Distinguished Kannada poet, writer and researcher G.S. Shivarudrappa (87), popularly known as Prof. GSS, passed away at his residence at Banashankari here on Monday.
The writer, who was awarded the title of Rashtrakavi by the Karnataka government in 2006, was ailing for some time.
The government has declared a public holiday on Tuesday in his honour.
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Several political leaders, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and literary personalities paid their last respects to Prof. Shivarudrappa.
He was the third Kannada poet to be honoured with the prestigious title of “Rashtrakavi,” after Manjeshwara Govinda Pai and his mentor and guide Kuvempu (K.V. Puttappa). Prof. Shivarudrappa was known for his writings that offered a fine combination of artistry and social commitment. Between 1951 (when his first collection ‘Samagana’ came out) and 1999 (when his last collection ‘Vykatamadhya’ was published) he authored 13 collections of poems. The Karnataka government honoured him with Pampa Prashasti for the year 1996 in recognition of his excellence as a poet.
Both Bangalore and Kuvempu universities honoured him by conferring an honorary doctorate.
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Prof. Shivarudrappa was born in Shikaripur of Shimoga district on February 7, 1926. He was a student and follower of Kuvempu and was inspired by his literary works and life. He received the Central Sahitya Akademi Award in 1984 for his literary contribution. He has to his credit several awards, including the Karnataka State Sahitya Academy and Soviet Land Nehru Award.