75-year old Puninchithaya died at his residence in Ayithaduka, about 20 kms from here. He is survived by wife, a son and two daughters.
Puninchithaya had written over 30 books in Kannada and Tulu language.
He had translated 'Sri Bhagavatham' and 'Karnaparvam' from Tulu to Kannada language. He had also translated some Malayalam works including Vaikom Mohammed Bashir's 'ente Uppappakku oru ana undayirunnu' into Kannada.
Puninchithaya, who was the first president of Kasargod Tulu Academy, had won the National Teachers Award, Karnataka Sahitya Academy and Karnataka Tulu Academy award.