Kannada novelist S.L. Bhyrappa on Sunday said that it was possible for those who studied philosophy deeply to write literary works that can stand the test of time.
He was speaking at a function organised here by the Sahitya Akademi to accord fellowship.
Mr. Bhyrappa responded to those who criticise him of burdening his novel with philosophy by noting that he studied and taught philosophy before becoming a writer and his novels, including Sartha, could reach a wider spectrum of society because of its rich philosophical tones.
Mr. Bhyrappa, who has published a huge body of literary works in the last six decades, said his works surpassed regional boundaries.
His novel Mandra , which is about the life of a musician, was being construed as a Marathi work though it is a widely read novel in Kannada, he said.
Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, president of the Akademi, conferred the fellowship on Mr. Bhyrappa in the presence of Jnanpith award recipient Chandrashekar Kambara and writer Narahalli Balasubramanya.
