D. V. Gundappa

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 a well-known literary work in Kannada. Its title translates to "Dull Thimma's Rigmarole." The text consists of philosophical verses that address themes such as resilience, detachment, human aspirations, social responsibility, and ego dissolution. It employs similes, metaphors, and varied linguistic expressions. The work has been translated into English (twice), Hindi, and Sanskrit. Author D.V. Gundappa (DVG) is regarded by critics such as Ranganatha Sharma as a significant figure in Kannada literature and is noted for his engagement with social issues

D. V. G wrote a sequel to Mankuthimmana Kagga, known as Marula Muniyana Kagga.

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.

DVG founded the Gokhale Institute of Public Affairs GIPA) located in Bull Temple Road, Basavanagudi and promoted fine arts of India. 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