Noted Kannada writer and former president of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat Sa. Shi. Marulayya (85) died of cardiac arrest at Jayadeva Institute of Cardio Vascular Sciences and Research on Friday morning. He is survived by a daughter and two sons.
The family will donate his body to JSS Medical College in Mysuru to fulfil the last wishes of the writer, said his son, Sa. Shi. Shivaprasad.
According to C.N. Manjunath, director, Jayadeva Institute, Marulayya was a cardiac patient. He was admitted to Jayadeva on January 22 in a semi-conscious state, and his condition deteriorated gradually.
Born in Sasalu village of Tumakuru taluk on January 28, 1931, Marulayya created a place for himself in Kannada literature. He has about 90 works to his credit in genres such as poetry, novels, play, short story, ballets, criticism and research, biographies, portraits and edited works. He taught Kannada literature in various colleges across the State.
He was honoured with several awards, including Karnataka Sahitya Academy and Rajyotsava awards. He headed Kannada Sahitya Parishat from 1995 to 1998.
He is remembered for his poem ‘Suma Sundara Tarulategala Brindavana Leele’ rendered by Jayalakshmi P. Rao. “He was admired for his oratory skills. Even a small child could understand the complex issues because of the presentation of Marulayya,” said Vatasal Prabhu, who served as the parishat secretary, when he headed the institution.
His important works
Poetry: Shivatandava, Brindavana Leele, Chaitra Jyothi, Kengana Kallu
Novels: Hemakoota, Mahaprasadi
Play: Vijaya Vatapi
Short story: Nelada Sogadu
Ballets: Yenu Cheluvina Haadu, Shiva Leele
Criticism: Vachana Vaibhava, Veerashaiva Katha Sahitya, Masti Kavya Ondu Sameekshe
Doctorate thesis: Keladi Arasaru Mattu Kannada Sahitya
Portraits: Jnanapeetha Prashasti Vijetaru
Edited works: Seetha Vanavasa Sangraha, Hariharana Hattu Ragalegalu, Aniketana
Others: Kannada Bhasheya Charitre
