U. R. Ananthamurthy
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U. R. Ananthamurthy is a leading thinker and writer in the Kannada language. Born to a native Kannada family in Melige village in Thirthahalli taluk on December 21, 1932 had his early education in Durvasamatha Sanskrit school. His main works include Samskara, Bhava, Bharathi Pura, and Avasthe. He has written numerous short stories as well. Several of his novels and short fiction have been made into movies. Educated at University of Birmingham in English literature, he came back to his homeland to write in Kannada, his mother tongue. He is a recipient of the Padma Bhushan.
Being a self-confessed communist he has voiced his support for various candiates of CPI and CPM in karnataka elections. He is also known for his venomous writings/statements against the RSS. He contested for the Rajya Sabha seat from Karnataka and lost. [link]
Education
His initial education is presumed to be in Shimoga.He had his later education in Thirthahalli and Mysore. After doing his post graduation in English literature he went to England for higher studies. He joined the University of Mysore in 1970 as a lecturer and later on became a Professor.Achievements
- He has served as the Vice-Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University at Kottayam, Kerala.
- He has served as the Chairman of the National Book Trust and as the Chairman of the Kendra Sahitya Academy.
Literary works
- Endendhigu Mugiyada Kathe( A never ending story).
- Mowni
- Prashne
- Akasha mathu Bekku
- Samskara. It has been translated into Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Tamil, Urdu, Marathi, Oriya, Gujarathi and Konkani languages of India. It has been translated into English, French, Russian, Hungarian, German and Kazak.
- Bharathipura
- Avasthe
- Bhava
- Poorvapara
- Samakshama prabandha
Outlook and Philosophy of His Works
Most of Ananthamurthy's literary works deal with philosophical aspects of people in different situations, times and circumstances. The writings analyze aspects ranging from challenges and changes faced by Brahmin families of Karnataka to bureaucrats dealing with politics influencing their work. Ananthamurthy has deep insight into Indian and Western philosophy and life and that shows in his writings.
Most of his novels are based on the duality of politics and morality in human society and reaction of individuals in such situations. Right, wrong and change clash in his work with one another while giving the reader a kind revealation and food for further thought.
Results of influences of socio-political-and-economic changes on traditional Hindu societies of India and clashes due to such influences - between a father and a son, husband and wife, father and daughter and finally, the fine love that flows beneath all such clashes are portrayed brilliantly by Ananthamurthy in his works. This is evident in his novels like Sooryana Kudure (The Grasshopper), Mowni (Silent Man), Karthika etc. It does not mean that Ananthamurthy is just clinging to portraying only such somewhat standard subjects of Indian literature of his period. His novel "Bara" (Drought) portrays his understanding and concern about the socio-political dynamics in a drought-striken district of Karnataka and the challenges and dilemmas a bureaucrat may face in such situations.
What is good - old traditions or new outlook - politicking or duty-bound - traditional or modern - revolution or status quo ? We dont know. Ananthamurthy also does not pretend to know. However, he explores the influence of both aspects of life.
Especially touching is the central figure of the novel Sooryana Kudure - Venkata - who is shunned by his son and wife for his easy-going attitude that does not take him anywhere. Venkata is a non-achiever who could not achieve any material or monetory success in his life. However, he is a simpleton that does not take life's suffering to his heart too much. He likes to see Life as living in the love of Amma (or mother-goddess). In all sufferings of life, he has the child-like curiosity about the smallest things in life - like a grasshopper (Sooryana Kudure). The evening after his son revolts and leaves the house, he would be engrossed in a sight in his yard - a grasshopper shining in the sun's light.
Awards
- 1994 Jnanapeetha award
- 1994 Rajyothsava award
- 1984 Sahitya academy
- 1983 Best short story writer
External Links
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