Karnataka Cabinet recommends Bharat Ratna for National poet Kuvempu; Know who is he

Rashtrakavi Kuvempu’s real name was Kuppalli Venkatappa Puttappa. He is considered to be the greatest poet and writer of Kannada literature. Kuvempu gave recognition to Kannada language and culture worldwide.

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Government has decided to recommend to the Central Government to confer the country's highest civilian award 'Bharat Ratna' to national poet and great litterateur Kuvempu. This decision was taken in the recent meeting of the Karnataka Cabinet.

Karnataka Cabinet decides to recommend to central government to confer 'Bharat Ratna' on Rashtra Kavi ‘Kuvempu’

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Kuvempu's Contribution To Literature

Rashtrakavi Kuvempu's real name was Kuppalli Venkatappa Puttappa. He is considered to be the greatest poet and writer of Kannada literature. Kuvempu gave recognition to Kannada language and culture worldwide. His works play an important role in enriching Kannada literature as well as awakening social and cultural consciousness.

Education And Academic Career

Kuvempu studied at the University of Mysore in the 1920s. He taught at the university for nearly three decades and was also its vice-chancellor from 1956 to 1960. He took the initiative to adopt Kannada as the medium of instruction. Kuvempu was the first graduate of the University of Mysore to rise to the post of vice-chancellor of the university.

Literary Contributions

Kuvempu enriched Kannada language and literature and brought Kannada culture to global recognition. The Government of Karnataka honoured him with the title of "Rashtrakavi" in 1964 and "Karnataka Ratna" in 1992. The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Vibhushan in 1988. He also wrote the Karnataka state anthem "Jai Bharata Jananiye Tanujate".

Early Life and Family

Kuvempu was born in Hirekodige village located in Koppa taluk of Chikkamangaluru district, but grew up in Kuppalli village of Shivamogga district. He belonged to a Kannada-speaking Vokkaliga family. His father Venkatappa died when Kuvempu was twelve years old. He completed his early education in Thirthahalli and later continued his studies at the Wesleyan High School in Mysore.

Kuvempu was married to Hemavathi on 30 April 1937. They had four children—two sons Poornachandra Tejaswi and Kokilodaya Chaitanya, and two daughters Indukala and Tarini. His son Poornachandra Tejaswi was also a versatile talent in Kannada literature.

Important Role and Legacy

Kuvempu took the Kannada language to new heights during his lifetime. He played an important role not only in the field of literature but also in social and cultural awareness. His work is a source of inspiration for Kannada literature lovers and even today his poems and writings are popular among the youth.

Kuvempu's literary legacy lives on and he is remembered as a priceless gem in Kannada literature. His achievements and his contribution to promoting the Kannada language will always be written in golden letters in the history of Karnataka and India.