Renowned Kannada novelist S L Bhyrappa passes away at 94, PM Modi pays tributes

Veteran Kannada novelist and philosopher S L Bhyrappa passed away on Wednesday, September 24, at the age of 94, due to a cardiac arrest at a private hospital in Bengaluru. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Bhyrappa, describing him as a “towering stalwart who stirred our conscience and delved deep into the soul of India.”

“A fearless and timeless thinker, he profoundly enriched Kannada literature with his thought-provoking works,” Modi said in a heartfelt message on X.

Advertisement

“His writings inspired generations to reflect, question and engage more deeply with society. His unwavering passion for our history and culture will continue to inspire minds for years to come. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti,” PM Modi said.

Bhyrappa was a celebrated author known for his novels that explored complex themes of history, philosophy, and culture. Born on August 20, 1931, in Santeshivara village, Hassan district, Karnataka, he went on to become one of the highest-selling authors in Kannada literature, with over 25 novels to his credit. Some of his most notable works include “Vamshavriksha,” “Daatu,” “Parva,” and “Aavarana”.

Throughout his illustrious career, Bhyrappa received numerous accolades, including the Padma Bhushan in 2023, Padma Shri in 2016, Saraswati Samman in 2010, and the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1975. His contributions to literature have been widely recognized, and his passing has been mourned by literary figures and politicians alike.