Well-known Kannada scholar Prof.L.Basavaraju's latest work 'Pampana Sarala Adipurana' (Pampa's Adi Purana in Simple Narrative) was released in Mysore on February 9. The release of the classic work by Kannada's first poet Pampa significantly coincided with his 1100th year celebrations. The Adi Kavi, author of famous Kannada poetical works, is ascribed to 941 A.D. His popular works are 'Adi Purana' and 'Vikramarjuna Vijaya'. The latter is also famous as 'Pampa Mahabharata' or 'Pampa Bharata'.

Author of over 40 works, Prof. Basavaraju has edited the 'Adi Purana' in the narrative form based on ten manuscripts. The oldest manuscript referred by Prof. Basavaraju, former Professor of Kannada of the Mysore University, is 'Poorva Purana' by Jinasenacharya. 'Poorva Purana' is considered the basis for Pampa's classical work. With notes and explanations, Basavaraju's work, therefore, has become authentic and nearer to original in narration. Thus, his work is considered a great and rich contribution to Kannada literature. As the original poems are in Halagannada (Old Classical Kannada) and difficult to be understood by ordinary readers, they have been simplified in narrative form in modern Kannada. Hence, common man can understand and appreciate the rich contribution of Pampa.

Prof. Basavaraju, whose contribution to Kannada spreads over about 50 years, has earned honour and respect as a dedicated research scholar. His works have been lauded by his senior scholars and veteran Kannada litterateurs like Prof.D.L.Narasimhachar, Prof. Tee.Nam.Sreekantayya and Da.Ra. Bendre. His works include Vachanas of Allama Prabhu, Basavanna, Akka Mahadevi, Jedara Dasimmayya, edited from original palmleaf manuscripts, 'Shivagana Prasadi Mahadevayyana Shoonya Sampadhane', the first work on Shunya Sampadhane, 'Basavannanavara Shatsthaladha Vachanagalu', 'Shivadasa Geetanjali', 'Nagavarma's Chandhombudhi', 'Ishwara's Kavi jihva Bandhana', 'Gunachandra's Chandassara', 'Veerabhadra's Nandhi Chandhornava', 'Kannada Chandhas Samputa' and 'Kesiraja's Shadhamani Darpana'.

He has also translated to Kannada from Sanskrit, Hindi and English languages. Such translated works include 'Bharatha Roopaka' based on Sanskrit Poet Bhasa, 'Ramayana Nataka Triveni', plays based on Bhasa's Ramayana and 'Soundharananda' and 'Buddha Charitha' of Sanskrit poet Ashva Ghosha.

In recognition of his research and scholarship, Prof Basavaraju has been honoured by Kannada Sahithya Academy in 1977, Karnataka Government by presenting Kannada Rajyothsava Award in 1994, Chidhananda Award, Prof. Sam.Shi. Bhusanur Mutt Foundation Award, Pampa Prashasthi and Chavundaraya Award.

'Pampana Sarala Adi Purana' has been published by Abhiruchi Prakashana of Mysore. It was released by renowned writer and Jnanpith awardee Dr. U.R.Anantha Murthy. This was followed by a two-day seminar on Prof. Basavaraju's literary works.