Background
He was born on February 22, 1874 to Ramappayya and Seethamma, Konkani Brahmins, and had five siblings.
He was born on February 22, 1874 to Ramappayya and Seethamma, Konkani Brahmins, and had five siblings.
His proficiency in Kannada brought him a Kannada translator"s job, on a monthly salary of twenty rupees, even before he completed graduation.
Mangesh Rao"s ancestors hailed from Panje, now in Dakshina Kannada. After finishing primary schooling, in Bantwal, he had to go to Mangalore to study in high school. They took active interest in his literary pursuits and his love of music
Later he completed his Bachelor of Arts degree and got a Teacher"s diploma as well.
He was also appointed Inspector of schools. In 1934, he was elected President of All India Kannada Conference held at Raichur, then under the Nizam of Hyderabad"s rule.
At the age of sixty-three, he died of pneumonia in 1937. Distinguished littérateurs such as Masti Venkatesh Iyengar, Shivaram Karanth and Kuvempu had paid rich tribute in moving terms.