Veteran Novelist & Padma Bhushan Awardee SL Bhyrappa Dies At 94
Renowned Kannada writer and thinker S.L. Bhyrappa, one of India’s most celebrated literary figures, died today at the age of 94. He breathed his last at Rashtroththana Hospital, Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Bengaluru, after a prolonged illness.
Born on August 20, 1931, in Santeshivara, Channarayapatna of Hassan district, Bhyrappa rose from a childhood of poverty and hardship to become a towering presence in Indian literature. His early struggles, including growing up in an environment scarred by plague and poverty, shaped his philosophical outlook and literary voice.
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Bhyrappa’s debut novel, Dharmashree (1961), marked the beginning of a prolific writing career that spanned over four decades. He went on to author 21 novels, many of which left an indelible imprint on Kannada literature and beyond.
Some of his most acclaimed works include Parva, Uttarakanda, Vamshavruksha, and Varanasi. His writings explored themes of history, philosophy, morality, and human dilemmas, often stirring debate and reflection in literary circles.
Several of his works were adapted for cinema, most notably Vamshavruksha and Tabbaliyu Neenaade Magane. His novel Parva, a reinterpretation of the Mahabharata, remains one of the most influential and widely discussed contributions to Indian literature.
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Bhyrappa’s contributions were recognised with some of the nation’s highest honours, including the Padma Bhushan and the Saraswati Samman. His novel Datu earned both the State and Central Sahitya Akademi Awards, while Vamshavruksha won the State Sahitya Akademi Award in 1966. His works have been translated into multiple Indian languages, ensuring his voice reached readers across the country.
Tributes poured in from across the literary and political world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the death of veteran Kannada writer S.L. Bhyrappa, calling him a “towering stalwart” of Indian literature.
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 in his message on X.
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… pic.twitter.com/ZhXwLcCGP3
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 24, 2025
Beyond his writing, Bhyrappa was an accomplished academic. A gold medallist in his M.A., he pursued his PhD at Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda, for his thesis, Truth and Beauty. He taught at several institutions, including Hubballi, Sardar Patel University in Gujarat, and Delhi, leaving behind not just novels but also a legacy as a teacher and mentor.
