Siddarth Sethia
“Writing literature based on one’s life ideals is a great challenge”.
Former Chief Minister and Member of Parliament Basavaraj Bommai said that the life and literature of renowned writer Dr.S.L.Bhyrappa are inseparable,and do not require separate interpretations.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the S.L.Bhyrappa Foundation,held at BMS Engineering College in Bengaluru on Saturday,he said understanding Bhyrappa’s works itself is a challenge.
“I had attempted to read his novel Parva during my college days,but couldn’t fully grasp it at the time.I read it again a few years later, and each time I read it,I discover a new dimension.Two books that have deeply impacted me are Bhyrappa’s novel and Life After Death by Swami Vivekananda.”
Quoting Vivekananda’s work,the MP said for achievers, death is not the end.A true seeker lives beyond death. Bhyrappa is one such seeker.His life and his literary works are one and the same.
Some people win big awards, but their lives contradict their writings.That’s not the case with Bhyrappa. Understanding life itself is hard. Writing literature based on such a life is an even greater challenge.
For Dr Bhyrappa,neither another person nor another ideology is a challenge.He is a very strong individual. Yet,every word he writes undergoes deep scrutiny. Writing a single book is like being reborn. It’s not easy — it’s extremely difficult,”he added.
Bommai pointed out that Dr Bhyrappa he has never lobbied for any award.There are even people who lobby for the Nobel Prize.
Not everyone can or should think the same way. Diversity is essential.Bhyrappa has brought that diversity in his characters.When you read the first page of his books, you’re compelled to turn the next page.
He has written novels that blend mythology and modern themes.Even if someone reads his books after fifty years, they’ll still remain relevant.
Bhyrappa is one of the most respected literary figures in India today. He never had to live in poverty because readers didn’t let him.
” We pay to read his books — that’s how valuable they are. His financial situation is similar to Siddaramaiah’s budget — even if tax collection increases, debt also increases,”Bommai remarked humorously.
The former CM said Dr Bhyrappa once approached him with a proposal for a drinking water project for his native village.
His love for his hometown is truly admirable. Many people forget their roots,but not him.In front of Bhyrappa’s concern,what have they really done? He deserves credit for ensuring his village got drinking water. Now, he has taken another big step — establishing a trust in his name. When they give back to society what it has given them, that’s when the balance sheet of life is complete Bhyrappa has returned to society what it gave him.
Noted litterateur Dr S.L. Bhyrappa, Shatavadhani Dr. R. Ganesh, Vishweshwar Bhat (Editor of Vishwavani), Sahana Vijayakumar, and Arun were present at the event.
