Kannada Literary Icon SL Bhyrappa, Padma Bhushan Awardee and Legendary Novelist, Passes Away at 94 in Bengaluru
Kannada novelist and philosopher Padma Bhushan SL Bhyrappa passed away in Rashtrotthana Hospital in Bengaluru, Karnataka, after suffering a heart attack.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) September 24: The legendary Kannada writer Santeshivara Lingannaiah Bhyrappa died Wednesday after suffering a heart arrest at Rashtrotthana Hospital in Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Bengaluru. He was ninety-four years old.
The Padma Bhushan recipient has left a lasting legacy by redefining Kannada fiction through his historical, intellectual, and socially relevant works.
Hospital’s Official Statement
According to a statement from Rashtrotthana Hospital, the Padma Shri author passed away at 2:38 pm after suffering a heart attack.
The hospital 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 !!!” in a statement.
Condolences From Leaders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences for Bhyrappa's demise. He calls him a great stalwart who pierced India's soul and raised the nation's conscience.
The Prime Minister said, “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” in a post on social media platform X.
According to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Bhyrappa was "an intellectual giant whose works brought Kannada literature to the world stage.”
Former Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy 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.”
Awards and Recognition
Bhyrappa made his literary debut with Bheemakaya in 1958. He wrote 25 novels over the course of 60 years. The novels include Vamshavriksha, Parva, Daatu, Mandra, and Aavarana. He received honors like the Saraswati Samman, the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship, the Padma Bhushan, the Pampa Award, and the Padma Shri.
His writings analyzed societal changes, dharma, historical memory, and human desire. They generated controversy and sold millions of copies throughout India.
