Kundapura, February 3, 2026: Raju Devadiga (66), former Vice-President of Udupi Zilla Panchayat and a prominent figure in the cooperative, social, religious, and political spheres of the district, passed away due to ill health on February 3.

A resident of Trasi, Raju Devadiga had a long and distinguished career as an elected representative. He served in Gram Panchayat, Taluk Panchayat, and Zilla Panchayat levels, and was elected as President of Kundapura Taluk Panchayat in 2007.

He held leadership roles in several cooperative societies, including as President of Panchaganga Raithara Seva Sahakari Sangha and Panchagangavali Sahakari Sangha in Gangolli. He also served as a director in various other cooperative institutions.

Raju Devadiga was the founder president of Bhaskar Pai Memorial School in Gujjadi and played a key role in its development. He served as Taluk President of Janajagruti Vedike under Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Grama Abhivruddhi Yojane in Byndoor taluk.

A staunch devotee, he was actively involved in the renovation and management committees of numerous temples and daivasthanas, guiding their development and rituals. Within the Devadiga community, he served as President of the Trasi zone and also as President of Devadiga Sammelana.