Gopalkrishna P. Nayak

Gopalkrishna Pandurang Nayak, known as Gaonkar, (3 September 1928 – 5 February 2017) from Torke village was an exponent of drama writing in the Kannada language. In 2000, he was awarded Karnataka Sahitya Akademi for his work in drama writings. He was also awarded Yakshgana Sahitya Prashasti.

G. P. Nayak was born in Hiregutti village. He earned his high school diploma (1945) from Gibbs High School, Kumta and his B.Sc. degree (1950) from the Karnataka College, Dharwar. After working almost two decades, he retired as headmaster of Shri Sadguru Nityanand High-School, Sanikatta village.[1] Prior to this, Nayak was principal of the Primary School Teachers Training College Ankola.

Nayak lived in Hubli. He died there on 5 February 2017.