Bangalore: The final rites of well-known Kannada poet and Rashtrakavi Dr G.S. Shivarudrappa were performed on Thursday evening at Kalagrama, Nagarabhavi. Around 3,000 well-wishers, fans and dignitaries from different walks of life witnessed the final journey of the deceased poet.
The body of GSS, as he was popularly known, which was kept at KIMS hospital, was brought to his house at Banashankari II stage in the morning. Well known Kannada writer Chennaveera Kanavi and Dr Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Swami of Suttur Mutt were among those who paid their last respects.
As per the wishes of GSS, poem recital programmes were organised at both Kannada Sahithya Parishat as well as Ravindra Kalakshetra. Noted singers Shimoga Subbanna, B.K. Sumitra, M.D. Pallavi, Rameschandra and Kikkeri Krishnamurthy sang the poems of GSS and his contemporary writers.
As many as 50 poems were sung at Kalakshetra. More than 10,000 people paid their last respects. The body of the stalwart was taken in a cortege from Kalakshetra along Mysore Road. Well known thinker and son-in-law of GSS, K.S. Maralusiddappa, elder son Jayadeva, younger son Dr Shivaprasad and eminent singer Muddukrishna accompanied the body till Kalagrama.
Thousands of people stood on both sides of the road and paid rich tributes. Both wives of GSS, Rudrani and Padmavati were present at the time of final rites. As per the last wishes of the poet, the final rites were also kept simple. Instead of sandalwood, the district administration arranÂged firewood from teakwood and nilgiri trees. 50 kg of ghee was also used for the last rites. According to the family members, the ashes will be immersed in Cauvery on Friday.
