MYSORE: Noted Kannada writer and critic Lingappa Basavaraju passed away at a private hospital here on Sunday night.
Basavaraju, a native of Hiddagur village in Kolar district, was born in 1919 and had BA Honours and MA from Mysore University.
Kannada University had awarded him honorary DLit for his work ‘Shivadasa Geethanjali’.
Basavaraju, a retired professor from Kuvempu Kannada Studies in Manasa Gangothri, in Mysore University, had immensely contributed to Kannada literature.
His writings included Akkana Vachanagalu, Pampa Adipurana, Paramartha, Sringara Nirdeshaka, Kannada Chandas Samputa, Jothirlinga Muru Mukhagalu.
He was a recipient of Kannada Sahitya Academy Award for his work on Vachanas of Allama Prabhu.
He was also chairman of the 75th Kannada Sahithya Sammelan held in Chitradurga.
He had then criticised the dual stand of the state government on promoting and encouraging English medium schools.
The veteran writer, known for his straightforwardness, was also a good researcher and had contributed immensely to Kannada literature.
The Kolar district writers and intellectuals had also instituted an award through L Basavaraju Foundation to encouraged literary activities in his home district.
Noted Folk critic P K Rajshekar said that demise of Basavaraju was a great loss to literary world.
He said that the veteran writer was an authority on Vachanas and Sharana Sahithya.
Basavaraju is survived by wife Vishalakshmi and a daughter.
The last rites will be held after his daughter arrives from Germany, according to the family sources.