H.S. Venkatesha Murthy, a distinguished Kannada poet, passed away at the age of 80 in Bengaluru on May 30, following health complications related to aging. His contributions spanned various roles, including playwright, novelist, critic, and poet, significantly impacting Kannada literature and cinema. For over thirty years, he served as a professor at St. Joseph's College of Commerce in Bengaluru.

Murthy's poetry evolved through various literary movements, earning him recognition as a post-navya writer and a Bhavageete poet. His final significant work, 'Buddhacharana,' published in 2020, poetically narrates the life and philosophy of Buddha.

Among his notable literary works are 'Shankadolagina Mouna,' 'Uttarayana mattu,' 'Kannadiya Surya,' and 'Suneetha Bhava.' His accolades include the Bala Puraskar Award from the Central Sahitya Academy, the Karnataka Sahitya Academy Book Prize, the Kannada Rajyothsava Award, and the Children Academy Honorary Award, among others.

Murthy's unique writing style set him apart from his contemporaries within the same literary movement. Although recognized as a Post-navya writer, he admired the works of Pu.Thi. Narasimhachar and K.S. Narasimhaswamy, two prominent figures in Kannada literature associated with the Navodaya movement, which signifies a renaissance in Kannada literature. His poetry often mirrored their styles, showcasing his deep understanding of the rich Kannada literary tradition.