BREAKING: Kannada literary giant S.L. Bhyrappa passes away at 94, tributes pour in

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CM Siddaramaiah, and literary admirers mourn the loss of S.L. Bhyrappa, a towering figure in Kannada literature and philosophy.

India today mourns the loss of one of its greatest literary minds. Renowned Kannada novelist, philosopher, and thinker S.L. Bhyrappa passed away at the age of 94 in a private hospital in Bengaluru after battling age-related ailments.

Tributes have poured in from across the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Bhyrappa “a towering stalwart who stirred our conscience and delved deep into the soul of India.” He said Bhyrappa’s fearless and timeless works enriched Kannada literature and inspired generations to reflect and question society.

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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

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah also expressed grief, saying Bhyrappa’s passing has left a void in the literary world and offered condolences to his family and admirers.

ಕನ್ನಡ ಸಾರಸ್ವತ ಲೋಕದ ಹಿರಿಯ ಬರಹಗಾರರಾದ ಎಸ್.ಎಲ್.ಭೈರಪ್ಪನವರ ನಿಧನವಾರ್ತೆ ನೋವು ತಂದಿದೆ.
ಭೈರಪ್ಪನವರ ಆತ್ಮಕ್ಕೆ ಶಾಂತಿ ಸಿಗಲಿ ಎಂದು ಪ್ರಾರ್ಥಿಸುತ್ತೇನೆ.

ತಮ್ಮ‌ ಆಪ್ತವೆನಿಸುವ ಬರಹ ಶೈಲಿಯಿಂದಾಗಿ ಅಪಾರ ಓದುಗರನ್ನು ಹೊಂದಿದ್ದ ಭೈರಪ್ಪನವರ ನಿಧನದಿಂದ ಸಾಹಿತ್ಯಲೋಕ ಬಡವಾಗಿದೆ.
ಅವರ ಕುಟುಂಬವರ್ಗ ಮತ್ತು ಓದುಗ ಬಳಗಕ್ಕೆ ನನ್ನ ಸಂತಾಪಗಳು. pic.twitter.com/D3y4Ep2H8J

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) September 24, 2025

Santeshivara Lingannaiah Bhyrappa, popularly known as S.L. Bhyrappa, was a celebrated author of several iconic novels including Parva, Avarana, Grihabhanga, Vamshavriksha, Tantu, Mandara, and Sartha. His works often sparked public debates and were translated into English and multiple Indian languages.

Hailing from Santeshivara village in Hassan district, Bhyrappa grew up amid hardship, pursued education against all odds, and later dedicated himself to literature and philosophy. Apart from novels, he wrote on aesthetics and philosophy, shaping the intellectual discourse of modern Kannada literature.

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Bhyrappa was the recipient of several honours including the Saraswati Samman (2010), Sahitya Akademi Fellowship (2015), Padma Shri (2016), and Padma Bhushan (2023). Readers had long advocated for him to be awarded the JnanpithA.

He spent his final years in Mysuru, leading a quiet life but continuing to engage with readers and admirers. His passing marks the end of an era in Kannada literature, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.

S.L. Bhyrappa’s last rites will be held on Friday morning at his hometown Santeshivara in Hassan district.