The prestigious Kuvempu National Award for 2025 was conferred upon renowned bilingual writer Mahabaleshwar Sail in a ceremony steeped in literary reverence. The event took place in Kuppalli, Thirthahalli, on Monday, marking the 121st birth anniversary of the legendary Kannada poet Kuvempu.
Minister Highlights Kuvempu's Enduring Legacy
Presiding over the function, Karnataka's Minister for School Education and Literacy, S Madhu Bangarappa, delivered a poignant address on Kuvempu's philosophical contributions. He emphasised the poet's core principles of universal humanism, rationalism, and a deep love for the Kannada language.
"Kuvempu's vast body of work represents a magnificent fusion of modern thought, humanist values, and linguistic elegance. It has truly propelled Kannada literature onto a global stage," the minister stated. He connected the present to the past by recalling the efforts of his father, the late Chief Minister S Bangarappa, in bestowing the state's highest honour, the Karnataka Ratna, upon both Kuvempu and the thespian Dr. Rajkumar.
Government Pledges to Promote Poet's Works
Minister Bangarappa made a significant announcement regarding the government's commitment to preserving Kuvempu's legacy. He declared official support for large-scale celebrations of the poet's life and initiatives aimed at integrating his literary works into the school curriculum. This move is designed to ensure future generations of students engage directly with Kuvempu's ideas.
Awardee's Humble Acceptance and Centenary Tribute
The award recipient, Mahabaleshwar Sail, expressed profound gratitude for the recognition. The accomplished Konkani and Marathi writer described Kuvempu as a perpetual source of inspiration, affirming that the poet's message of humanism remains timeless and relevant.
The ceremony also featured addresses by Sharath Ananthamurthy, the Vice-Chancellor of Kuvempu University, and BL Shankar, President of the Kuvempu Trust, who elaborated on the poet's monumental impact on Indian literature.
A key highlight of the event was the release of a special 2026 calendar commemorating the centenary of Kuvempu's celebrated work, 'Bommanahalli Kindarijogi'. This tribute ensures the poetic narrative continues to resonate in the public consciousness a hundred years after its creation.
