BENGALURU: Noted Kannada writer and critic
LS Sheshagiri Rao
, 94, popularly known as Prof LSS, passed away on Friday following age-related ailments.
Apart from critical works, LSS is known for the English-Kannada dictionary he compiled. He won many honours, including Kendra
Sahitya Akademi
Award, Rajyotsava award, Masti Award and Karnataka Sahitya Academy award. He was the president of 74th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana held in Udupi in 2007.
Many dignitaries, including political bigwigs, mourned the writer's demise. They described his translation of English classics into Kannada as a bridge between the two languages. His critical works on Shakespeare, TS Eliot, Frank Kafka and Oliver Goldsmith are among Kannada literature lovers' favourites.
Rajend ra Chenni, retired professor from Kuvempu University, described LSS as an erudite bilingual scholar. "His books on history of Kannada literature and critical traditions of the East and West written in a lucid style introduced readers to trends they could never have known. He played the role of an educator efficiently," he added.
Kannada De velopment Authority chairman TS Nagabharana described Rao's series of compilations on Bengaluru titled 'Bengaluru Darshana' as a treasure in Kannada literature. "He was simple and humble. His critical works and short-story collections will be appreciated forever," Nagabharana added.
Born in 1 925 to Lakshmeshwar Swamirao and Kamalabai in Bengaluru, LSS earned his master's degree in English from Nagpur University. A lecturer at the age of 19, he was also the first president of Kannada Pustaka Pradhikara.
Rao's famous works include Hosagannada Sahitya Charitre, Pashchatya Sahitya Vihara, Greek Rangabhoomi Mattu Nataka and English Sahitya Charitre, which got him the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award. Idu Jeevana and Jangama Jathreyalli are his anthologies of short stories.
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