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'Towering stalwart': Kannada literature legend SL Bhyrappa passes away; political leaders pay tribute

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The Times Of Indiapublisher-detail-arrow
24th September, 2025 21:51 IST
Celebrated Kannada novelist and Padma Bhushan recipient SL Bhyrappa passed away in Bengaluru on Tuesday, at the age of 94.

He was widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in modern Indian literature, had been undergoing treatment at Rashtrotthana Hospital in RR Nagar for age-related ailments. Doctors confirmed he suffered a cardiac arrest. He is survived by wife and two sons.

After his demise, tributes poured in from leaders across the political spectrum, who described it as an irreparable loss to the world of literature.

PM Modi described the novelist as a “towering stalwart,” offering condolences on social media platform X.

"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," he wrote in a post on social media platform X.

"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," the Prime Minister added.


Union Home Minister Amit Shah said he was “deeply saddened by the passing of renowned Kannada novelist SL Bhyrappa Ji.”

He further added that over six decades, Bhyrappa enriched literature with his deep understanding of Indian philosophical traditions and his reflections on social issues.

“My thoughts are with his family members and followers at this difficult time,” he wrote.


Union minister for heavy industries and steel HD Kumaraswamy called Bhyrappa’s death a personal loss.

"The news of the demise of the eminent novelist and Padma Bhushan awardee, Shri SL Bhyrappa, who transformed the very way of perceiving and reading the Mahabharata and the Ramayana through his novels Parva and Uttarakanda, has come as a profound shock," he said.


Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah noted Bhyrappa’s wide reach as a writer. "The news of the passing of SL Bhyrappa, a senior writer in the Kannada literary world, has brought pain. I pray that Bhyrappa's soul finds peace. Due to his intimate writing style, Bhyrappa had a vast readership, and his demise has impoverished the literary world."


Union minister for food, public distribution and consumer affairs Pralhad Joshi highlighted the novelist’s deep research and nationalist outlook. "I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Padma Bhushan Dr S L Bhyrappa, the senior literary giant, novelist, researcher, and writer of our state," he said.

“His dedication to strengthening ideas of nationality will remain eternal forever. The contributions he made to the world of Indian literature are immense. As a great soul who conducted deep studies on Indianness and as a timeless thinker, he has given immense contributions to the nation,” the minister further added.


Deputy chief minister and Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar said, "The passing away today of Dr SL Bhyrappa, the greatest novelist in Kannada, recipient of the Padma Bhushan, and the one who brought the first Saraswati Samman award to the Kannada literary world, has caused immense sorrow."


Born in Hassan district in 1931, Bhyrappa rose to become one of Kannada’s most celebrated novelists.

Over a career spanning more than six decades, he wrote over 25 novels, many of which were translated into Indian and foreign languages. Works such as Vamshavriksha, Parva, Tantu, Saartha and Uttarakaanda became landmarks in Indian literature, with Parva alone seeing 17 editions.

His writing, known for its authenticity, vivid characters and critical depth, explored themes of morality, religion, philosophy and social change. His celebrated novel Vamshavriksha was also adapted into a National Award-winning film.

Bhyrappa received the Saraswati Samman, the Padma Bhushan and several other honours during his lifetime. He earned admiration not only for his literary achievements but also for his fearless approach to sensitive subjects, blending philosophy, history and fiction in a style that was uniquely his own.

The Karnataka government has announced to perform his last rites with full state honours.

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