and linguistic organizations. His research focused on preserving traditional knowledge, documenting oral literature, and analyzing linguistic structures of Tulu and related Dravidian languages.

Death

Puninchathaya died on 13 September 2012.

Awards and recognition