Renowned novelist S.L. Bhyrappa, whose passing was announced on Wednesday, maintained an exceptionally deep connection with his ancestral village, Santheshivara, located in Karnataka’s Hassan district. Over recent years, Bhyrappa emerged as a pivotal figure in the village’s development. His early experiences growing up in Santheshivara, approximately 26 kilometers from the Channarayapatna taluk center, significantly shaped his portrayal of rural life in many of his celebrated novels.
A Childhood of Contrasts and Lasting Influence
Born to Lingannayya and Gowramma in Santheshivara, Bhyrappa’s formative years were spent amidst the village’s unique charm, leaving him with a tapestry of both joyful and sorrowful recollections. A devastating bubonic plague tragically claimed his elder sister and brother within hours, followed by the loss of his mother to the same disease. These poignant memories, which he frequently recounted in interviews and detailed in his autobiography, Bhitti, underscored the profound impact of his early life. He pursued his education in nearby Bagur, Nuggehalli, and Channarayapatna before relocating to Mysuru for advanced studies.
Following his education, Bhyrappa worked in Gujarat and Delhi before ultimately settling in Mysuru, where he resided for the remainder of his life. Despite his widespread recognition, he made regular visits to Santheshivara, fostering a continued connection with its inhabitants. He established the Gowramma Memorial Trust, honoring his mother, and transformed his ancestral home into a public library. This library also features a dedicated hall, perfect for hosting literary gatherings, which notably drew many of his admirers to the village for a literary event in 2019.
Championing Rural Prosperity: Addressing Farmers’ Challenges
During his visits, Bhyrappa keenly observed the severe challenges local farmers faced due to rapidly depleting groundwater levels. He recognized a crucial solution: connecting the village’s main tank to the Hemavati canal, which he believed would ensure a reliable water supply and significantly replenish the groundwater. Driven by this vision, he passionately advocated for government funding to realize this vital project.
Responding to his appeals, then Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa allocated ₹5 crore in the 2020 Budget for the village’s development. Although only ₹1 crore was ultimately disbursed, these funds were used to lay the foundation stone for an art center dedicated to Bhyrappa. Unfortunately, construction of this center remains unfinished.
Undeterred, Bhyrappa persistently championed the cause of improved water infrastructure for the village. His continued dedication bore fruit earlier this year when the tanks in Santheshivara and the nearby village of Agrahara Belaguli were successfully linked to the Hemavati canal at Karehalli via an 11-kilometer pipeline. This extensive project, crucial for the region’s agricultural sustainability, involved a substantial government investment of approximately ₹20 crore.
A Community’s Heartfelt Tribute
In a touching ceremony held on March 9 earlier this year, the villagers warmly invited Bhyrappa, his wife Saraswathi, former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, and other dignitaries. They extended heartfelt felicitations for their collective efforts in bringing the long-awaited water project to fruition. The celebration included a vibrant procession featuring tableaux that beautifully depicted scenes from Bhyrappa’s 27 novels. On this memorable day, the grateful residents bestowed upon him the honorary title of ‘Bhagirathi Swaroopi,’ recognizing him as a true harbinger of prosperity, much like the mythological figure Bhagiratha who brought the Ganges to Earth.