Mysuru :
City’s noted novelist Dr. S.L. Bhyrappa was conferred with Padma Shri, the country’s fourth highest civilian award, for his contribution in literature and education, by Additional Chief Secretary to the Government Subhash Chandra at the novelist’s residence on Udayaravi Road in Kuvempunagar yesterday evening.
Subhash Chandra presented a Mysuru Peta, a shawl and a sandalwood garland to Dr. Bhyrappa, before presenting the prestigious award carrying a medal and a certificate in the presence of Bhyrappa’s wife S.B. Saraswathi, his family members and friends.
Speaking to media persons after being conferred with the award, Dr. Bhyrappa said: “I believe that literary works should live even after the death of a writer and added that he believed that the real award a writer gets is only when the literature he had authored is discussed by people for centuries.”
Stating that he was not bothered about getting awards, the 85-year-old Saraswathi Samman awardee said: “My efforts and concern will always be in writing good literature” and added that the literary works of Kumara Vyasa and Pampa are read by people today even after centuries.
Dr. Bhyrappa, who said that there were lots of ideas in his mind which were not concrete yet, added: “I love to travel regularly to explore new places and to get new thoughts for the literature as staying in one place will make the mind lethargic like a frog in the well.”
It may be recalled that Union Government on Jan.25, 2016 had chosen Dr. Bhyrappa for Padma Shri award and Bhyrappa could not receive the award at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Apr.12 owing to health issues, following which the award was conferred on him yesterday at his residence in city.
Refuses to comment on PM Modi Asked for his comment on the statement of District Minister V. Sreenivasa Prasad describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the best PM India had ever seen, the celebrated novelist, who had earlier praised Modi, said that it was not the time for reacting to such issues.
Elected representatives skip the event
Interestingly, none of the elected representatives from the city were present when the Padma Shri award was conferred on Dr. Bhyrappa.
Addl. Dy. Commissioner T. Venkatesh, SP Abhinav Khare, DCP Dr. H.T. Shekar, Assistant Director of the Department of Kannada and Culture Nirmala Mathapati, Tahsildar Naveen Joseph, ACP Mallik, former Chairman of Kuvempu Bhasha Bharathi Dr. Pradhan Gurudatta, NIE Principal Dr. G.L. Shekar and Assistant Director of the Department of Information and Public Relations Mahesh were among those present.
On works atop Chamundi Hill
Commenting on the on-going development works atop Chamundi Hill, the Padma Shri awardee said that he did not understand why the Government was so adamant on a project that is opposed by people with concerns for preservation of environment.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / June 18th, 2016