Senior Kannada litterateur and Padma Bhushan awardee SL Bhyrappa passed away at a hospital in Bengaluru at the age of 94. The celebrated author had been admitted to Rashtrotthana Hospital in RR Nagar for age-related ailments.
Confirming the news, Dr. Shyla H.N., Medical Administrator of Rashtrotthana Hospital and Research Centre, said, “The legendary Indian novelist, philosopher, Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Saraswati Samman awardee SL Bhyrappa suffered cardiac arrest today and attained the lotus feet of the Almighty.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over his demise, saying the nation had lost a towering stalwart.
“In the passing of Shri S. L. Bhyrappa Ji, we have lost 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. His writings inspired generations to reflect, question, and engage more deeply with society,” the Prime Minister said.
“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 added.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy expressed shock at the author’s passing.
“The news of the demise of distinguished novelist and Padma Bhushan awardee SL Bhyrappa, who through his novels Parva and Uttarakanda changed the very way the Mahabharata and Ramayana are seen and read, has come as a deep shock,” Kumaraswamy said.
“I have closely read Shri Bhyrappa’s novels and have been captivated by his narrative style and his ability to create unforgettable characters. He was an authentic Indian novelist, born on Kannada soil and writing in Kannada. It is my pride that this ‘immortal genius’ was born in Hassan district. His passing has caused me profound personal grief. I pray for his soul to attain eternal peace and for God to give strength to his family and admirers to bear this loss,” he added.
BJP State President and MLA BY Vijayendra also paid tribute to the legendary writer.
“The news of the passing of SL Bhyrappa, a great soul who dedicated himself to national causes while bringing global recognition to Kannada literature, has come as a shock. Through his literary works, he attracted countless readers and admirers. His novels, translated into several languages, reached literature enthusiasts worldwide,” he said.
“Bhyrappa was the pride of Karnataka, spreading the beauty and culture of this land to the world and becoming a symbol of honour for Kannadigas. Through his research-based novels, he highlighted social change and upheld the richness and continuity of Indian culture. In the literary world, Bhyrappa stood as a unique personality, a talent who could be matched only by himself. His passing has left the Kannada literary world poorer. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Om Shanti,” Vijayendra added.
SL Bhyrappa, one of India’s most respected literary voices, leaves behind an enduring legacy that continues to shape Kannada literature and Indian thought.
(With inputs from IANS)