Bolwar Mahammad Kunhi

Bolwar Mahammad Kunhi (born 1951) is an Indian short story writer, novelist, playwright and scriptwriter. He writes in the Kannada language.[1] He is the first Indian writer to introduce Muslim ethos and culture into creative Kannada prose. He is the only Indian writer conferred with Central Sahitya Academy twice for creative prose.[2] He is the first ever Kannada writer conferred with Bala Sahitya Puraskar by Central Sahitya Academy.

Bolwar Mahamad Kunhi
Born (1951-10-22) 22 October 1951
Puttur, Puttur taluk, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka
Pen nameBolwar
OccupationRetired Chief Manager, Syndicate Bank (December 1972 to October 2011); Chief Publicity Manager
NationalityIndian
GenreShort stories, novels, plays, biographies
Literary movementActivist working against radicalization of youth towards religious extremism
SpouseJubeda Bolwar
ChildrenMamthaz, Benazir

His works have been translated into other Indian languages including English. His work focuses on erasing misconceptions about Islam in India and nurturing a more positive outlook towards Islam. A post-graduate with a gold medal in Kannada literature from Mysore University, Bolwar is a retired chief manager for Syndicate Bank's Bangalore Corporate Office.[1]

Works

This writer edited what is considered the finest work ever produced in Kannada for children – Tattu Chappale Putta Magu, a collection of over 100 poems and Santammanna, an anthology of illustrated poems.[3] He edited 12 children's plays - Hanneradu MakkaLa Natakagalu.

One of his Kendra Sahitya Akademi awards came for the story of an ordinary Mohandas who became Mahatma Gandhi in his story "Paapu Gandh Bapu Gandhi Aada Kathe". Other than Gorur Ramaswamy Iyengar, Bolwar is the only author to written about Gandhi for children. The Mahatma had kept the child Monu alive in himself until he died a martyr. The book spoke of Mehtab, Gandhi's Muslim friend who was a source of courage to him. It was translated and published in English with the title Gandhi – From Monu To Mahatma[4] (published by Peak Publishing House, London). During the book launch U.R. Ananthamurthy said in praise of Bolwar's book "This is one of the best books on Mahatma Gandhi for children and adults". Ananthamurthy, blurbed, "Bolwar's collection of songs and poems are among the best in contemporary Kannada literature".[5] The book was also developed as a play for children.[6]

His extended short story, "Ondu Thundu Gode," or "A Bit of Wall" treats the explosive Ayodhya theme in a humorous, personal vein. He recounts the story of an old woman, Roti-Phatumma, who wanted to build her own house by acquiring what she believed to be a bit of the wall from the broken pieces of the Babri Masjid. Tongue-in-cheek Bolwar balances serious, comic and poignant aspects.[7]

His epic 1,110-page opus Swathranthada Ota (in English: The run for independence) was released on 18 March 2012 at Ravindra Kalakshetra by Pandit Rajiv Taranath. His book Odiri is the first historical novel on Prophet Muhammad.

He worked as Senate Member in Hampi Kannada University, Kannada Sahitya Academy, Kannada Pustaka Pradhikara. He worked as State president for 'Samudaya' Cultural Organisation, as Convener to Bandaya Sahitya Sangha. He served as editor of Giant (Syndicate Bank's house magazine), Krishiloka (Syndicate Bank's magazine), as member of RDC (Syndicate Bank's Rural Development Institute), Self Employment Training Institute (RUDSETI- Dharmastala). He was the President of Kannada Belesi Balaga and Chitra Samudaya (Film Division).

Recognition
  • Central Sahitya Academy(Twice)
  • Karnataka Sahitya Academy(Thrice)
  • Karnataka Rajyotsava Award
  • KATHA award-Delhi
  • Bharatiya Bhasha Sasthan Award
  • Shivarama Karantha Balavana Award
  • Basavaraja Kattimani Award
  • MWF Award- Abudhabi.
  • Masthi Award
  • Parashurama Award
  • Thoulava Award
  • Karavali Kalasa Award
  • Synd Rathana Award
  • Vishukumar Award
  • ChaDaga Award
  • Muslim Sahitya Award
  • National and State Awards for contribution to Kannada Films.

References
  1. "Kunhi, Bolwar Mohammed – author page". Countrybookshop.co.uk. Retrieved 27 January 2012.
  2. "Central Sahitya Akademi award for 2 Dakshina Kannada writers". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  3. Deepa Ganesh (26 August 2010). "Arts / Books : The Monu magic". The Hindu. Retrieved 27 January 2012.
  4. Bansal, Rashmi. "Gandhi – From Monu To Mahatma: Book: Bolwar Mahamad Kunhi (9781907219511)". Flipkart.com. Retrieved 27 January 2012.
  5. "FEATURES / METRO PLUS : In the beginning". The Hindu. 10 March 2011. Retrieved 27 January 2012.
  6. "Tiny steps to Gandhigiri". The Times of India. 13 April 2011. Retrieved 27 January 2012.
  7. "History as Metafiction: Shashi Deshpande's Small Remedie" (PDF). Retrieved 27 January 2012.
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