Veteran Kannada writer H.S. Venkateshamurthy passes away at 80
Bengaluru: Veteran Kannada writer, acclaimed poet, playwright, and academic Dr. H.S. Venkateshamurthy passed away on Friday at the age of 80. He had been admitted to the hospital due to age-related ailments and breathed his last early this morning, according to medical sources.
Born on June 23, 1944, in the village of Hodigere in Channagiri Taluk of Davangere district, he was the son of Narayana Bhat and Nagaratnamma. Dr. Venkateshamurthy completed his Master's degree in Kannada from Bangalore University and went on to serve as a Kannada professor at St. Joseph’s Commerce College, Bengaluru, for nearly three decades.
Widely known by his initials HSV, he was a towering figure in Kannada literature, celebrated for his contributions as a poet, dramatist, and critic. He earned his Ph.D. for the seminal thesis Kathana Kavanagalu in Kannada and authored over 100 works in Kannada.
His notable poetry collections include Parivritta, Baagilu Badiyuvajana, Saugandhika, and Muvattu Malegaala. His celebrated plays include Hejjegalu, Ondu Sainika Vruttanta, and Agnivarna.
HSV also made significant contributions to Kannada cinema and television. He penned songs and dialogues for several popular films like Chinnari Mutha, Kotreshi Kanusu, America America, Maitri, and Kirik Party. His title songs for TV serials such as Mukta and Mahaparva became household hits.
He is survived by his wife, four sons, and a wide circle of admirers and relatives.
Dr. H.S. Venkateshamurthy’s demise marks the end of an era in Kannada literature and culture.
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As 'God of Cricket' lands in Naxal-free Bastar, CM Sai hails his visit as start of new innings
Dantewada (PTI): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday hailed the visit of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar to the Bastar region, once a Maoist stronghold, saying his tour was a matter of pride for the state and a strong source of inspiration for children and youth.
The Mumbai-based master blaster, a Bharat Ratna awardee, made a rare visit to Dantewada district as part of a grassroots sport's initiative, three weeks after the CM declared Chhattisgarh as "Naxal-free".
Sai, in a post on X, said the visit of Tendulkar to Chhindnar village in Dantewada reflects a transforming of the wider Bastar region, moving from fear towards development, opportunity, and confidence.
"Such initiatives will guide and inspire youth, while Shri Sachin Tendulkar's interaction with children will promote sports, and instil confidence, discipline, team spirit, and positive energy in them," he noted.
He added that the 'Maidan Cup Campaign', organised by the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation and Mann Deshi Foundation, is a visionary step for sports infrastructure, especially in tribal areas, aiding holistic development.
The state government continues to prioritize sports and youth development, he insisted.
During his visit on Wednesday, the "God of Cricket" participated in an event in Dantewada district as part of a grassroots sport's initiative aimed at transforming the once Maoist hotbed into a thriving sports hub and opening new avenues for the youth.
On the occasion, Tendulkar, widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, stressed that hard work, discipline and consistent practice were essential for success, and asserted there were no shortcuts to achieving goals.
The former India captain also advised children to choose friends wisely and strive to become good human beings.
He was speaking after inaugurating a multi-sports ground at Swami Atmanand Hindi Medium High School in Chhindnar village of Dantewada district, developed under a grassroots sports initiative aimed at transforming the once Maoist-affected region into a sports hub.
This was among the 25 grounds developed under the 'Maidan Cup' initiative of the district administration, supported by the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation and the Mann Deshi Foundation as part of efforts to shed the region's strife-torn image and promote sports culture.
The initiative, launched last year, aims to build 50 playgrounds across Dantewada in the southern Chhattisgarh's Bastar region which consists of seven districts.
