Eminent Kannada author S. L. Bhyrappa was presented with 20th Saraswati Samman in literature for 2010 for his epic novel Mandra on 16 November 2011. The Saraswati Samman is awarded by the K. K. Birla Foundation to a work published in the last 10 years, selected from among works published in 25 Indian languages. The award carries a prize of Rs.7.5 lakh.
About Bhyrappa
Born on 20 August 1931 in Hassan district of Karnataka, Bhyrappa has authored twenty novels in a career spanning four decades. His first novel, Dharmashree was published in 1961.
Some of his famous works include- Gatha Janma (1955), Bheemakaaya (1958), Belaku Mooditu (1959), Doora saridaru (1962), Jalapaata (1967). His latest novels Aavarana & Kavalu was sold out even before its release. The novel went on to create a record in Indian literary world by witnessing 10 reprints within five months of its release. Vamshavruksha, Tabbaliyu Neenade Magane, Matadana and Nayi Neralu have been made into films.
Bhyrappa also wrote tomes (a large book, especially one volume of a multi-volume scholarly work) pertaining to literature and philosophy such as Satya mattu saundarya, Sahitya mattu prateeka, Kate mattu katavastu and Naneke bareyuttene?.
Bhyrappa was elected as the president of Kannada Sahitya Sammelana held in Kanakapura in 1999.
Honours
His novel Vamshavruksha received Kannada Sahitya Academy Award in 1966 and Daatu (Crossing Over) received both Kannada and Kendra Sahitya Academy awards in 1975. He also received the NTR National literary award in 2007.
About the Novel- Mandra
Mandra or The Lower Musical Note published in 2002 provides a musical take on the question of art against morality and other philosophies of life. The novel explores the relation between art and other values of life through the life of a musician, his surroundings and persons who come in touch with him.
category:national
