S.L. Bhyrappa (20 August 1931 – 24 September 2025) Celebrated Kannada novelist and thinker S.L. Bhyrappa passed away today, 24 September 2025

-

S.L. Bhyrappa (20 August 1931 – 24 September 2025)

Celebrated Kannada novelist and thinker S.L. Bhyrappa passed away today, 24 September 2025. For decades, his works reshaped Indian literature with depth, controversy, and timeless relevance.

From Vamshavruksha and Parva to Mandra, Aavarana, Yaana, and his final novel Uttarakaanda, his writings transcended boundaries and sparked enduring debate. Translated into several languages, his books remain among India’s bestsellers.

Recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Saraswati Samman, and Sahitya Akademi Fellowship, Bhyrappa leaves behind a literary legacy that will continue to inspire generations.

Venkataramanan Ramasethu
24 September 2025

Popular posts from this blog

Today marks the 144th birth anniversary of Sri Ramana Maharshi, an emblematic figure in the spiritual landscape of India and a beacon of enlightenment in philosophy.

-
Image
Today marks the 144th birth anniversary of Sri Ramana Maharshi, an emblematic figure in the spiritual landscape of India and a beacon of enlightenment in philosophy. Born on 30th December 1879 as Venkataraman Iyer in Tamil Nadu, his journey to spiritual awakening is as profound as it is inspirational. His early life in the village of Tiruchuzhi was unremarkable until a pivotal moment at the age of 16. In 1896, he experienced a profound "death-experience," a moment of existential clarity that unveiled to him the essence of his true "I" or "self." This experience was not just a revelation but a transformation, leading him to identify this force with Shiva, a principal deity in Hinduism. This awakening compelled him to leave his uncle's home in Madurai and travel to the sacred hill of Arunachala in Tiruvannamalai. Here, he adopted the life of a Sannyasi, a renunciate seeking spiritual liberation. Although he never underwent formal initiation, ...
Read more

Why is our language called ‘Tamizh’?

-
Why is our language called ‘Tamizh’? Ki. Va. Jagannathan (Ki. Va. Ja.), the legendary Tamil scholar and literary visionary, once found himself in the divine presence of Periyava, when a question was posed that momentarily stilled his erudition: “Why is our language called ‘Tamizh’?” Taken aback, Ki. Va. Ja. admitted with humility that he had never contemplated that question deeply. He reflected, “If someone were to ask me about the greatness of Tamizh, I could speak for hours—on its antiquity, its grammar, its literature, its uniqueness among world languages. But why it is called ‘Tamizh’—I do not know.” With characteristic grace, Periyava smiled and said: “This is merely my thought—neither confirmed by scholars nor inscribed in any linguistic doctrine. But to me, the answer lies in one letter: ‘ழ’ (zha).” He then proceeded, in that meditative rhythm only saints possess, to list words that hold this unique sound, each word soaked in beauty and depth: மழலை (mazhalai) – the babble of a c...
Read more

"If you want a new idea, read an old book," attributed to Ivan Pavlov, a Russian physiologist known for his work in classical conditioning, encapsulates a profound truth about the nature of creativity and innovation.

-
Image
The quote "If you want a new idea, read an old book," attributed to Ivan Pavlov, a Russian physiologist known for his work in classical conditioning, encapsulates a profound truth about the nature of creativity and innovation. This statement, simple yet profound, serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of knowledge and the hidden treasures within the annals of history. At its core, this quote challenges the modern predisposition toward valuing the new over the old, the novel over the established. In an era dominated by the relentless pursuit of innovation and the next big thing, Pavlov's words invite us to pause and reconsider the sources from which truly transformative ideas emerge. It suggests that within the pages of old books—texts that have weathered the sands of time—lies a wealth of knowledge, perspectives, and insights that have the potential to inspire and catalyze new thoughts in contemporary contexts. Reading an old book is akin to engaging in a...
Read more