SL Bhyrappa, Padma Bhushan Kannada novelist, dies at 94 after cardiac arrest; PM Modi condoles ‘timeless thinker’

Padma Bhushan Kannada novelist and philosopher SL Bhyrappa died due to a cardiac arrest at Rashtrotthana Hospital in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on Wednesday, September 24. He was 94 years old.

The Rashtrotthana Hospital said in a statement that the Padma Shri novelist died at 2:38 pm after suffering a cardiac arrest. It said, “The legendary Indian novelist, philosopher, Padma Shri, Padmabhushana and Saraswathi Samman awardee Shri S L Bhyrappa suffered a cardiac arrest today at 2.38 pm and reached the lotus feet of the Almighty. Om Shanti !!!.”

SL Bhyrappa was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2015. He was also honoured with the Padma Shri in 2016 and the Padma Bhushan in 2023 for his contributions in the fields of literature & education. He also got the Saraswati Samman in 2011.

Bhyrappa was also known for ‘Vamshavriksha’, ‘Daatu’, ‘Parva’, ‘Mandara’, among others and most of his work has been translated to English and other languages.

His works like 'Naayi-Neralu', 'Matadana', 'Vamshavriksha', 'Tabbaliyu Neenaade Magane', have been made into movies and 'Gruhabhanga' and 'Daatu' into TV series.

PM Modi condoles passing of ‘timeless thinker’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the passing of SL Bhyrappa and called him a fearless, timeless thinker who stirred the conscience.

“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."

Former Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy said the news of passing of Bhyrappa came as a shock. He said, “The news of the demise of the eminent novelist and Padma Bhushan awardee, Shri S.L. 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.”

“I have read Shri Bhyrappa’s novels closely and have been deeply captivated by his narrative style and his genius in character creation. He was a true Indian novelist, born in Karnataka and writing in Kannada itself. I also take pride in the fact that this “immortal talent” was born in Hassan district. His passing has caused me immense personal sorrow. I pray for eternal peace to his soul and for God to grant strength to his family members and admirers to bear this grief.”

(With agency inputs)