Kannada Literary Icon SL Bhyrappa Passes Away At 94; PM Modi Says We Lost A Towering Stalwart

Senior Kannada litterateur and Padma Bhushan awardee SL Bhyrappa passed away at the age of 94 at a hospital in Bengaluru. Admitted to Rashtrotthana Hospital in RR Nagar for age-related ailments, the celebrated author suffered a cardiac arrest.

The hospital’s Medical Administrator, Shyla HN, confirmed the news, calling him a ‘legendary Indian novelist and philosopher’ who ‘reached the lotus feet of the almighty’.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over Bhyrappa’s demise.

Taking to the X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the legendary. He described him as ‘a towering stalwart who stirred our conscience and delved deep into the soul of India’ and praised his ‘fearless and timeless’ thinking that enriched Kannada literature.

PM Modi said Bhyrappa’s passion for history and culture ‘will continue to inspire minds for years to come’ and extended condolences to his family and admirers.

Impact on Kannada Literature

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy said Bhyrappa’s novels, such as Parva and Uttarakanda, ‘changed the very way the Mahabharata and Ramayana are seen and read’.

He called the writer an ‘authentic Indian novelist’ and took pride in Bhyrappa’s origins in Hassan district.

BJP State President and MLA BY Vijayendra also paid tribute, calling Bhyrappa ‘a great soul’ who brought global recognition to Kannada literature and dedicated himself to national interests.

He emphasised how Bhyrappa’s works, translated into several languages, attracted countless readers and highlighted social change while upholding India’s cultural richness.

Bhyrappa stood as one of Kannada literature’s most creative and influential novelists, known for his research-based narratives and exploration of national thought.

His writings inspired generations, earning him numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Saraswati Samman.

Leaders and admirers alike hailed him as the pride of Karnataka, whose contribution to literature transcended linguistic and geographical boundaries.

Also Read: PM Modi To Open Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show In Greater Noida