Prof. N. J. Kadamba remembered by former students, legal fraternity; Khader, Kamath pay tributes

Prof. N. J. Kadamba remembered by former students, legal fraternity; Khader, Kamath pay tributes

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, November 2, 2026: Former students, colleagues and members of the legal fraternity paid rich tributes to Prof. N. J. Kadamba, founder principal of SDM Law College, at a condolence meeting held at Lord Mahaveer Jain Boarding, Kodialbail, on Sunday, November 1.

Minister for Health and Family Welfare U. T. Khader and Mangaluru South MLA D. Vedavyas Kamath were among those who attended the meeting, organised by former student-residents of the boarding hostel to honour 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 significant role in building the institution and mentoring generations of students, many of whom went on to become judges, eminent legal professionals and practising advocates.

His professional career spanned 64 years, including legal practice in his native Belthangady before and after his tenure at the college.

Recalling his student days at SDM Law College, Minister U. T. Khader said certain personalities leave an everlasting impression through their character, and Prof. Kadamba was one such individual. He said the professor combined academic discipline with personal affection and taught his students how to lead a happy life.

MLA D. Vedavyas Kamath, along with Prof. Kadamba’s daughter Vandana and other family members, lit the ceremonial lamp and offered floral tributes.

Recalling his contributions, Kamath described Prof. Kadamba as an educationist and social worker who earned the affection and respect of his students. Besides establishing SDM Law College, he made significant contributions to the legal profession by mentoring numerous students.

B. Jinendra Kumar, advocate and former vice-president of the Mangalore Bar Association (MBA), read out condolence messages from prominent members of the judiciary and legal fraternity. The messages included those from Karnataka High Court judges Justices T. N. Inavally and Usha Rani; K. M. Nataraj, Senior Advocate and Additional Solicitor General of India; Jayanth, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Mysuru; Dinesh Kumar, District Judge and Director of the Arbitration and Mediation Centre of the Karnataka High Court; and senior advocate Yashodhara Adhikari of Bengaluru.

Several senior advocates and former faculty members of SDM Law College shared their memories of the late professor. They included B. Ibrahim, senior advocate, former Rajya Sabha member and former MBA president; B. Ravindranath Rai, senior advocate and former vice-chairman of the Karnataka State Bar Council; Elizabeth Neeliyara, senior advocate; Prithviraj Rai, senior advocate, former MBA president and former SDM Law College faculty member; Dr. Balika Prashant, vice-principal of SDM Law College; and senior advocate Udayananda A., a 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 recollections of his grandfather. Rajesh M., Senior Shirastedar at the District Court, compered the programme.

The meeting concluded with floral tributes by those present.