Bengaluru: Celebrated novelist, philosopher, and thinker SL Bhyrappa passed away on Wednesday at the age of 94 after suffering a cardiac arrest at Rashtrotthana Hospital in Bengaluru.
Hospital confirms cardiac arrest
According to a hospital release, Bhyrappa suffered a cardiac arrest at around 2.38 pm. Despite medical efforts, he could not be revived. The news of his passing has left the Kannada literary world and his admirers across India in mourning.
A literary journey spanning decades
Santeshivara Lingannaiah Bhyrappa, born on 20 August 1931 in Hassan, Karnataka, was one of the most widely read and influential Kannada authors. His debut novel Bheemakaya was published in 1958, marking the beginning of an illustrious literary journey. Over the next six decades, he went on to author around 25 novels, many of which were translated into Hindi and several other Indian languages, broadening his reach beyond Karnataka.
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
For more than 25 years, Bhyrappa remained one of the top-selling authors in the Kannada language, known for his powerful narratives that often explored themes of history, philosophy, culture, and morality.
Awards and recognition
Bhyrappa’s contributions to literature were recognised nationally and internationally.
- 2015 – Sahitya Akademi Award
- 2016 – Padma Shri
- 2023 – Padma Bhushan for his contribution to literature and education
Beyond writing, Bhyrappa also dedicated over three decades to teaching philosophy at the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), New Delhi, where he influenced generations of students.
Tributes pour in
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, calling Bhyrappa a “fearless and timeless thinker” whose writings “stirred the conscience and delved deep into the soul of India.”
In a message on X, the Prime Minister wrote:
“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.”
A legacy for generations
Bhyrappa’s novels, often described as thought-provoking and culturally rooted, continue to be studied and debated for their depth and originality. His works not only entertained readers but also challenged them to engage with history, identity, and social issues.
As Karnataka and India bid farewell to one of their most celebrated literary voices, his influence is expected to live on through his novels, philosophical teachings, and the many writers he inspired.