Govt. to set up memorial for Bhyrappa in Mysuru

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Thursday that the Karnataka government would build a memorial in Mysuru for renowned Kannada writer and Padma Bhushan awardee S. L. Bhyrappa to honour his life and work.

Mr. Siddaramaiah said this after paying his last respects to Bhyrappa at Ravindra Kalakshetra here. Bhyrappa’s funeral would be conducted with full state honours in Mysuru on Friday.

Bhyrappa, a Professor of Philosophy, passed away on Wednesday here at the age of 94.

Thousands of people thronged Ravindra Kalakshetra, where the writer’s mortal remains were kept to allow them to pay their respects. Prominent Kannada writers, film stars, and politicians were among those who paid homage.

Film personalities including Tara, Srinath, and T.S. Nagabharana offered their respects, while BJP leaders B.Y. Vijayendra, C.N. Ashwath Narayan, and T.S. Srivatsa, MLA, were among those who paid their respects and urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to set up a memorial for Bhyrappa.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also paid his respects, recalled, “S.L. Bhyrappa was the president of the Kannada Sahitya Sammelana organised in Kanakapura in 1994. That was the first time I met him.” He added that Bhyrappa’s writing style was “direct and outspoken” and that “his philosophy stands as a guide to society, not just to the literary world”.

Mr. Siddaramaiah also spoke of his personal association with the late writer. “Though our perspectives differed, we shared a good relationship. Literature and friendship were separate.” Describing him as one of Karnataka’s greatest literary figures, he said, “It would have been apt if he had been honoured with the Jnanpith Award.”

Reiterating that the decision to set up a memorial in Mysuru was its own, the Cheif Minister said, “It is not because the BJP demanded it. The government will take steps to construct a memorial in Mysuru. Bhyrappa studied, worked, and created his literary legacy there,” Mr. Siddaramaiah added.