Baraguru Ramachandrappa

Baraguru Ramachandrappa (born 18 October 1947) is an Indian essayist, lyricist, screenwriter, film director, socialist, writer, novelist, predominantly works in Kannada language and President of the Textbook Revision Committee, in Karnataka Text Books Society (KTBS) from May 2015. In 2008, he was given an honorary doctorate by the Kuvempu University and Rani Channamma University, Belagavi, Karnataka.

Ramachandrappa won the National Film Award for Best Lyrics in 2002 for "Baruthe Ve Nav Baruthe Ve" in the film Thaayi and was given the Pampa Award in 2011 by the Government of Karnataka for his contribution to Kannada literature. His directorial debut film, Ondu Oorina Kathe (1978), fetched him the State award for best story writer for the year 1978–79. Since then, he has been the recipient of several awards, both national and international. His novel Suntaragali won the Karnataka Sahitya Academy award.

Biography
Ramachandrappa was born to Kenchamma and Rangadasappa in Baraguru village in the Tumkur district, Karnataka state. After completing his studies, he worked as a professor in the Kannada department of Bangalore University. He was the president of the Kannada Sahitya Academy for two years. He has made notable contributions as the Chairman of Kannada Development Authority as well as a member of various educational institutions, Doordarshan, literary and film based organizations. His contribution to Kannada literature includes novels, collection of poetry, short stories, drama, edition of other works and research and criticism for which he was awarded by the Karnataka Sahitya Academy. Class based society and its challenges is a theme that is well expressed in his creative works.

Literary works
Research and criticism
 * Saahithya Matthu Raajakaarana
 * Samskruthi Mattu Srujanasheelathe
 * Bandaaya Sahithya Meemanse
 * Samskruthi - Upa samskruthi
 * Vartamaana
 * Rajakeeya chinthane
 * Samskruthi: Shrama mattu srujanasheelathe
 * Parampareyondige Pisumathu
 * Kannada Sahityavemba Swatantrya Horata
 * Shabdavillada Yuddha
 * Cinema Ondu Janapada Kale
 * Maryaadastha Manushyaraagona

Novels
 * Sootra
 * Ukkina Kote
 * Ondu Oorina Kathe
 * Benki
 * Surya
 * Sangappana Saahasagalu
 * Seelu Nela
 * Bharatha Nagari
 * Gaagina Mane
 * Swapna Mantapa
 * Shabari

Collections of poems
 * Kanasina Kannik
 * Marakutika
 * Nettaralli Nenda Hoovu
 * Gulaama Geethe
 * Maguvina Haadu
 * Kaantesadalli Kavya (anthology)

Short stories
 * Suntaragaali
 * Kappu Nelada Kempu Kaalu
 * Ondu Oorina Kathegalu (anthology)

Drama
 * Kappu halage
 * Kote

Awards

 * Karnataka State Film Awards
 * 1978–79: Best Story Writer – Ondu Oorina Kathe
 * 1978–79: Best Dialogue Writer – Ondu Oorina Kathe
 * 1983-84: Second Best Film - Benki'
 * 1983–84: Best Story Writer - Benki
 * 1986–87: Second Best Film - Surya
 * 1988–89: Jury Special Award (Lyrics) – Kote
 * 1996–97: Best Film of Social Concern - Karadipura
 * 1996–97: Best Dialogue Writer - Janumada Jodi
 * 1999–00: Best Story Writer - Hagalu Vesha
 * 1999–00: Best Lyricist - Hagalu Vesha
 * 2002–03: Second Best Film - Kshaama
 * 2003–04: Second Best Film - Shanthi
 * 2005–06: Best Film of Social Concern - Thayi
 * 2005–06: Best Lyricist - Thayi
 * 2007–08: Best Children's Film - Ekalavya
 * 2008–09: Best Story Writer - Ugragami
 * 2009–10: Best Film of Social Concern - Shabari
 * 2011: Best Lyricist - Bhagirathi
 * 2012: Best Story Writer - Angulimala
 * 2014: Puttanna Kanagal Award

Filmography
Ramachandrappa has been making films for more than thirty years. His debut film Ondu Oorina Kathe won him the Best Story Writer Award, Karnataka Government Film Awards in 1978. He has made several documentaries and most of his thirteen feature films have won either a Karnataka State Award or a National Film Award. His film Shanti, with only one artist entered the Guinness Book of World Records. In 2014 Karnataka State "Puttanna Kanagal Award" (Puttanna Kanagal was among the front runners in Kannada cinema's most successful film directors. In his memory and honor, this award is presented to the directors every year during the Karnataka State Awards function).