Munjane Manjinolu
Pasuralli nadevaaga
Anjisuva Sanjeyolu
Usirannu yelevaaga
Yele poove aalisuve
Naa ninna geeteyanu
Yele poove solisuve
Naa ninna preetiyanu!
Amidst the early morning dew
Walking across the greenery
And in the evening that is scary
While taking a breath,
Oh flower, I listen to your song
Oh flower, I defeat your love!
Today we celebrate the life and literature of Kuppali Venkatappa Puttappa, a renowned 20th century Indian poet and author. Known more famously by his pen name Kuvempu, he is considered one of the greatest Kannada writers of his time. The Kannada language is spoken mainly in Kuvempu’s home state of Karnataka, and he strongly advocated for it to be the main medium of education.
Kuvempu’s poem featured above is ‘Poovu’ (The Flower), rhapsodizing on the beauty of the poet’s natural surroundings. Kuvempu loved his writing to reflect the simple wonder of the world around him, especially flowers. To celebrate Kuvempu’s life and work, today’s Doodle by illustrator Upamanyu Bhattacharyya (and Swati Shelar, who helped with the Kannada lettering) shows Kuvempu surrounded by nature in his beloved home.
Happy birthday, Kuvempu!
Early drafts of the Doodle below
