S L Bhyrappa is a Kannada novelist, whose works are immensely popular both within and beyond Karnataka. Widely regarded as one of India’s foremost writers, his novels are unique in terms of theme, structure, and characterisation. Recipient of ‘Saraswathi Samman’ for Mandra, Bhyrappa has the honour of receiving many other awards as well.  His novels are translated into almost all Indian languages including Sanskrit and English.

R. Ranganath Prasad worked for a public sector bank. He resigned voluntarily halfway through, and took interest in translation (English, Kannada, and Hindi). Eventually, he sought out true scholars – Dr S.L. Bhyrappa and Dr R. Ganesh – to benefit from their knowledge and wisdom. He participates in literary study circles, wherein classical Sanskrit and Kannada literature is studied under the guidance of Dr R. Ganesh. Initiated to metrical versification, he has penned about a thousand verses and participates in the performing literary art called Avadhanam.