Introduction
Vinayaka Krishna Gokak (9 August 1909 – 28 April 1992), often abbreviated as Vi. Kru. Gokak, was a distinguished Indian writer in the Kannada language and a prominent scholar in English and Kannada literature. He was the fifth recipient of the Jnanpith Award in 1990 for his epic Bharatha Sindhu Rashmi, which explores themes from the Vedic age and is noted as one of the longest epic narratives of the 20th century. Gokak was also honored with the Padma Shri in 1961 for his contributions to literature, particularly for his work Dyava Prithvi.
1. Academic Life
Born into a Deshastha Brahmin family on 9 August 1909 to Sundarabai and Krishna Rao, Gokak received his education at Majid High School in Savanur and Karnataka College in Dharawada. He later earned first-class honors from the University of Oxford. Upon returning to India in 1938, he served as the principal of Willingdon College in Sangli and later held the same position at Rajaram College in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, from 1950 to 1952. Gokak was the president of the Sahitya Akademi from 1983 to 1987, and he also served as the director of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study in Shimla and the Central Institute of English in Hyderabad. As a devotee of spiritual guru Sathya Sai Baba, Gokak was the first vice-chancellor of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning in Puttaparthi from 1981 to 1985.
2. Literary Career and Success
Gokak was a prolific writer, deeply influenced by the Kannada poet D.R. Bendre, who encouraged him in his early literary pursuits. He adopted the pen name Vinayaka and produced significant works throughout his career. His epic, Bharatha Sindhu Rashmi, spans 35,000 lines and is celebrated for its poetic depth and narrative richness.
His novel Samarasave Jeevana was translated into English by his daughter, Yashodhara Bhat, under the title The Agony and the Ecstasy, gaining international recognition. Gokak was actively involved in the Gokak agitation in the 1980s, which advocated for Kannada to be recognized as the primary medium of instruction in schools in Karnataka.
Gokak's writing often reflected his interests in religion, philosophy, education, and cultural dynamics. His experiences studying abroad inspired him to write two sets of travelogues, while his poetry demonstrated influences from Victorian poetry, oral traditions in Kannada storytelling, and Sanskrit epics.
Some notable poetry collections by Gokak include:
- Samudra Geethegalu
- Baaladeguladalli
- Abhyudaya
- Dyava Prithvi (which won the Kendra Sahitya Academy Award)
- Urnabha
Gokak also edited an anthology titled The Golden Treasury of Indo-Anglican Poetry, showcasing poets like Sri Aurobindo, Sarojini Naidu, Toru Dutt, Nissim Ezekiel, and Kamala Das.
Deeply influenced by Sathya Sai Baba, Gokak became a prominent voice for translating the guru's teachings into English, notably in his book The Advent of Sathya Sai, which discusses the meaning behind the guru's miracles and his social contributions.
3. Honors and Awards
Gokak received numerous accolades for his literary contributions, including:
- Presidency of the 40th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana in 1958
- Honorary doctorates from Karnatak University
- Honorary doctorates from Pacific University, USA
- Central Sahitya Akademi Award for Dyava Prithvi in 1961
- Jnanpith Award for Bharatha Sindhu Rashmi in 1990
The state of Karnataka commemorates his birth anniversary on 9 August each year with various literary events to celebrate his contributions to literature.
4. Conclusion
Vinayaka Krishna Gokak's profound impact on Kannada literature and his scholarly contributions have left an indelible mark on the literary landscape of India. His works continue to resonate with readers, inspiring future generations to explore the richness of Kannada and English literature.
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