Bengaluru, 24 Sept

Renowned Indian novelist and Padma Bhushan awardee SL Bhyrappa died on Wednesday at a hospital in Bengaluru at the age of 94.

The legendary Kannada writer, novelist and philosopher was also a recipient of Saraswathi Samman and was suffering from age-related ailments.

He was undergoing treatment at the Rashtrotthana hospital in the city’s Rajarajeshwari Nagar, when he suffered a cardiac arrest at around 2.40 pm, according to a statement released by the hospital.

Mourning the death of the Kannada novelist, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as a towering stalwart who stirred people's conscience and delved deep into the soul of India.

"A fearless and timeless thinker, he profoundly enriched Kannada literature with his thought-provoking works," Modi said on X.

His writings inspired generations to reflect, question and engage more deeply with society, the prime minister added.

"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," Modi said.