• Source:JND
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SL Bhyrappa Passes Away: Veteran Kannada novelist and philosopher S.L. Bhyrappa died in Bengaluru on Tuesday, September 24. The celebrated author was 94. He suffered a heart attack at Rashtroththana Hospital in Rajarajeshwari Nagar, where he had been receiving treatment. The hospital confirmed that he breathed his last at 2:38 PM.

Bhyrappa had been living in Bengaluru for the past three months due to age-related complications and a brain ailment. Before this, he resided in Mysuru. Known as one of the most influential voices in modern Kannada literature, he leaves behind a remarkable literary legacy.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the writer on X, Stating, “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. 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.”

SL Bhyrappa: Early Life And Career

Born on August 20, 1931 in Santeshwara village of Hassan district, Karnataka, Bhyrappa went on to become one of the highest-selling authors in Kannada for over two decades. His first novel, Bheemakaya, was published in 1958 and over the years, he wrote nearly 25 novels. Notable works include Parva, Varanasi and Grihabhanga, many of which were translated into Hindi and other Indian languages.

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SL Bhyrappa: Academic Contributions

Apart from being a writer, Bhyrappa also served as a professor of philosophy for more than 30 years, including his tenure at NCERT in Delhi. His scholarly background shaped the depth and themes of his writings, which often explored history, society and human struggles.

SL Bhyrappa: Awards And Recognition

During his lifetime, he received several prestigious awards. He was conferred the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2015, the Padma Shri in 2016, and in 2023, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Bhushan for his contribution to literature and education. Readers and admirers had often demanded that he be given the Jnanpith Award, though he was awarded the Saraswati Samman as an alternative recognition.