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About Lalitha Kolala siddabasavaiah
She is an established Kannada writer & a published author of more than 10 award winning books. Her 25 years of long literary journey’s genre spans across Short & long poetry, Plays, Stories, Translations, Vimarshe/Reviews, Essays, Articles, Skits, Anthology etc. Her unique writing style is admirable primarily because it’s rooted in native wisdom which is experiential in nature. Heavily personalized expression which is truly felt by a writer is bound to have a universal appeal. Her control over words/ language prowess/ vocabulary stands out & makes the entire reading experience enjoyable & impactful
She is a living example of a woman breaking all the stereotypes possible. She is well educated, worked for 28 years, equal bread earner of her family, managed/still managing home & 2 kids along with her work, courage to quit her job to pursue her passion for writing & making it count by earning a name for herself in the literary world. She definitely lucked out with a supportive partner who stood by her through thick & thin.
Snapshot of her – personal life, work contribution to the kannada literature world & earned recognition
Birth place – koratagere, Tumakuru district. Karnataka.
Date of birth – 27th Feb 1955
Parents:
Father – Late N Siddalingaiah. School Teacher. Koratagere/Jatti agrahara
Mother – Late R Puttammanni, Koratagere/Teetha grama. She is from a family of freedom fighters. First lady to pass lower secondary exams in her village/town
Education – BSc degree in Biology from Tumkur university. Subjects chosen for Bachelor of Science – CBZ – Chemistry, Biology, Zoology
Employment – State government of Karnataka employee for 28 years and took Voluntary retirement in 2000
Family:
Husband – Kolala Siddabasavaiah. BA (Bachelor of Arts) & MA (Master of Arts) in Kannada from Bangalore university – Jnana Bharati. Retired vice principal/Kannada Adyapak. Owner of Chinmayi prakashana & Vijaya pragati newspaper. Presently, visiting adyapak for various colleges in Bangalore
Son – Dr Gurudut Kolala. Doctor by profession. HoD – Forensic medicine at government medical college Belagavi
Daughter – Chinmayi Kolala. Marketing professional. Working with startups & MNCs
Daughter in law – Dr Peeyoosha Nitsure. Doctor by profession. HoD – physiotherapy at KLE Belagavi
Grand Daughter – Spruha Kolala Gurudut
BOOKS PUBLISHED & OTHER PROJECTS
1. MODALA SIRI – POETRY. Published in 2001
2. IHADA SWARA – POETRY. Published in 2002
3. BIDI HARALU – POETRY. Published in 2002
4. KEBBE NELA – POETRY. Published in 2004
5. DARI NENTA – POETRY. Published in 2007
6. KARE PARAKKA MATTU ITARA KAVITEGALU – POETRY (to be part of Samagra Sahitya)
7. MR. CHATRAPATHY – Hasya Lekhana/ SKITS. Published in 2001
8. INNONDU SABHA PARWA – DRAMA/PLAY. Published in 2010 (Interesting interpretation/Contemporary take on Draupadi’s character is refreshing to read)
9. SPHATIKA – ANTHOLAGY OF 1000 SAYINGS OF SRI SRI SHIVACHARYA SWAMI JI, A COLLECTIVE WORK
10. AANEGHATTA & other stories
AWARDS/RECOGNITION
1. B M shreekantayya/B M Shri Kavya Prashasti for Modala siri kavana sankalana – 2001
2. Karnataka Sahitya academy pustaka award for Ihada swara kavana sankalana – 2002
3. P T Narasimha achar award for Kebbe nela kavana sankalana – 2004
4. Manika bai pateela mahila kavya award for kebbe nela – 2004
5. Kavyananda award for daari nenta kavana sankalana – 2010
6. Karnataka Sahitya academy pustaka award for Innondu Sabha parwa nataka/play – 2010
7. Ajoora sahitya award for Innondu Sabha parwa nataka/play – 2011
8. Sudha Murthy Infosys foundation award for Daari nenta kavana sankalana -2011
9. Dr Vijaya Subbaraj ganya lekhaki award for Samagra sahitya – 2019
10. Prof H G sannaguddayya Smaraka pratishthana kavya prashasti
11. Kebbe nela kavana sankalana was chosen by Dharwad university/Dharwad vishwa vidya nilaya as part of their text book for MA students
12. Innondu Sabha Parwa Drama has been staged as a play at Ranga Shankara, Bangalore Theatre & Gubbi Veeranaa Rangamandira. It’s also chosen for youth rangotsava
13. Play “Innondu sabha parwa” is chosen by Akka Mahadevi Mahila university to be part of their text book for post graduate/MA students
14. More than 40 poems have been chosen by Karnataka P U board & various other universities as part of their text books to teach students
15. Invited by Sahitya Akademi for Multilingual poets’ meet which happened in Delhi on the occasion of international mother language day – 2019
Pics credit – Family, Friends & respective photographer of the event
CONTACT DETAILS
PRESENT ADDRESS
Lalitha Siddabasavaiah
No 4B. Shalom Manor Country side Layout
Opposite to Wipro corporate office
Sarjapura Road
BENGALURU – 560035
9972627926 – mobile
8748847201 – whatsapp
Normally, 8 out 10 we Indians won’t persue further our passion for the way our society is structured. If we do pursue, for sure will have more achievers then any other developed countries. Smt. Lalitha Siddabasavaiah is an example to big bracket of we 80% Indians to take one’s passion to high level and there by contribute to growth of our society and try breaking norms. Thanks Chinmayi for publishing this well documented article. It is required for coming generations to refer. Finally, proud to mention that Smt Lalitha Siddabasavaiah is my aunt and she does has influence in my life too.
Thanks Mahesh(Babu) anna for your heartfelt comment 🫶 Completely agree with your point of view 👍
Lalitha (ajji), I am so proud of everything you have achieved! Your journey as a Kannada writer, with more than ten award-winning books, is so inspiring. It’s amazing how you’ve managed to balance such a successful career in the Karnataka state government, take care of family, and still follow your passion for writing. Your stories, poems, plays, and essays are not only unique but also filled with wisdom and creativity. Winning awards like the Karnataka Sahitya Academy awards and having your plays performed in big venues shows how talented you are. You’ve broken so many stereotypes and proved that anything is possible with hard work and passion. I look up to you so much!
Thank you sooo much Monisha (Nishu). Ajji is extremely happy to read her grand daughter’s evolved, kind & generous words. Loads of love 🫶
Loved reading about Aunty! She is an inspiration for all is us! Thank of Chinmayi for sharing this chronicle about her with us!
Heartening to see your comment Swat.Thank you sooo much. Mom keeps remembering you 🫶
Wow! Simply incredible..what a remarkable life .. wonderful achievements filled with so many accolades.Truly a woman breaking all stereotypes possible.
As always, feels good to read your responses. Thank you so much for your encouraging & kind words Sushma aunty. Coming from you – It means a lot to me 🫶
ಲಲಿತ ಸಿದ್ಧಬಸವಯ್ಯನವರು ಬದುಕಿನ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗಳನ್ನು ಸವಾಲುಗಳನ್ನಾಗಿ ಸ್ವೀಕರಿಸಿ,
ಅಸಾಧ್ಯವಾದದ್ದು ಯಾವುದೂ ಇಲ್ಲ,ಶ್ರಮ ಶ್ರದ್ಧೆ,ಮನಸ್ಸಿದ್ದರೆ ಎಲ್ಲವೂ ಸಾಧ್ಯವೆಂದು,ಸಾಧಕರಿಗೆ ಮಾದರಿಯಾಗಿರುವರು. ಇವರ ಕವನಗಳ-ಕೃತಿಗಳ ವಿಶೇಷತೆ ಎಂದರೆ…..
ವರ್ತಮಾನದ ವಾಸ್ತವಿಕ ಸಂಗತಿಗಳನ್ನು ಒಳವಿವರಣೆಗಳೊಂದಿಗೆ ಸೃಜನಶೀಲವಾಗಿ ಕವಿತೆಯನ್ನು ರಚಿಸುವುದು ಹಾಗೂ ಕಣ್ಮರೆಯಾಗುತ್ತಿರುವ ಪ್ರಾದೇಶಿಕ ಸೊಬಗನ್ನು ತಿಳಿಸುವುದಾಗಿದೆ.ಪದವಿಪೂರ್ವ,ಸ್ನಾತಕ ಮತ್ತು ಸ್ನಾತಕೋತ್ತರ ಪದವಿ ತರಗತಿಗಳ ಪಠ್ಯಕ್ರಮದಲ್ಲಿ 40 ಕವನಗಳು ಬೋಧಿಸಲ್ಪಡುತ್ತಿವೆ.ಪ್ರಬುದ್ಧ ಸಮಾಜದಲ್ಲಿ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳು ಜೀವನದ ಮೌಲ್ಯಗಳನ್ನು ತಿಳಿಯಲು ಸಹಕಾರಿಯಾಗಿದೆ.
ಸಾಹಿತ್ಯಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಗಣನೀಯವಾದ ಸಾಧನೆ ಮಾಡಿ ಅನೇಕ ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿ ,ಪುರಸ್ಕಾರಗಳಿಗೆ ಭಾಜನನಾಗಿರುವ ಲಲಿತಾ ಸಿದ್ಧಬಸವಯ್ಯನವರು ಕನ್ನಡ ಸಾರಸ್ವತಲೋಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಅಜರಾಮರವಾಗಿರಲೆಂದು ಆಶಿಸುತ್ತೇನೆ.ಮುಂದಿನ ಯುವಪೀಳಿಗೆಯವರು ಪ್ರೇರೇಪಣೆಯಿಂದ ಕವಯಿತ್ರಿಯ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಅತ್ಯುತ್ತಮವಾಗಿ ಪರಿಪೂರ್ಣ ಮಾಹಿತಿ ತಿಳಿಯುವಂತೆ ಮಾಡಿದ ಚಿನ್ಮಯಿಯವರಿಗೆ ಧನ್ಯವಾದ.
ಜ್ಞಾನದಗಣಿಯಾಗಿರುವ ಲಲಿತಾ ಸಿದ್ಧಬಸವಯ್ಯನವರು ನನಗೆ ದೊಡ್ಡಮ್ಮ ಹಾಗೂ ಮಾರ್ಗದರ್ಶಕರೆಂದು ಹೇಳಲು ಹೆಮ್ಮೆ ಪಡುತ್ತೇನೆ.
Eshtu chennagi haagu arthapurnavagi barediruve Kokila (pinkz) akka. Dhanyavadagalu. Amma ninna kannada baravanige nodi tumba khushi aadaru. Thanks 🫶
Lalithasiddabasavaiah is a great writer…you have such a unique perspective ..your writing always surprises me in the best way ” ..your writing is so well-researched and thorough.i am impressed …You make it seem so effortless, but we know you must have worked hard on this…your stories are really grabbed everyone.i love the way you structured it. I love how you write about Grameena culture. I am not much able to tell about this but you made it so proud and interesting….i hope you will keep writing .i must *need * more of this….i am very proud to be part of ur family Doddamma ….Thank u so much…
Thank you sooo much Mona for your thoughtful words. You have always been a constant support & we are more than happy to have you as part of our family 🫶
Many Congratulations Mam
Such beautiful journey.. always so thoughtful
As a
Thank you so much Aditi for your support & good words 🫶
Feel lucky & blessed to be your daughter 🤗 Don’t know how you managed to achieve so much with almost near zero noise/news.You are an unassuming individual with such an active & enterprising mind.Proud of you mommy – loads of love 🫶
✨ What an incredible achievement, Aunty! ✨
I’m beyond proud of you! It takes immense courage to chase your passion and reach such amazing heights. You’ve set an inspiring example for the younger generation — truly a role model for all of us! 🙌💪
Chinmayi, you’ve done an amazing job bringing it all together. Thank you for sharing this, I loved every bit of it! 💖
Thanks a lot Rohini(Rosh). There’s so much warmth in your words 🫶 Mom remembers you very fondly. Do visit us when u come to India next time. U have seen her journey since childhood & so, means a lot coming from you
A happy moment to cherish and share my heartfelt thoughts about my mom-in-law, a personality who has significantly impacted and influenced me on personal front. Firstly, I would like to congratulate Ms. Chinmayi (Daughter of Lalitha Amma) for taking this thoughtful step by highlighting amma’s biography and achievements which were need of the hour. Because Lalitha amma has always been a silent achiever, and maintained a low profile by allowing her achievements speak for herself. She also has a great impact and influence on people involved in Kannada literature world. She is a prolific writer, touching up on various fields of life in her unique and innovative style of writing that has been praised by many and has inspired many new generation writers. She is a natural. Her dedication, intellectual curiosity, generosity and humility, and her fearless conviction have earned her reputation and awards. May god give her health, happiness and more recognition in years to come. Lastly, herewith a proud daughter in law (ME) has tried to give a very honest and unexaggerated thoughts straight from heart.
Thanks a lot Peeyoosha bhabi. As always, thoughtful choice of words & i know, you mean it. You have been extremely supportive of mom’s journey. Feels good to read your generous & kind words. You have expressed beautifully & aptly. Loads of love 🫶
ಹಾಯ್ ಲಲಿತಾ ಇವರು ನನ್ನ ಅಕ್ಕ ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಲುಬಹಳಹೆಮ್ಮೆ ಎನಿಸುತ್ತದೆ ಒಂದೇಮರದ ಹಣ್ಣುಗಳಾದರೂ ರುಚಿ ವಿಭಿನ್ನ ಹಾಗೆ ಒಂದೇ ತಾಯಿ ಮಕ್ಕಳಾದರೂ ಅವರುಗಳು ಚಾಣಾಕ್ಷತೆ ಚುರುಕುತನ ಜ್ಞಾನಾರ್ಜನೆ ಎಲ್ಲವೂ ವಿಭಿನ್ನವಾಗಿರುತ್ತವೆ ಹಾಗೆಯೇ ನಮ್ಮಕ್ಕನ ಸಾಹಿತ್ಯದ ವೈಖರಿ ಬರವಣೆಗೆಯ ಕೌಶಲ್ಯ ಉನ್ನತ ಮಟ್ಟವಾದುದು ಅವರು ಬರೆದಿರುವ ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಂದು ಕವನ ಸಂಕಲನ ಮಿ,ಛತ್ರಪತಿ ಹಾಸ್ಯಭರಿತ ಪುಸ್ತಕ ನನಗೆ ಬಹಳ ಪ್ರಿಯವಾದದ್ದು ಇನ್ನೂಂದು ಸಭಾಪರ್ವ ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕದ ಸಾರಾಂಶ ಮನದಲ್ಲಿ ಅಚ್ಚಳಿಯದೆ ಉಳಿಯುತ್ತದೆ
ನಿಮಗೆ ಇನ್ನಷ್ಟು ಮತ್ತಷ್ಟು ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿಗಳು ಬಿರುದು ನಿಮ್ಮ ಮುಡಿ ಏರಲಿ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಕೀರ್ತಿ ಕನ್ನಡನಾಡಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಜ್ವಲಿಸಲೆಂದು ಆ ಭಗವಂತನಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಾರ್ಥಿಸುವೆ
Thank you so much Chikki (chikamma). Preeti inda bareda olleya maathugalu odi tumba Khushi aaytu. Amma na journey ya prati stage allu neevu supportive aagi protsaha needidira. Ammanige nimma comment tumba ishta aaytu. Loads of love 🫶
ಅಮ್ಮ words fall short to describe your achievements, passion, dedication, knowledge – the whole persona.
ಅಮ್ಮ you have impeccably managed home, family, job and passion for literature.
Your unsatiable hunger for reading, power of grasping, unhindered flow of thoughts, deep rooted desi culture, absolute command on the language – make you an institution by yourself.
Blessed to be your son and learn and imbibe qualities from you🙏🙏
Ever grateful for my dear sister Chinmayi for such amazing job of gathering and perfectly assimilating the works and achievements of ಅಮ್ಮ
Loved the way you have expressed my dearestest Mr Dut. Agree that she is an inspiration + an instuition in herself. More power to our Mom. Least i could do for her – is to put it together. Thank u 🫶
ಈಗಿನ ಪೀಳಿಗೆಗೆ ಬೇಕಿರುವಂತ ಅತಿ ಮುಖ್ಯವಾದಂತ ವಿಷಯಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ಜೀವನಕ್ಕೆ ಬೇಕಿರುವಂತಹ ಮೌಲ್ಯಗಳನ್ನು ನಿಮ್ಮ ಕಥೆ ಕವನಗಳು ಸಂಕಲನಗಳಿಂದ ದಾರಿ ದೀಪವಾಗಿದೆ. ನಿಮ್ಮ ಜೀವನದ ಸಾಧನೆಗೆ ಜೊತೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಬಂದಿರುವ ನಿಮ್ಮೆಲ್ಲಾ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ಕುಟುಂಬದವರು ನಿಮ್ಮ ಸಾಧನೆಯ ಜೊತೆಯಲ್ಲಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಎಂದು ಹಾಗೆ ತಿಳಿದಿರುವುದು ನಮಗೆ ತುಂಬಾ ಖುಷಿಯಾಗಿದೆ.
Thanks a lot Yoga. Neenu kannada dalli barediruvudannu odi ammanige tumba Khushi aaytu. Thanks for always being supportive 🫶
ಚಿಕ್ಕಮ್ಮನ ಹೆಸರು ಹೆಸರಿಸೋದೆ ನನ್ನ ಹೆಮ್ಮೆಯ ವಿಷಯ. ನನ್ನ ಜೀವನದಲ್ಲಿ ಅಮ್ಮನ ಮೇಲೆ ಇಷ್ಟೇ ಪ್ರೀತಿಯು ಮತ್ತು ಗೌರವವು ಚಿಕ್ಕಮ್ಮನ ಮೇಲೂ ಇದೆ. ಅಮ್ಮನ ಜೊತೆಯ ನೆನಪುಗಳಿಗಿಂತ ಚಿಕ್ಕಮ್ಮನ ಜೊತೆ ಕಳೆಯಿದ ಕ್ಷಣಗಳು ನನ್ನ ಮನಸಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಹೆಚ್ಚಾಗಿ ಉಳಿದಿವೆ. ತಮ್ಮ ಸಂಸಾರದ ನಿರ್ವಹಣೆಯ ಜೊತೆಗೆ ಸಾಹಿತ್ಯ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಅವರು ಸಾಧಿಸಿರುವುದು ನಮ್ಮ ಮನೆಗೆ ಮಾತ್ರವಲ್ಲ, ನಮ್ಮ ಕುಟುಂಬಕ್ಕೂ ಹೆಮ್ಮೆ ತರುತ್ತದೆ. ಅವರ ಸಾಹಿತ್ಯ ಕೃತಿಗಳು ತಮ್ಮ ಜೀವನದ ಪ್ರತಿಬಿಂಬ ಮಾತ್ರವಲ್ಲ, ಓದುಗರ ಹೃದಯಕ್ಕೂ ಹತ್ತಿರವಾಗಿವೆ.
ಅವರ ಈ ಸಾಧನೆ ಹೆಮ್ಮರವಾಗಿ ಬೆಳೆಯಲಿ, ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಜನರಿಗೆ ಹಾಸುಹೊಕ್ಕಾಗಲಿ, ಮತ್ತು ಹೊಸ ಪೀಳಿಗೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಸ್ಫೂರ್ತಿಯ ಉತ್ಸಾಹವಾಗಲಿ
Thank u soooo much Mala akka 🤗
Manaspurthiyagi bardidira. Sooo much warmth & respect in your words. Neevu ammanige chikkorinda yavagalu encourage maadidira.You are mom’s favorite. Ammanige odi tumba Khushi aaytu. Loads of love 🫶
Am really fascinated by the person – Smt. Lalitha Kolala Siddabasavaiah(Chikkamma…). Her hunger for knowledge, creativity n adaptability are the things I like the most…She is up-to-date in everything ,be it the way of thinking , the approach to life, her great literary works (words , expressions,…) n so on…
I was very much impressed by the play “Inondu Sabha Parva,” which was originally based on her work.It made me to think , a whole new different perspective of draupadi ….hats-off to her imagination….
I wish she get’s many, many more awards and recognition which she deserves, in the future ….
Amazing job, chinni, to have created a page about Smt.Lalitha kolala siddabasavaih (chikkamma)… What better way other than this to have done to put her works n achievements at one place….
Thank you so much Sapna Bhabi for your generous & thoughtful words. Beautifully expressed. I remember you & doddamma coming to Ranga Shankara theatre to watch her play “innondu Sabha parwa”. It’s my favorite as well. Thanks for being a supportive participant of our journey🫶
What a truly inspiring story! May be these are the stories of success and empowerment of women that need to be told , more often.a working mother, literary genius a loving human being , a woman can have it all.Kudos Aunty!
Thanks a lot Indu for your encouraging & warm words 🫶 Mom keeps remembering you. Visit us when u come to India/Bangalore
Aunty i feel happy and proud to be connected with you so closely…. Always welcome see you as inspiration… You are like complete package…. Have bought up both of your kids so well and successful…. mainly I always respect the simplicity and humbleness you show with everyone….
Also I fee proud to see bringing up to ourself with the trend… Be it anything…
Thanks a lot G3 for your heartfelt words. U have always appreciated Mom’s journey & expressed it generously on many occasions. As u know, Mom’s equally fond of you 🫶
It’s my pleasure to know Aunty personally. Her passion of writing makes my daughter inspired everytime I talk about Aunty’s work. You are the true inspiration for young generation!
You are always generous with your encouraging words. Mom & I appreciate that about you 🫶Thanks for your kind words Anjali