A somber mood has settled across Karnataka following the demise of the revered Kannada novelist, S.L. Bhyrappa. Prominent political leaders, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, have conveyed their deepest sympathies, acknowledging the profound loss to the state’s vibrant literary landscape.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in his heartfelt message, remarked that the Kannada literary sphere is undeniably poorer without Bhyrappa’s presence. He highlighted the novelist’s distinctive writing style, which garnered him a vast and devoted readership throughout his career.
Echoing similar sentiments, former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda stated that Bhyrappa had captured the hearts of millions through the exceptional novels he contributed to Kannada literature.
A Master of Epic Reinterpretation
Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries, H.D. Kumaraswamy, pointed out Bhyrappa’s groundbreaking approach to classic Indian epics. He noted how novels like Parva and Uttarakanda offered fresh, reinterpreted perspectives on the Mahabharata and Ramayana, forever altering how readers engaged with these ancient narratives.
“I have had the privilege of reading his novels and am consistently astonished by his unique narrative voice and masterful character development,” Kumaraswamy shared. “His passing is a personal blow, and I take immense pride in the fact that he hailed from Hassan district, my own native place.”
Sparking Intellectual Discourse
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar recognized S.L. Bhyrappa as a vital bridge connecting Kannada literature with the broader national literary world. He observed that Bhyrappa’s writings and viewpoints consistently ignited stimulating discussions and debates within intellectual circles.
Shivakumar, who represents the Kanakapura Assembly constituency, fondly recalled Bhyrappa’s leadership as the president of the Kannada Sahitya Sammelana held in Kanakapura back in 1999.
R. Ashok, the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, lamented the loss of a ‘precious gem’ from the Kannada literary world, emphasizing how Bhyrappa enriched the state’s cultural heritage through his extensive body of work. BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra also extended his condolences.
Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai shared a personal reflection, highlighting Bhyrappa’s deep affection and concern for his ancestral village, Santheshivara in Hassan district. “Despite his advanced age, Bhyrappa passionately advocated for a project to replenish the village’s tanks. As Chief Minister at the time, I had the honor of bringing his vision for his village to fruition,” Bommai recounted, underscoring the author’s enduring connection to his roots.