On account of the holiday declared by the Government of Karnataka on 24th December 2013, due to the sad demise of Rashtrakavi Dr B S Shivaridrappa, all the Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belgaum, regular semester examinations scheduled on 24th December 2013 have been postponed.
The new examination date is scheduled on 4th January 2014.
VTU offers deep condolences for the death of Rashtrakavi Dr. G.S. Shivarudrappa said Dr. H. Maheshappa, Vice Chancellor, VTU, Belgaum.
In a condolence meeting organised at the VTU, Belgaum he said the eminent writer was awarded the title of Rashtrakavi by the Government of Karnataka in 2006. He was the third Kannada poet to be honoured with the prestigious title of "Rashtrakavi", after his mentor and guide Shri Kuvempu and Shri Manjeswara Govinda Pai. He was known for his writings which offered a fine combination of artistry and social commitment.
He received the Central Sahitya Akademi Award in 1984 for his literary contribution. He has also bagged several awards including the Karnataka State Sahitya Academy Award, Nadoja Award and Soviet Land Nehru Award. He presided over the Akhila Bharatiya Kannada Sahitya Sammelana held in Davanagere in 1992.
The literary world of Kannada has suffered a heavy loss in the death of Dr. G. S. Shivarudrappa, he said.