Centenarian Scholar and Veteran Upasaka Bukkambudhi Krishnamoorthy Passes Away at 101

By Kushinara M D

BANGALORE — October 2, 2026 — Centenarian scholar, author, devout upasaka, and lifelong practitioner of Buddhist values, Bukkambudhi Krishnamoorthy—affectionately known as B. V. Krishnamurthy, K. B. Murthy, or simply BVK—passed away today in a hospital in the United States at the age of 101.

Born on January 8, 1926, to Venkataramana Bhagavathar and Nanjamma, Krishnamoorthy lived a remarkably energetic and multifaceted life as a bureaucrat, actor, sportsman, globe-trotter, and prolific writer.

Three Decades of Dedicated Service at Mahabodhi

A central pillar of the Mahabodhi Society in Bengaluru, Krishnamoorthy served as its dedicated Account Manager and administrative backbone for 31 years, from 1965 to 1996. He was an ardent disciple and lay follower of Ven. Acharya Buddharakkhita Bhanteji, Kassapa Bhanteji, and the monastic community.

Beyond his administrative duties, his infectious optimism, jovial spirit, and youthful energy made him a guiding light for generations. He was also the uncle of eminent theatre artist, film writer, and director Dr. B. V. Rajaram, whom he introduced to the Mahabodhi Society—leading to Rajaram’s long tenure as its Organization Secretary and Manager.

From Coffee Board Bureaucrat to New York Professional

Krishnamoorthy married Chinnamma in 1944 and joined the Coffee Board in 1945, serving across Chikkamagaluru, Balehonnur, and Bengaluru until his retirement in 1984.

Following the passing of his wife in 1994, he relocated to the United States in 1997. Demonstrating an extraordinary work ethic, he taught himself how to use computers in his seventies and continued working at a Chartered Accountant firm in New York well past his 100th birthday, remaining actively employed and earning a salary until his final days.

Literary Legacy and the Bukkambudhi Dictionary

Though he never formally studied Kannada academically, Krishnamoorthy was a passionate lover of Kannada literature. Inspired by the humorist writer Beechi and his famous character Timma, his own literary works were celebrated for their warmth, simplicity, and keen wit.

His extensive global travels and sharp memory inspired a wide array of books, including travelogues and memoirs such as Nanna Videsha Pravaasa (My Foreign Travels), Naanu Nadedu Banda Haadi (The Path I Have Travelled), and Nanna Odanatada Vyaktigalu (People I Have Known).

His crowning literary achievement was the Bukkambudhi Regional Kannada-English Dictionary, a labor of love spanning nearly two decades of research. Created to preserve regional vocabulary, ancient customs, and traditional artifacts for future generations, the dictionary features English translations and detailed illustrations to bridge the gap for modern readers.

A Inspiring Heritage Across Cultures

Born into a Brahmin family, Krishnamoorthy inspired many within the Brahmin community across Karnataka and the United States to explore and adopt the Buddha’s teachings. Honorably celebrated with a Kanakabhisheka ceremony in 2019, his 100th birthday in January 2026 was grandly commemorated at the Maha Bodhi Society and across international circles.

The Mahabodhi community, his vast circle of family, friends, and readers worldwide express deep gratitude for a century of steadfast devotion, scholarship, and radiant joy.