Google today celebrates the 113th birthday of famous Kannada poet and author- Kuppali Venkatappa Puttappa. He was a renowned 20th century novelist from Karnataka, famously known by his pen name Kuvempu.

The doodle of today designed by illustrator Upamanyu Bhattacharyya and Swati Shelar, who helped with the Kannada lettering shows Kuvempu writing on paper with a picturesque view in his background. There's a serene river, greenery-laden mountains, clear cloud and a house in the distant, in the backdrop. Kuvempu himself is seen seated on a rock and enjoying his writing.

Munjane Manjinolu Pasuralli nadevaaga Anjisuva Sanjeyolu Usirannu yelevaagaY ele poove aalisuve Naa ninna geeteyanu Yele poove solisuve Naa ninna preetiyanu!

It means...

Amidst the early morning dew

alking 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!

These are the verses of the poem titled 'Poovu' (the flower) by Kuvempu. His literary work reflect the simple wonder of the world around him. The poem Poovu talks about the flower.

Born on December 29, 1904 in the Kuppalli village of Shimoga district, Kuvempu's early education was done by a teacher from Dakshina Kannada district at his home. He joined the Anglo-Vernacular school in Tirthahalli to continue his middle school education. He finished his lower and secondary education in Kannada and English languages in Thirthahalli and moved to Mysore for further education at the Wesleyan High School. He completed his college studies at the Maharaja College of Mysore and graduated in 1929, majoring in Kannada.

Kuvempu in 1929 began his academic career as a lecturer of Kannada language in Mysore and also served an assistant professor in the Central college, Bangalore from 1936. In 1955, he was appointed as the Principal of Maharajas college in 1955. In 1956 he was selected as the Vice-Chancellor of Mysore University where he served till retirement in 1960. He was the first graduate from Mysore University to rise to that position.

Kuvempu is regarded as one of the greatest writers of 20th century. He was against evil practices like casteism and other misbelieves in the name of rituals. His work reflect his resentment for these practices. Shoodra Tapaswi (untouchable saint) is a classic example of this. He also gave a new perspective to Ramayana for which he received the prestigious Jnanpith award. He was also conferred the Padma Vibushan award by the Government of India in 1988.