Vasanth Kumar from Bangalore drowned in the Cauvery near Bharachukki and Gaganachukki falls in Kollegal taluk on Monday after he stepped into the river to take a bath. He was part of a group of tourists from Bangalore.
The body has been recovered.
Mr. Kumar was associated with a cultural team called AIM (Artists’ Introspective Movement) which provided a platform to many artistes to perform. Though Mr. Kumar recently joined the Israeli Consulate in Bangalore as security officer, his primary work has been as co-ordinator for the AIM team over the past six years.
Director of AIM Veena Murthy said that Mr. Kumar had gone along with his colleagues from the consulate to Shivanasamudra. She recalled him as an extremely helpful person. “He was a team worker and would brighten up the whole atmosphere. He also had wonderful managerial abilities,” she said.
Mrs. Murthy said that Mr. Kumar lived with his mother in Rajajinagar and was an only son. “We are trying to ensure [his mother] receives some care as she is in a very fragile state,” she added.
Head of Operations of AIM, Ganamurthy described Mr. Kumar as “one of the most hospitable persons” he knew. “He was mainly involved with co-ordination work and all artistes who worked with him have experienced his wonderful hospitality,” he said.
