Bangalore: Ananthamurthy cremated with full state honours


Bangalore, Aug 23 (PTI): Mourners in large numbers today paid their last respects to Jnanpith award winner and Kannada literary giant U R Ananthamurthy who was cremated with full state honours here today.

Amid vedic chants, a team of 15 priests performed the last rites according to Bramhinical traditions with his son Sharat lighting the funeral pyre at "Kalagrama" in "Jnana Bharati" campus of Bangalore University.

Ananthamurthy's mortal remains wrapped in tricolor were given gun salute by police, with his wife Esther, daughter Anuradha, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, state ministers including Umashree, Ambarish and U T Khader, former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, political figures and literary and film personalities in attendance.

The last rites were conducted as per Hindu traditions fulfiling the wishes of Ananthamurthy, who was equally brilliant in Kannada and English writing.

He died of multiple health complications at a private hospital here yesterday aged 82, ten days after he was admitted for fever and infection.

Ananthamurthy, who burst on the literary scene in 1965 with the controversial novel 'Samskara' that earned him the tag as a scathing critic of Brahminism, its superstitions and hypocrisies, rose to become one of the best writers in the country widely acclaimed by fans and critics alike.

Earlier, hundreds of people paid their last respects to Ananthamurthy, who combined in him a writer, a thinker who questioned well held beliefs, playwright, poet, novelist and a public intellectual who dared to speak out vociferously on what he believed was right on social and political issues.

His body was kept at the premises of Ravindra Kalakshetra for people to pay homage before being taken to "Kalagrama" in a procession in a flower bedecked vehicle.

Christian and Muslim prayers were also conducted for Ananthamurthy, who was known for his strong beliefs in secularim and pluralism and questioned fundamentalism, particularly majoritarianism, often landing in controversies.

State political leaders, Union Ministers Ananth Kumar and D V Sadananda Gowda, literary and film figures like Girish Karnad, M S Satyu, Girish Kasaravalli, Nagabharana and K S Nissar Ahmed paid their last respects to the departed writer.

Karnataka government has declared a three-day state mourning and its offices and educational institutions were closed today as a mark of respect to Ananthamurthy, whose literary works broke new grounds in Kannada literature.

 

  

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Comment on this article

  • vandana rao, bANGALORE

    Mon, Aug 25 2014

    The doors of hell are wide open for URA and yamadootas are waiting to give him grand welcome and yama is waiting to give judgement to one who insulted our brahmin community in particular Madhwas.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Pradeep, Bangalore

    Mon, Aug 25 2014

    (Continued)

    URA had only demonstrated his severe lack of respect for others beliefs and his own petty mindedness by narrating about the “urinating on an idol” bravado and showing everyone that nothing had happened to him! It is like keeping a fire cracker gun against one's head and firing it in front of a child to show nothing happened. As the child grows, he will understand that the toy gun was built in the image of the real thing.

    Irrespective of whatever religion he would have been born into or in whichever country, he would have been a pain in the wrong part for that society / community he had been in. He would have disrespected the sentiments of the people of his very own community by rabble rousing for attention and brownie points.

    Ironically, his mortal remains were cremated ritualistically as prescribed in the same religion that he had denigrated.

    Personally, I think he was no different in mentality from the people who allegedly celebrated his death. Both were wrong. Also, I am not clear about what ‘revolution’ his radical intellect brought into this world.

    Just my opinion. Please do not pi## on your computer screen / my comment if you do not agree! I am open for a healthy debate if you can kindly respond to my comment.

    Pradeep

    DisAgree [1] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Pradeep, Bangalore

    Mon, Aug 25 2014

    For a man who had the audacity to tell the world that as a child he had piddled on an Idol but nothing had happened, the state honors were unnecessary. Whether he had p##d on an Idol or jer##d off on Natalie Wood’s pin up poster as a child was his business. It was uncalled for to mention about that impudent ‘experiment’ he had conducted as an ‘intelligent’ child. He could have used his other eloquent arguments to challenge traditional beliefs of a particular community. He gained nothing but wrath by hurting the sentiments of believers.

    At least after growing up (if he did ever grow up) to become the pseudo-intellectual that he was, he should have taken the trouble of understanding that an Idol is the primary representation of God for a believer and is the first step to Advaita realization. For someone who does not have the perception to visualize a formless God, idol worship is recommended so that he/she can gradually step up the ladder of knowledge till the stage where they realize that God is singular and everything else is the manifestation of our Ego. This is a simple and beautiful concept, albeit difficult to understand. It works for many and may not work for some. It doesn’t mean that one should boast about how they pissed on other’s medium of worship to demonstrate their disagreement during childhood! Especially by so called intellectuals!

    (Continued)

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Simon M A, Mangalore

    Mon, Aug 25 2014

    It is so sad and nomadic that even after the death of a great personality is insulted( whoever it is ) is in human..and those who did this have no right to say about Indian culture and even we are crying for animals for their status and existence..When we will start to study about our culture ??

    DisAgree [3] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alban D Souza , Udyavara (BAjjodi) Mumbai DOha Qatar

    Sun, Aug 24 2014

    Whatever one does good or bad goes with him after death. God forgives sin if one repent. So the rituals also done as per one religion one belongs with the belief that the soul may go to God the Almighty. Whatever his belief this great man contributed immensely to the society and humanity as a writer, philosopher, guide and social worker. Some negative points can be tolerated rather than celebration. May his soul rest in peace

    DisAgree [1] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Stany D'sa, Balehonnur/Dubai

    Sun, Aug 24 2014

    The legend of literature and a proud kannadiga is no more. But he will be remembered for generations for his wonderful literary creations. I admire his gutsy comments and he did not mean to harm anyone. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace.

    DisAgree Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Richard, Shirva

    Sun, Aug 24 2014

    U R Ananthamurthy, Salman Rashdee, Talseem Nasreen all are great writers, but the paradox is people who hate Rashdie & Nasreen love Murthy and vice Versa rediculois

    DisAgree [1] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • sid, mangalore

    Sun, Aug 24 2014

    May his soul rest in peace.
    Luckily he did not say or do things to other minority religion. He would not get all this honor .
    Proud of my country and the secualr hindus

    DisAgree [4] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jaimini P.B., Manipal,Sharjah

    Sun, Aug 24 2014

    Please don't insult Dr.Anantamurthy's soul by celebrating. Yes..He commented badly very often..That was his typical style. Even at the age of 82,without staying at the comfort zone,he commented about Mr.Modi (that hurt me too)..but I appreciate his guts to criticize someone whom he didn't like..Just because of his some comments,we can't deny his contribution to litterateur field..Please remember that he was a great writer,philosopher,social worker..
    May his soul rest in peace..Please follow TRUE Indian culture..

    DisAgree [5] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • satish, padubidri

    Sun, Aug 24 2014

    If he was so sceptical about hinduism and brahmanical culture, he should had donated his body for medical reasearch or education instead of getting cremated as per the Hindu culture.

    DisAgree [16] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vikram, Dubai

    Sun, Aug 24 2014

    He will be remembered for his non- sense comments rather than sensible writings...

    DisAgree [34] Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shahul, Honnali

    Sun, Aug 24 2014

    ಪಟಾಕಿ ಸಿಡಿಸಿದ ಷಂಡರು ಈ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮವನ್ನು ನೋಡಿ ಹೊಟ್ಟೆ ಉರಿದುಕೊಳ್ಳಲಿ

    DisAgree [18] Agree [39] Reply Report Abuse

  • RSRB, Kundapura / Singapore

    Sun, Aug 24 2014

    Shahul, Honnali

    People are happy that Government followed Hindu traditions, brahmins with holy thread are doing rituals so that URA can go to "Swarga" and can see Hindu Gods right in front of eyes & believe at last...

    DisAgree [26] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Peter, udupi

    Sun, Aug 24 2014

    Shahul

    Sariyagi oohisidri.Hotte uridaddu aythu immediately comment bandaddu aythu.

    DisAgree [13] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • Richard, Shirva

    Sun, Aug 24 2014

    Dear Shahul,
    What are your comments about Salman Rashdie and Tasleema Tasreen .

    DisAgree [2] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ravi B Shenava , Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 24 2014

    All those Sick minds who say that - Death of those who insult gods are to be celebrated, that is the Hindu culture and hence Hindus also celebrate the death days in the past as - Naraka Chathurdhshi for Death of Narakaasura, Vijaya Dhashami for Death of Mahishaasura and Dasara for Death of Ravana.
    Such Sick minded people should note that Narakaasura, Mahisaasura & Ravana were not bad Demons but they were patriotic Tribal Kings who fought against the invading Cruel Aryans. After the Victory these Sadistic Aryans weaved imaginary stories about the fight between Unholy Demons and Holy gods. this way Good Tribal leaders were portrayed as evil Rakshasas and evil Aryans were Portrayed as holy Gods or Rushis.
    Bursting of Crackers and distributing seets for the death of URA is the reflection of such demonic minds of Aryans.

    DisAgree [10] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • KKR, MANGALORE

    Sun, Aug 24 2014

    Ravi B Shenava , Mangalore

    They are not sick minded.They are anti social element cancers and should be removed from the root.

    DisAgree [10] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shahul, Honnali

    Sun, Aug 24 2014

    KKR

    These cancers are spreading everywhere and trying to spread their effect in DW forum also.

    But that cancer doesn't know DW forum is strong,educated and very secular.

    DisAgree [10] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Zakaria, Ganjimatt

    Sun, Aug 24 2014

    Shahul Bhai

    The one which you are talking about is not cancer.It is ebola virus.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [21] Report Abuse

  • vellano1, Mumbai

    Sun, Aug 24 2014

    what a load of bullcrap here! You mean to say a Hunter "Valmiki" and a soota putra "vedavyasa" were against tribals themselves and wanted to glorigy a "cowherd"? Narakasura, was brutal when it comes to women and had held 16000 women as captive! Krishna just liberated them and to honor them, married! 'Ravana was a Scholar Brahmin' himself who went horrid!! He kept "sita mata" in captive... however, he had taken his revenge cos his sister shoorpanakha was ill treated!! Both mahabharata (draupadi vengennce) , ramayan( Sita kidnap) were triggered by men, to honour women and for their safekeeping...

    By naming them TRIBALS, you are making real tribals a disservice! Tribals never go against women and know how to keep their honor! ... Just dont bring in your Commie, marxist dogmas, and ARYAN invasion theory, which NO ONE BELIEVES!! and dont spread malicious rumors, if you dont have grip on the subject!! Thank you!

    DisAgree [3] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • RSRB, Kundapura / Singapore

    Sun, Aug 24 2014

    I welcome state government for following Hindu tradition (for so called non-believer) while cremation...

    Thanks for finally surrendering to belief which all these days you were calling as superstitious....

    DisAgree [19] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jayaram, Kinnigoli

    Sun, Aug 24 2014

    Celebration over?

    DisAgree [7] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • RSRB, Kundapura / Singapore

    Sun, Aug 24 2014

    Jayaram, Kinnigoli

    Celebrations are done only one day as per tradition. As your name ends with Ram, you must be knowing Hindu tradition better than me.....:-)

    Coming back to the present news, can you explain why this government (which considers Hindu rituals are superstitious) does such ritual to a person who does not believe in the Hindu Gods & rituals....??

    Hope you are happy that people believe in Hindu rituals at last..:-) and all these "superstitious drama" is only to dividing communities....

    DisAgree [15] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jayaram, Kinnigoli

    Sun, Aug 24 2014

    RSRB

    Who gave authority to write on behalf of Hindu's in this forum?

    DisAgree [13] Agree [19] Report Abuse

  • Praveen Bangera, Kaup/Dubai

    Sun, Aug 24 2014

    Mr. U.R. Ananthamurthy was a greatest writers like SALMAN RUSHDEE and TASLEEMA NASREEN. He was very similar or exactly same as these above mentioned writers. India has lost a Salman Rushdee

    DisAgree [11] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • sathish jm, kumpala/dubai

    Sun, Aug 24 2014

    Well said Praveen, but pseudo seculars may not digest your comparison. Thankfully URA was not given any Fatwa unlike Salman and Tasleema because he was born in this great Nation which truly believes tolerance.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Gurudath, M'lore/Mumbai

    Sun, Aug 24 2014

    URA was a true democrat according to a report by TOI. A new definition for democrat - a person who threatens to quit the country if his countrymen democratically elect a person whom he doesn't like.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mohandas Kapikad, Mangaluru

    Sat, Aug 23 2014

    The person who wrote most of time against Hinduism & Brahmanical culture, had finally been cremated as per the tradition of Brahmanical culture. Perhaps he should have been balanced then, & respected the Sanathana Dharma.

    Anyway, now may his sould Rest in Peace.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Praveen Bangera, Kaup/Dubai

    Sat, Aug 23 2014

    I dont understand why he is been cremated as per the vedic or Hindu ritual. He was an atheist so why Hindu rituals.....

    DisAgree [5] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • vellano1, Mumbai

    Sat, Aug 23 2014

    Greatest disservice one could do is this! He was a rational thinking man, without any belief in GOD, and vaidik/vedic rituals! using 50Kg sandalwood, ghee and Janiwar on his son, and going by gangajal and rest of the rituals, which he hated in his own wisdom- Family should have discarded this! may be donating body to a medical college woudl have been fitting tribute to him! but all people are not wise, u see!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mahendra Shetty, Mumbai Mangalore

    Sat, Aug 23 2014


    ANANTHA MURTHY WANTED TO LEAVE INDIA BUT GOD ASKED HIM TO LEAVE THE WORLD.....

    THE PERSON SHOULD RESPECT THE FAITH OF PEOPLE AND THE GOD, IT MAY BE ANY RELIGION IT DOESN'T MATTER.

    DisAgree [23] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mohammed Ilyas, byndoor/Dubai.U.A.E

    Sat, Aug 23 2014

    Great Loss to Every humanity.

    DisAgree [14] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Bangalore: Ananthamurthy cremated with full state honours



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