Bengaluru: The untimely passing away of Mrs Jamuna Chennu Mathad, a household name among the Kannada-speaking persons of the national capital and pro-Kannada organisations of the National Capital Region(NCR), has given rise to a void in the real sense, shocking several close friends, well-wishers, and admirers.
Association for more than four decades: Mrs Jamuna Chennu Mathad was associated with the Delhi Karnataka Sangha for more than four decades. She became associated with the Delhi Karnataka Sangha in New Delhi since moving to the national capital with her husband, Chennu Mathad, who retired as a Joint Director from the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. Chennu Mathad is also an equally well-known personality in the national capital's Kannada circles.
To Dehali Kannada Sangha with the kids: The association of Mrs Jamuna Chennu Mathad with the Dehali Karnataka Sangha is quite interesting, as she came in contact with the latter soon after migrating to the national capital as a housewife. Usually, many people tend to maintain a safe distance from the organisations associated with them by citing reasons like heavy load of domestic responsibilities, bringing up the kids and whatnot. However, never so in the case of Mrs Jamuna Chennu Mathad. On the other hand, she enthusiastically continued coming to the Dehali Kannada Sangha with her small kids, Nandini and Vinay. Initially, she was known as the mother of Nandini and Vinay to the Kannada Association members and well-wishers.
Kannada Sangha, part of the family: Mrs Jamuna Chennu Mathad was so actively associated with the Kannada Association that the Dehali Kannada Sangha had literally become part of her extended family! Like a true mother, she did selfless service to the organisation to give a boost to its activities.
Jamunakka becomes an integral part: Jamunakka, as she was popularly and fondly known among close circles, went ahead of the conventional limitations to such an extent that she became an integral part of the Delhi Karnataka Association. To start with, she was an active participant in almost all meetings, functions, competitions and sports activities. Later, she became a Member of several sub-committees, the Executive Committee, Joint Secretary and Vice President.
A soft-spoken activist: Mrs Jamuna Chennu Mathad, by nature, was a soft-spoken person. She never raised her voice to make her opinion heard and spoke briefly. If warranted, she didn't mince words in the overall interests of the organisation. Her words to formulate a public opinion about the Sangha were frank, pragmatic and articulate in nature.
Contests not for the first three prizes: Generally, competitions meant the first, second and third prizes elsewhere, but not in the case of the New Delhi's Karnataka Sangha. Thanks to Jamunakka, who emphasised the participation of more children rather than giving the three prizes, Kannada Sangha became a platform for the Kannada kids in the national capital to come out of the stage fear, speak confidently on the public platforms and excel in the cultural activities.
Ever active in all programs: Mrs Jamuna Chennu Mathad was an active member of the Dehali Karnataka Sangha throughout her life by participating in all the meetings, workshops and programs alike. She took part in all the programs undertaken by the organisation, including the Kannada teaching ones. As part of the cultural exchange program, the whole of the Chennu Mathad family acted in the 'Devaru Eddu Bandaga' drama enacted at the Mysuru Association in Mumbai.
Never lament as if you have lost: Mrs Jamuna Chennu Mathad didn't give lame excuses like knee pain for not coming to the Sangha. She used to become active like never before during the elections, much akin to any youngster, and at times, making them wonder whether they are really youthful enough before her! She never felt deprived of any deserving opportunity, nor did she bother about not having turned victorious in any event or cultural activity. She took everything in the utmost right spirit and believed she would never be let down in life, irrespective of the adverse situations and haunting challenges.
Nothing like the Karnataka Sangha! Mrs Jamuna Chennu Mathad had her own houses in Hubballi, Davanagere and Bengaluru but not in New Delhi. When questioned, she would just rubbish the query by claiming to have the Karnataka Sangha with her. Such was her strong bonding with the Dehali Karnataka Sangha!
The president admits her to the hospital: While Chennu Mathad, her husband, had been to Bengaluru on some work, Jamunakka suddenly became indisposed, and it was CM Nagaraj, President of the Dehali Karnataka Sangha, who got her admitted to the hospital. Sadly, her health condition deteriorated, and much before Chennu Mathad and son Vinay Mathad rushed from Japan, she had passed away.
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