She was deeply educated -- a scholar, intellectual, administrator, avid reader, and lifelong learner. She served in the Government of India with remarkable honesty, efficiency, and quiet strength. But what inspired me most was her resilience. She overcame so many hardships in life: losing her mother at the age of six, serious accidents, sciatica, leprosy, and later cancer -- yet she continued to live with dignity, courage, curiosity, and purpose.
© D.G. Mallikarjuna
Jyotsna Kamat (1934-2022)
Some years ago, I encouraged Amma to write biographies -- something she immediately embraced with passion. Over time, she went on to become perhaps one of India's most prominent biographers. It became her true calling.
So I was deeply moved and happy to learn that the Karnataka Literary Academy is bringing out a biography about her, written by B.K. Sumathi -- Amma's colleague, friend, and a diligent researcher whom I have long admired.
How fitting that it is, in many ways, "the biography of a biographer."
The book is titled "Jyotsna, a Ray of Light." (ಜ್ಯೋತ್ಸ್ನಾ.. ಬೆಳಕಿನ ಕಿರಣ)
The Academy has announced that it will be released during a function on June 6, 2026. I cannot wait to read it.
A heartfelt thank you to Sumathi and to the Karnataka Literary Academy for honoring Amma's life and legacy in this beautiful way.
See Also:
• Biography of Amma by Dr. Geeta Shenoy
• Documentary on Amma by Nemichandra
