Popular Kannada novelist and philosopher SL Bhyrappa died at the age of 94 on Wednesday after suffering cardiac arrest at a private hospital in Bengaluru.
Rashtrotthana Hospital issued a statement and said, "The legendary Indian novelist, philosopher, Padma Shri, Padmabhushana and Saraswathi Samman awardee Shri S L Bhyrappa suffered a cardiac arrest today at 2.38 pm and reached the lotus feet of the Almighty. Om Shanti!!!"
Known for his popular novels 'Vamshavriksha, Daatu, Parva, Mandara', among others, Bhyrappa has received several accolades.
He was a recipient of Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Saraswati Samman, Sahitya Akademi Awards, among others.
Bhyrappa's works, like 'Naayi-Neralu', 'Matadana', 'Vamshavriksha', 'Tabbaliyu Neenaade Magane', have been developed into movies. While 'Gruhabhanga' and 'Daatu' have been made into TV series.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the passing of Bhyrappa and said the nation has "lost a towering stalwart who stirred conscience and delved deep into the soul of India".
Describing the novelist as a "fearless and timeless thinker", PM Modi said that Bhyrappa "profoundly enriched Kannada literature with his thought-provoking works".
"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," he wrote in his X post.
{{/usCountry}}"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," he wrote in his X post.
{{/usCountry}}President Droupadi Murmu also expressed her condolences over Bhyrappa's passing.
"Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. S. L. Bhyrappa, a towering figure in Kannada literature and a Padma Bhushan awardee. He made remarkable contributions in the fields of literature, philosophy, culture, and intellectual inquiry," she said in a post on X.
She added, "He brought Kannada literature to national and global prominence through his works while staying true to its cultural roots. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, admirers and countless readers."
Who was SL Bhyrappa?
Santeshivara Lingannaiah Bhyrappa was born on August 20, 1931, in Santeshivara village in Karnataka's Hassan district.
Coming from a Hoysala Karnataka Brahmin family, Bhyrappa lost his mother and brothers to the Bubonic plague during his early childhood.
He completed school in Channarayapatna and Mysore, following which he did BA (Hons) in Philosophy at Mysore University. Bhyrappa went on to complete an MA in Philosophy.
Later, he earned a doctorate in philosophy at Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda.
According to his website, Bhyrappa has written 24 novels, four volumes of literary criticism, and books on aesthetics, social issues, and culture.
He has also served as a professor of philosophy for more than three decades at NCERT.
SL Bhyrappa's 1996 autobiography was titled "Bhitti" (canvas), which speaks about his childhood and the journey to becoming a writer.