KARWAR: 'Burbusa', the bungalow of AngloIndian writer Manohar Malgaonkar, located in the deep jungle of Jagalpet in Joida taluk, has been renovated by his soninlaw R K Andre Kapoor.
It was in this bungalow that Malgaonkar produced his literary masterpieces. The spacious drawing hall is adorned with paintings of Malgaonkar's wife and his antique collections. The library has a rare collection of his books. The dining hall is furnished with antique furniture, beautiful landscapes and a portrait of Malgaonkar.
Kapoor, during a teteatete with District Information Officer Manjunath Sullolli at Burbusa recently, said that the bungalow was renovated in such a way that it could enliven the memories of Malgaonkar.
Kapoor said that Malgaonkar was inspired to write his famous novel 'The Princes' in 1963 in the memorial built for the Jagalpet villagers, who were hanged by the British for participating in the 1857 upsurge. Recollecting Malgaonkar's life since his student days in Jagalpet, Ramnagar, Ganesh Gudi, Londa, Belgaum, Khanapur and Dandeli, Kapoor said that Malgaonkar was mainly known as a fiction writer, but little is known about his contribution to the protection of environment and wildlife.
Malgaonkar fought against the establishment of a steel factory at Ramnagar along with environmentalists. He also strongly advocated the formation of Bheemgad Wildlife Sanctuary and protection of Mahadayi forest.
He strengthened the cooperative movement by establishing an agriculture produce society at Jagalpet, besides helping many poor children to continue their education.
Kapoor said Malgaonkar's brother Vibhakar Malgaonkar and his daughter Meena would lend a helping hand in continuing Malgaonkar's mission at Jagalpet.