Prof. N. J. Kadamba remembered by former students and legal fraternity
- Minister U. T. Khader and MLA D. Vedavyas Kamath join condolence meeting
Mangaluru: Prof. N. J. Kadamba, founder principal of SDM Law College, was remembered with affection and respect by his former students, colleagues and members of the legal fraternity at a condolence meeting held at Lord Mahaveer Jain Boarding, Kodialbail, on Sunday, November 1. The gathering was attended by Minister for Health and Family Welfare U. T. Khader and Mangaluru-South MLA D. Vedavyas Kamath, among others. The meeting was organised by former student-residents of the boarding hostel to pay tribute to the educationist and advocate who passed away on October 19 at the age of 91. 
Prof. Kadamba served as the founder principal of SDM Law College for 21 years, from its establishment in 1974 until his retirement in 1995. He played a pivotal role in building the institution and mentoring generations of students, many of whom went on to become eminent judges, legal luminaries and practising advocates. His professional career spanned 64 years and included legal practice in his native Belthangady both before and after his tenure at the college.
Recalling his own student days at SDM Law College, Minister U. T. Khader said some personalities leave an indelible impression through the sheer force of their character, and Prof. Kadamba was one such person. “He combined academic discipline with personal affection. He also showed us how to lead a happy life,” he said.
MLA D. Vedavyas Kamath joined Prof. Kadamba’s daughter Vandana and other family members in the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and offering floral tributes. Recalling the late professor’s contribution, Kamath said he was an educationist and social worker who earned the affection of his students. Besides establishing SDM Law College, he had contributed significantly to the legal profession by mentoring innumerable students.
B. Jinendra Kumar, Advocate and Former Vice President of Mangalore Bar Association (MBA), read out condolence messages from eminent members of the judiciary and legal profession, including High Court of Karnataka judges Justices T. N. Inavally and Usha Rani; K. M. Nataraj, Senior Advocate and Additional Solicitor General of India at the Supreme Court; Jayanth, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Mysore; Dinesh Kumar, District Judge and Director, Arbitration and Mediation Centre of the High Court of Karnataka; and Yashodhara Adhikari, Senior Advocate, Bangalore.
Several senior members of the legal fraternity and former faculty members of SDM Law College also shared their personal recollections. They included B. Ibrahim, Senior Advocate, Former Rajya Sabha Member and former President of MBA; B. Ravindranath Rai, Senior Advocate and former Vice Chairman, Karnataka State Bar Council; Elizabeth Neeliyara, Senior Advocate; Prithviraj Rai, Senior Advocate, former President of MBA and former Faculty Member of SDM Law College; Dr. Balika Prashant, Vice Principal, SDM Law College; and Udayananda A., senior advocate and former faculty member.
K. Vilas Kumar, Treasurer of the Managing Committee of Lord Mahaveer Jain Boarding, delivered the introductory address, while Senior Advocate P. Ashok Ariga presented a biographical account of Prof. Kadamba. His grandson Shabdik Verma expressed gratitude on behalf of the family and shared personal reflections on their patriarch. Rajesh M., Senior Shirastedar at the District Court, anchored the programme. The meeting concluded with floral tributes by those present.
