Mysuru Mourns the Passing of Renowned Kannada Writer S.L. Bhyrappa

Mysuru, Karnataka – Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee S.L. Bhyrappa, the celebrated Kannada novelist and philosopher, passed away today. His final rites were conducted with full state honours in accordance with Hoysala Karnataka Brahmin traditions at the serene Chirasanthi Dham, nestled at the foothills of Mysuru.

Bhyrappa’s two sons, Ravishankar and Uday Shankar, oversaw the cremation ceremonies, while his daughter Sahana Vijaykumar, along with prominent dignitaries including Ministers Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, Venkatesh, and Prahlad Joshi, were in attendance. Yesterday, Bhyrappa’s mortal remains were brought to Mysuru, with arrangements made for public homage near Kindari Jogi, adjacent to Kalamandira, before being transferred to JSS Hospital. The cremation took place at 8:30 AM today at Rudrabhumi, located at the base of Chamundi Hills.

A Life of Literary and Philosophical Achievement

Born on August 20, 1931, in Santeshwara village, Hassan district, Bhyrappa’s full name was Santeshwara Linganna Bhyrappa. Hailing from a Hoysala Karnataka Brahmin family, he emerged as one of India’s most influential novelists and philosophers. He completed his M.A. in Philosophy in 1958 and earned a Ph.D. in the field in 1963.

Bhyrappa’s novels are widely celebrated across Karnataka and have earned him national recognition. He received numerous awards, including the Saraswati Samman, Sahitya Akademi Fellowship, Padma Shri (2016), and Padma Bhushan (2023). Though calls from readers and admirers sought to honour him with the Jnanpith Award, he was instead conferred the Saraswati Samman. His works reflect a deep engagement with philosophy, history, education, culture, and human empathy.

Major Works
Bhyrappa’s notable works include Bheemakaya (1952), Lekhthu Mudith (1959), Dharmashree (1961), Dharamsarde (1967), Voting (1965), Vamshavruksha (1965), Vellachattam (1967), Naya Nizhal (1968), Tabbaliyu Neenade Magane (1968), Nirakaran (1971), Grahan (1972), Daathu (1973), Anveshan (1976), Parva (1979), Nele (1983), Sakshi (1986), Angu (1990), and Tantu (2017), among others.

Early Life and Struggles
Bhyrappa’s childhood was marked by hardship. His family endured the devastating effects of the plague, which claimed the lives of his elder siblings and mother within a few years. He survived the illness, but these early experiences of loss and adversity shaped his philosophical and literary outlook. During his school years, he faced significant difficulties while living with his maternal uncle, who served as a priest in a local temple. Bhyrappa recounts these formative struggles in his autobiography Bhiti.

Honours and Recognition
Over his lifetime, Bhyrappa received numerous accolades at both state and national levels:

• Honorary Doctorates from Karnataka Central University (2020), Mysuru University (2015), and Gulbarga University (2007)

• Nrupatunga Award (2017), Srikrishna Devaraya Award (2017), Bettageri Krishna Award (2014), Vagvilasini Award (2012), Nadoja Award (2011), NTR National Literary Award (2007), Pamp Award (2005), and Kannada Sahitya Parishat Award (1966)

Bhyrappa’s literary oeuvre, spanning philosophical treatises and novels, has significantly contributed to Kannada literature, sparking public discourse and establishing him as one of India’s most respected intellectuals.