Devanahalli Venkataramanaiah Gundappa (17 March 1887 – 7 October 1975), popularly known as DVG, was an Indian writer, poet and philosopher in Kannada-language. He is one of the stalwarts of modern Kannada literature. His most notable work is the Mankuthimmana Kagga ("Dull Thimma's Rigmarole", 1943), which is similar to the wisdom poems of the late medieval poet Sarvajna.

Legacy

Published in 1943, Mankuthimmana Kagga is one of the best known of major literary works in Kannada. The title of this work can be translated as "Dull Thimma's Rigmarole". Facing life's challenges with cheerfulness, understanding everything as a divine play, recognizing our own and others needs, honoring human aspirations and dreams, working for noble causes and above all, dissolving our ego in mature thinking are among the great thoughts that the Kagga offers. Countless similes, metaphors and a multitude of choice expressions make the reading of the Kagga thoroughly delightful. Translated twice into English, this work also has its renderings in Hindi and Sanskrit. Throwing light on life in its various aspects, this inspiring literature sends out a positive message to all: live, learn, grow and be a blessing to your surroundings. DVG was a titan among Kannada writers, says Ranganatha Sharma. DVG's concern for society was incomparable and he was one of the great persons to serve 'Kannadanadu'.

D. V. G wrote a sequel to Mankuthimmana Kagga, known as Marula Muniyana Kagga. also known as Jeevana Dharma Yoga, which received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1967. Jeevanadharmayoga (yoga of everyday life) is an extraordinary piece of literature, which provides great solace and makes a commoner realize values of life. D.V.G has turned the great Hindu philosophical work into a common man's handbook of useful life.

DVG served as the president of the 18th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana (Literary Conference) held in Madikeri in 1932.

DVG was a pioneer in writing biography in Kannada. He knew well that human traits were basic material for both creative writing and writing of biography. The book Dadabhai Navaroji that he wrote in 1950 is in a way his experiment with biographical writing. The first biography of Rangacharlu by DVG virtually reveals the author's abounding interest in politics, his deep public sympathy and his faith firmly rooted in democracy. These very values of the author were reiterated in his second biography of Gopalakrishna Gokhale. The road where his residence existed in Nagasandra road has been renamed as DVG Road in Basavanagudi.

Journalism

DVG started his career in journalism in 1906–07. He started Kannada newspapers "Bharata" and "Karnataka".

A nationalist shall not merely have control over the weaknesses of political nature but would cultivate the qualities of politeness and cordiality. Power without the fear of inquiry is like pickles without salt that would degenerate into a pit of worms, according to DVG. The fear of inquiry is the bodyguard of power administration. DVG has also written two books of the same genre, namely, Principles of Constitution and Probity in Public Life. The State of Karnataka under Chief Minister Sri Veerandra Patil honored him for his services to Kannada literature in 1970 at Ravindra Kalakshetra, Bengaluru and awarded a purse of Rs 90,000. DVG donated the entire award money to the Gokhale Institute of Public Affairs. India Post issued a commemorative stamp of Dr. Gundappa in 1988.

He also Consider for Jnanpith Award by first selection board in 1965 but award is won by a Malayalam writer Sankara krupa.

In 2003, a statue was erected to honor DVG in Bugle Rock Park, Basavanagudi.

Publications

Poetry

  • Vasantha Kusumanjali (1922)
  • Nivedana (1942)
  • Kavite
  • Umarana Osage
  • Mankuthimmana Kagga
  • Marula Muniyana Kagga
  • Shri Rama PareekShaNaM
  • Antahpura Geete
  • Geetha Shaakuntala
  • Kethaki Vana (1973)
  • "Gauravisu Jeevanava"

Essays

  • Jeevana saundarya mattu saahitya
  • Saahitya Shakti
  • Baaligondu Nambike

Drama (ನಾಟಕ)

  • Vidhyaranya Vijaya
  • Jack ked
  • Macbeth
  • Kanakaaluka
  • Tilottamey

Biography

  • Diwan Rangacharlu
  • Gopalakrishna Gokhale
  • Vidyaranyara Samakaleenaru
  • Jnapaka chitra shaale 1 to Jnapaka chitra shaale 6
  • Halavu mahaneeyaru
  • Mysorina Divanaru
  • Kalopasakaruu

Political science

  • Rajyanga Tattvagalu
  • Rajakeeya Prasangagalu 1 & 2
  • Rajya Shastra
  • Vrutta Patrike
  • Principles of Constitution
  • Probity in Public Life

Spiritual

  • Purushasookta
  • Devaru
  • Rutha, Satya mattu Dharma
  • Ishopanishat

See also

  • B. G. L. Swamy

References

Cited sources

  • Gokhale Institute of Public Affairs
  • eBooks of D. V. Gundappa
  • Letters and Correspondences of D.V. Gundappa
  • D.V. Gundappa
  • The Gita for Every Man