Born | 29 December 1904 Hirekodige, Koppa, Chikmagaluru, Kingdom of Mysuru[1] |
---|---|
Died | 11 November 1994 (aged 89) Mysuru, Karnataka, India |
Pen name | Kuvempu |
Occupation | Poet, novelist, playwright, professor |
Language | Kannada |
Nationality | Indian |
Genre | Fiction, drama |
Literary movement | Navodaya |
Notable awards | Karnataka Ratna (1992) Padma Vibhushan (1988) Jnanapith Award (1967) Padma Bhushan (1958) |
Spouse | Hemavathi (m. 1937–1994) |
Children | Poornachandra Tejaswi |
Website | |
Official website |
Kuppali Venkatappa Puttappa (29 December 1904 – 11 November 1994),[2] popularly known by his pen nameKuvempu, was an Indian novelist, poet, playwright, critic and thinker. He is widely regarded as the greatest Kannada poet of the 20th century.[3][4][5][2][6] He is the first among Kannada writers to be by decorated with the Jnanpith Award.[7]
178, 176, KARGIL KAVANA KATHANA KAN, SULIBELE C, 1, 150, 150. 191, 189, KANNADA VYAKRAN MATTHU RACHANA KAN, UDUPA G, 1, 140, 140. 208, 206, SANCHI KAN, SHASHIDARA VISHWAMITHRA, 1, 240, 240. 372, 370, VAIDHEVIAVARA AYDA KATHEGALU K V SUBBANNA NENAPINA ODHU. Kuvempu began his academic career as a lecturer of Kannada language at the Maharajas College in Mysore. He is best remembered for his epics – Sri Ramayana Darshanam (in two volumes) and Chitrangada, his autobiography (Nenapina Doniyali).
Kuvempu studied at Mysuru University in the 1920s, taught there for nearly three decades and served as its vice-chancellor from 1956 to 1960. He initiated education in Kannada as the language medium. For his contributions to Kannada Literature, the Government of Karnataka decorated him with the honorific Rashtrakavi ('National Poet') in 1958 and Karnataka Ratna ('The Gem of Karnataka') in 1992. His epic narrative Sri Ramayana Darshanam, a modern rendition of the Indian Hindu epicRamayana is regarded as the revival of the era of Mahakavya ('Great Epic Poetry') in contemporary form and charm. His writings and his contribution to 'Universal Humanism' (in his own words, 'Vishwamaanavata Vaada') gives him a unique place in modern Indian literature. He was conferred the Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India in 1988. He penned the Karnataka State Anthem Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate.
- 1Biography
- 2Works and message
- 3Bibliography
- 5Memorials
Biography[edit]
Early life and education[edit]
Kuvempu was born in Hirekodige, a village in Chikmagalur district of the erstwhile Kingdom of Mysore (now in Karnataka),[5] into a Kannada-speaking Vokkaliga family. His mother Seethamma hailed from his birthplace while his father Venkatappa Gowda was from Kuppali, a village in Thirthahalli taluk (in present-day Shimoga district), where he was raised.[8][5] Early in his childhood, Kuvempu was home-schooled by an appointed teacher from South Canara. He joined the Anglo-Vernacular school in Thirthahalli to continue his middle school education. Kuvempu's father died when he was only twelve. He finished his lower and secondary education in Kannada and English languages in Thirthahalli and moved to Mysore for further education at the Wesleyan High School. Thereafter, he pursued college studies at the Maharaja College of Mysore and graduated in 1929, majoring in Kannada.
Family[edit]
Kuvempu married Hemavathi on 30 April 1937. He was forced into enter marital life on this faculty out of Ramakrishna Mission. Kuvempu has two sons, Poornachandra Tejaswi and Kokilodaya Chaitra, and two daughters, Indukala and Tharini. Tharini is married to k.Chidananda gowda the former Vice-Chancellor of Kuvempu University. His home in Mysore is called Udayaravi ('Rising Sun'). His son Poornachandra Tejaswi was a polymath, contributing significantly to Kannada literature, photography, calligraphy, digital imaging, social movements, and agriculture.
Career[edit]
Kuvempu began his academic career as a lecturer of Kannada language at the Maharaja's College in Mysore in 1929. He worked as an assistant professor in the Central college, Bangalore from 1936. He re-joined Maharaja's college in Mysore in 1946 as a professor. (group photo) He went on to become the principal of the Maharaja's college in 1955. In 1956 he was selected as the Vice-Chancellor of Mysore University where he served till retirement in 1960. He was the first graduate from Mysore University to rise to that position.[6]
Works and message[edit]
Kuvempu started his literary work in English, with a collection of poetry called Beginner's Muse but later switched to his native Kannada. He spearheaded the movement to make Kannada the medium for education, emphasizing the theme 'Education in the Mother tongue'. To cater to the needs of Kannada research, he founded the Kannada Adhyayana Samsthe ('Institute of Kannada Studies') in the Mysore University, which has since been renamed after him as 'Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies'. As Vice-Chancellor of Mysore University, he pioneered the study of sciences and languages. He championed the publishing of Knowledge for the laymen with by G. Hanumanta Rao.
Kuvempu was more than a writer for his life was in itself a 'great message'. He was against casteism, meaningless practices and religious ritual. Kuvempu's writings reflect his resentment against these practices. The Shoodra Tapaswi ('untouchable saint') was one such writing. Kuvempu gave a perspective to the ancient epic Ramayana that was quite unlike the portrayal of the characters by the original author Valmiki. Kuvempu's version of the epic called Sri Ramayana Darshanam won him the prestigious Jnanpith Award. His epic underscores his vision of Sarvodaya ('upliftment of all'). The protagonist of his epic, the Hindu god Rama, personifies this when he tests himself along with his consort Sita by jumping into the fire.
The speech he made during the convocation ceremony of Bangalore University was published in the book Vichaarakranthige Aahwaana. It calls for a re-assessment of developmental policies. Though it was delivered in 1974, the message is still considered relevant to modern society. In the year 1987, The Government of Karnataka started the Kuvempu University in the Shimoga district, Karnataka. This is located in the Jnana Sahyadri campus, 28 km from Shimoga city.
Quotes[edit]
- Chakracharanake swagatha – 'Welcome to wheel footed' when he bought his first car
- Uluva Yogi ('tilling Yogi') is the title he gave the farmer
- Sarvarige samapaalu, sarvarige samabaalu ('Equal share for all, Equal life for all', when he called for egalitarian society).
- O nanna chetana, Agu nee aniketana ('Be unhoused O my soul, only the infinite is your goal').
Bibliography[edit]
Epic[edit]
- Sri Ramayana Darshanam/ಶ್ರೀ ರಾಮಾಯಣ ದರ್ಶನಂ - Volume-01 (1949), Volume-02 (1957)
- Chitrangada/ಚಿತ್ರಾಂಗದಾ
Novels[edit]
- Kaanuru Heggadati/ಕಾನೂರು ಹೆಗ್ಗಡತಿ (1936)
- Malegalalli Madumagalu/ಮಲೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಮದುಮಗಳು[9] (1967)
Plays[edit]
- Birugaali/ಬಿರುಗಾಳಿ (1930)
- Maharaatri/ಮಹಾರಾತ್ರಿ (1931)
- Smashana Kurukshethra/ಸ್ಮಶಾನ ಕುರುಕ್ಷೇತ್ರ (1931)
- Jalagaara/ಜಲಗಾರ (1931)
- Raktaakshi/ರಕ್ತಾಕ್ಷಿ (1932)
- Shoodra Tapaswi/ಶೂದ್ರ ತಪಸ್ವಿ (1944)
- Beralge koral/ಬೆರಳ್ಗೆ ಕೊರಳ್ (1947)
- Yamana solu/ಯಮನ ಸೇೂಲು
- Chandrahasa/ಚಂದ್ರಹಾಸ
- Balidaana/ಬಲಿದಾನ
- Kaaneena/ಕಾನೀನ (1974)
Autobiography[edit]
- Nenapina Doniyali/ನೆನಪಿನ ದೇೂಣಿಯಲಿ (1980)
Collection of stories[edit]
- Sanyaasi Mattu Itare Kathegalu / ಸನ್ಯಾಸಿ ಮತ್ತು ಇತರೆ ಕಥೆಗಳು (1937)
- Nanna Devaru Mattu Itare Kathegalu / ನನ್ನ ದೇವರು ಮತ್ತು ಇತರೆ ಕಥೆಗಳು (1940)
Essays[edit]
- Malenaadina Chittragalu / ಮಲೆನಾಡಿನ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳು (1933)
Literary criticism[edit]
- Atmashreegagi Nirankushamatigalagi (1944)
- Kavyavihara (1946)
- Taponandana (1951)
- Vibhuthi Pooje / ವಿಭೂತಿ ಪೂಜೆ (1953)
- Draupadiya Shrimudi (1960)
- Vicharakrantige Ahvana (1976)
- Sahityaprachara
- Ithyadi
- Raso Vai Saha
Essay and Other[edit]
- Manujamatha Viswapatha
- Kavya Vihara
- Mantramangalya
Biography[edit]
- Swami Vivekananda(1932)
- Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (1934)
Translation[edit]
- Guruvinodane Devaredege
- Janapriya Valmiki Ramayana
Stories and poems for children[edit]
- Bommanahalliya kindarijogi(1936)
- Mari vijnani(1947)
- Meghapura (1947)
- Nanna mane (1947)
- Nanna gopala
- Amalana kathe
- Sahasa pavana
- Modannana Tamma
- Narigaligeke Kodilla
- Haluru
- Panchajanya
- Prema Kashmira
- Anuttara : Premopanisattu
- Kutichaka
Movies[edit]
- Kanooru Heggadithi (directed by Girish Karnad).
Awards and honours[edit]
- Karnataka Ratna (1992)[10]
- Padma Vibhushan (1988)[11]
- Pampa Award (1987)[10]
- Jnanpith Award (1967)[12]
- Rashtrakavi ('National Poet') (1964)[10]
- Padma Bhushan (1958)[11]
- Sahitya Akademi Award (1955)[10]
- To landmark the golden jubilee of Kannada's first Jnanapeeth award, on 29 December 2017, Kuvempu's 113th birth anniversary, Google India dedicated a Google Doodle in his honor.[13][14]
Memorials[edit]
Kavimane — Kuvempu Memorial[edit]
The childhood home of Kuvempu at Kuppali has been converted into a museum by Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Pratishtana (a trust dedicated to Kuvempu). This trust has undertaken immense developmental works in Kuppali to showcase Kuvempu and his works to the external world.[15] On November 23, 2015 night, many valuables including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards conferred on poet laureate Kuvempu were stolen from Kavimane.[16][17][18]
The entire museum has been ransacked. The surveillance cameras there have also been damaged. The Jnanapith award kept there has remained intact..
Kavishaila[edit]
The gradually rising hill south of the house is named Kavishaila, Kuvempu's mortal remains were placed at Kavishaila.[15]
Biographies on Kuvempu[edit]
- Annana Nenapu, Poornachandra Tejaswi
- Yugada Kavi, K.C. Shiva Reddy
- Kuvempu, Pradhan Gurudatta
- Magalu Kanda Kuvempu, Tharini Chidananda,
Commemoration[edit]
The Kuvempu University in Shimoga, Karnataka was established in 1987.[19] The Vishwamanava Express[20] was named in honour of Kuvempu's idea of 'Vishwa Manava' ('Universal Man').[21]
India Post honoured Kuvempu by releasing a postage stamp in 1997[22] and 2017.[23]
See also[edit]
- Rashtrakavi, for a list of poets who have borne that title
References[edit]
- ^'Who is Kuppali Venkatappa Puttappa? Know all about Indian novelist honoured by Google through doodle'. The Financial Express. Retrieved 29 December 2017.
- ^ ab'The Gentle Radiance of a Luminous Lamp'. Ramakrishna Math. Archived from the original on 22 August 2006. Retrieved 31 October 2006.
- ^'Kuppali Venkatappa Puttappa: Kuvempu's Kannada legacy'. www.aljazeera.com.
- ^'Kuvempu's 113th birth anniversary: Google doodle honours 20th century Kannada poet'. hindustantimes. 29 December 2017.
- ^ abcRao, L. S. Sheshagiri (2012). Kuvempu. Sapna Book House Pvt. Ltd. ISBN9788128017933. Retrieved 29 December 2017.
- ^ abBharati, Veena. 'Poet, nature lover and humanist'. Deccan Herald. Archived from the original on 18 March 2006. Retrieved 2 September 2006.
- ^'Jnanpith Awards'. Ekavi. Retrieved 31 October 2006.
- ^'After burglary, Kuvempu museum steps up security'. The Hindu. 25 November 2015.
- ^https://www.mahitiloka.com/malegalalli-madumagalu-book-pdf-download-free/
- ^ abcd'Culture p484-485'(PDF). A Handbook of Karnataka. Government of Karnataka. Archived from the original(PDF) on 8 October 2011. Retrieved 10 December 2010.
- ^ ab'Padma Awards Directory (1954–2009)'(PDF). Ministry of Home Affairs. Archived from the original(PDF) on 10 May 2013. Retrieved 10 December 2010.
- ^'Jnanpith Laureates Official listings'. Jnanpith Website. Archived from the original on 13 October 2007.
- ^'goldenJubliee'.
- ^'googleIndiaTwitter'.
- ^ ab'Where the poet once lived'. Deccan Herald. 29 June 2009.
- ^Correspondent, STAFF (24 November 2015). 'Kuvempu memorial ransacked'. The Hindhu.
- ^'Padma Awards, Cash Stolen From magane Memorial'. The New Indian Express. 25 November 2015.
- ^Kumar R B, Santosh (29 June 2009). 'Padma awards of renowned Kannada poet Kuvempu stolen'. The Indian Express.
- ^http://www.kuvempu.ac.in/php/about.php
- ^Vishwa Manava Express hits the tracks. The Hindu (2017-05-23). Retrieved on 2018-11-06.
- ^'Vishwamanava Express', and story behind the name. Deccan Herald. 27 May 2017
- ^Jnanpith Award Winners, Kannada (click for stamp information) ::: 1996-1997 » Commemorative Stamps » Stamps. Indianphilatelics.com (1997-03-28). Retrieved on 2018-11-06.
- ^Postage Stamps, Stamp issue calendar 2014, Paper postage, Commemorative and definitive stamps, Service Postage Stamps, Philately Offices, Philatelic Bureaux and counters, Mint stamps (unused stamps). Postage Stamps. Retrieved on 2018-11-06.
Further reading[edit]
- Gowda, Chandan (12 January 2015). 'Shadow on the glen : legendary writer Kuvempu's liberal legacy is revered in Karnataka'. Outlook. 55 (1): 74–75. Retrieved 7 January 2016.
External links[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kuvempu. |
Wikiquote has quotations related to: Kuvempu |
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
ಕೆ.ವಿ. ಪುಟ್ಟಪ್ಪ - K.V. Puttappa | |
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© Kamat's Potpourri | |
Born | 29 December 1904 Kuppalli, Tirtahalli taluk, Shimoga district, Karnataka |
Died | 11 November 1994 (aged 89) Mysore, Karnataka |
Pen name | Kuvempu - ಕುವೆಂಪು |
Occupation | Writer, Professor |
Nationality | India |
Genres | Fiction |
Literary movement | Navodaya |
| |
Signature | |
Official website |
Kuppali Venkatappagowda Puttappa (Kannada: ಕುಪ್ಪಳ್ಳಿ ವೆಂಕಟಪ್ಪಗೌಡ ಪುಟ್ಟಪ್ಪ) (December 29, 1904 - November 11, 1994)[1] was a Kannadawriter and poet, widely regarded as the greatest poet of 20th century Kannada literature. He is the first among seven recipients[2] of Jnanpith Award for Kannada. Puttappa wrote all his literary works using the pen nameKuvempu. He is the second among Kannada poets to be revered as Rashtrakavi (after M. Govinda Pai). His work Sri Ramayana Darshanam, the rewriting of the great ancient Indian epic Ramayana in modern Kannada, is regarded as revival of the era of Mahakavya (Epic poetry) in a contemporary form and charm. He is immortalised by some of his phrases, and in particular for his contribution to Universal Humanism or in his own words Vishwa maanavataa Vaada. He was conferred Padma Bhushan by Government of India.
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Biography
Early life and education
Kuvempu was born in Hirekodige, Tirtahalli taluk, of Shimoga district to a native Kannada family. He was brought up in a place in the lush Malenadu region of Tirthahalli, called Kuppali, of Shivamogga district. His education began at his home by an appointed teacher from Dakshina Kannada. He joined Anglo Vernacular school in Tirthahalli to continue his middle school education. He lost his father Venkatappa Gowda at the early age of 12 due to ill health. Kuvempu finished his lower and secondary education in Kannada and English in Theerthahalli. He moved to Mysore for further education and completed his high school from the Wesleyan high school. He pursued his college studies in from Maharaja College of Mysore and graduated in 1929 majoring in Kannada. He married Hemavathi on 30 April 1937.
Later life
He had two sons and two daughters. K Poornachandra Tejaswi, Kokilodaya Chaitra, Indukala and Tharini. Tharini is married to K. Chidananda Gowda, the former Vice-Chancellor of Kuvempu University. He responded poetically to even mundane events. When he got a car, he is quoted to have said, 'Chakracharanake swagatha!' - Welcome to wheel footed! He named his house as 'Udayaravi', 'Rising Sun', called the farmer 'uluva Yogi' the 'tilling Yogi', and called for egalatarian society in his message 'Sarvarige samapaalu, sarvarige samabaalu' 'Equal share for all, Equal life for all'. His 'Raso Vai Saha' is a famous work of 'kavya mimamsa', the 'Principles of literary criticism', in the Kannada thought of twentieth century. He is credited for giving Kannada hundreds of new words, phrases and terminologies with distinctly precise ideas; literary, social, philosophical and spiritual. This led to common people asking him to suggest a name for their newborns, for decades, through postal correspondece, which he obliged!
Career
Kuvempu began his academic career as a lecturer of Kannada language at Maharaja College of Mysore in 1929. He served as an assistant professor in central college of Bangalore from 1936. He rejoined Maharaja college of Mysore in 1946 as a professor. He went on to become a principal of Maharaja college in 1955. Soon in 1956 he was elected as the Vice-Chancellor of Mysore University where he served till retirement in 1960. He was the first graduate from Mysore University to rise to that position.[3]
Works and Message
Kuvempu started his literary work in English first, with a collection of poetry called Beginner's Mus, and later switched to Kannada.
He spearheaded Kannada as a medium for education, emphasizing the theme of 'Education in Mother tongues'. To cater to the needs of Kannada research, he founded the Kannada Adhyayana Samsthe (The Institute of Kannada Studies) in Mysore University, which has since been renamed after him as Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies. As Vice-Chancellor of Mysore University, he pioneered the study of Basic Sciences and Languages. He also championed the Publishing of knowledge for laymen, started by G. Hanumanta Rao.
Kuvempu was more than a writer, and the way he lived his life was in itself a great message. He was against casteism, meaningless practices and rituals. Kuvempu's writings also reflect his resentment against the caste system according to which the 'Shoodra Tapaswi' (1946) shudras were unfit to attain knowledge. Kuvempu (from the Vokkaliga community) also gives a different perspective to the characters in the Ramayana unlike the portrayal of characters by Valmiki in his Sri Ramayana Darshanam which won him Jnanpith Award. This work is the complete Ramayana in Kannada. It underscores his vision of sarvodaya (Upliftment of One & All). Rama of his Ramayana personifies this when he tests himself along with his wife Seeta, by jumping into the fire.
O nanna chetana, Agu nee aniketana (ಓ ನನ್ನ ಚೇತನ, ಆಗು ನೀ ಅನಿಕೇತನ ) which can be translated as 'Be unhoused o my soul, only the infinite is your goal' is a very popular note by Kuvempu on Universal Humanism.
His speech during the convocation ceremony of Bangalore University has been published in the book, vichaarakranthige aahwaana. It calls for a re-assessment of developmental policies. Though it was delivered in 1974, the message is still considered relevant.
In the year 1987, a new university was started in Shimoga district, Karnataka in the name of Kuvempu. It is located in Jnana Sahyadri campus, 28 km from Shimoga.
His son Poornachandra Tejaswi was a polymath, contributing significantly to Literature, Photography, Calligraphy, Digital Imaging, Social Movements, and Agriculture.
Further reading
- Poornachandra Tejaswi, Annana Nenapu
- K.C. Shiva Reddy, Yugada Kavi
- Dr. Pradhan Gurudatta, Kuvempu
- Tharini Chidananda, 'Magalu Kanda Kuvempu'
Trivia
- Balagangadharanatha Swamiji of Adichunchanagiri Mutt tried many times to invite Kuvempu to his Mutt. However, Kuvempu denied to enter the premises. He, however, remained tied up to Ramakrishnashrama, Mysore throughout his active days.
- Kuvempu's works attack purohita system, where rights to offer pooja to God, remained with a select few across communities. His thought of Sarvodaya ring in all his works. Notably, in 'Sri Ramayana Darshanam', Rama jumps to fire along with Seetha, to purify himself.
Awards
- Jnanpith Award - 1967
- Padma Bhushan - 1958
- Sahitya Academy award - 1955
- National Poet - 1964
- Pampa Award - 1988
- padma vibhushan- 1989
- Karnataka Ratna - 1992
Bibliography
Novels
- Kaanuru Subbamma Heggadati (1936)
- Malegalalli madumagalu (1967)
Modern epic (Mahakavya)
- Sri Ramayana Darshanam, Volume-1 (1949), Volume-2 (1957)
Collection of Poems
- Kolalu (1930)
- Panchajanya (1936)
- Navilu (1937)
- Kindarijogi Mattu Itara Kavanagalu (1938)
- Kogile Mattu Soviet Russia (1944)
- Shoodra Tapaswi (1946)
- Kavya Vihara (1946)
- Kinkini (1946)
- Agnihamsa (1946)
- Prema Kashmira (1946)
- Chandramanchake Baa Chakori (1954)
- Ikshugangotri (1957)
- Kabbigana kaibutti
- Pakshikaashi
- Jenaaguvaa
- Kutichaka
- Kadiradake
- Kathana KavanagaLu
Plays
- Birugaali (1930)
- Maharatri (1931)
- SmashaaNa kurukshetram (1931)
- Jalagaara (1931)
- Raktaakshi(1932)
- Shoodra tapaswi (1944)
- Beralge koral (1947)
- Yamana solu
- Chandrahaasa
- Balidaana
Autobiography
- Nenapina Doniyali (1980)
Collection of stories
- Malenadina Chitragalu (1933)
- Sanyaasi Mattu Itare KategaLu (1937)
- Nanna Devaru Mattu Itara Kategalu (1940)
Literary criticism
- Atmashreegagi Nirankushamatigalagi (1944)
- Kavyavihara (1946)
- Taponandana (1951)
- Vibhuthi Pooje (1953)
- Draupadiya Shrimudi (1960)
- Vicharakrantige Ahvana (1976)
- Sahityaprachara
Biography
- Swami Vivekananda(1926)
- Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa(1934)
- Guruvinodane Devaredege
Stories for children
- Bommanahalliya kindarijogi(1936)
- Mari vijnani(1947)
- Meghapura(1947)
- Nanna mane(1947)
- Nanna gopaala
- Amalana kathe
Kuvempu's works in visual media
Movies
- Kanooru Subbamma Heggaditi, directed by Girish Karnad.
See also
Notes
- ^'The Gentle Radiance of a Luminous Lamp'. Ramakrishna Math. http://www.sriramakrishnamath.org/magazine/vk/2004/12-3-6.asp. Retrieved 2006-10-31.
- ^'Jnanapeeth Awards'. Ekavi. http://ekavi.org/jnanpeeth.htm. Retrieved 2006-10-31.
- ^Bharati, Veena. 'Poet, nature lover and humanist'. Deccan Herald. http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/apr252004/sh1.asp. Retrieved 2006-09-02.
External links
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