PUNE, Oct 31: Eminent painter and writer, Dr Dhundiraj Bhaskar Omkar, better known as Bhaiyasaheb Omkar, passed away early this morning following a heart attack. He was 69.Dr Omkar, who was the former dean of the fine arts faculty of the SNDT university, was the first painter in the country to secure a doctorate. He was the member of the State Arts Council. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren.
Dr Omkar authored 22 books on paintings, including his autobiography titled Sketch Bookatil Paane. His first book was Chitrarup Ramayan for which he incurred an expenditure of Rs 6,000 in 1959. Unfortunately most copies of the books were destroyed in the Panshet flood. He had been honoured with the Kalaratna and Sushila-Sneh award. A large number of people, including environmentalist Mohan Dharia and painter Ravi Paranjape, attended the funeral.
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