V.K. Gokak: Pioneer of Modern Kannada Poetry

Table of Contents

• Vinayaka Krishna Gokak: An Overview
  • Early Life and Background
  • Academic and Scholarly Contributions
• Literary Journey
• Role in the Kannada Literary Renaissance
• Awards and Recognitions
• Legacy and Remembrance
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Vinayaka Krishna Gokak: An Overview:

Vinayaka Krishna Gokak, known in Kannada as Vi. Kru. Gokak or V.K. Gokak, was a distinguished and popular writer in the official language of Karnataka, Kannada. He was a prominent scholar in both English and Kannada literature. 

Vinayaka Krishna Gokak was an eminent poet, playwright, novelist, critic and educationist. He also served as the President of the Sahitya Akademi, the National Academy of Letters. In 1990, Gokak became the fifth writer to receive the Jnanapeeta Prashasti for the Kannada language, in recognition of his epic Bharatha Sindhu Rashmi. 

Along with the Jnanapeeta Prashasti, V.K. Gokak received many prestigious awards for his contribution to Indian literature. Thus, he became a significant figure in modern Kannada literature. 

Let's examine in detail the major literary contributions of Vinayaka Krishna Gokak, who is recognised as a pioneer of modern Kannada poetry.

Vinayaka Krishna Gokak’s Chronology:

This section provides an overview of Vinayaka Krishna Gokak and a detailed timeline of his history.

Early Life and Background

Vinayaka Krishna Gokak, Jnanpith Award winner, popularly known as V. K. Gokak was born on August 9, 1909, in Savanur taluk in the Haveri district of Karnataka state. He was born to Krishna Rao and Sundarabai in a Deshastha Brahmin family. He was the first male child, preceded by two elder sisters and followed by a younger sister and a younger brother. He was nicknamed Dada in the family.

Gokak had his primary and secondary schooling in Savanur taluk, and he passed the matriculation examination at Bombay University from the local High School in 1925.

As a boy, Gokak was not that normal; he was rather moony and quirkish. All day long, he was gadding about without studying or doing any useful work. Gokak was more reclusive as a teenager, a lone figure with a thoughtful expression.

Once after his matriculation, Gokak left Savanur for Dharwad to join Karnataka College. There, he had eminent teachers to guide him. He met Professor Takakhav, an English literature scholar who was legendary for holding four MA degrees in English, Sanskrit, Latin, and Greek—all of which he achieved with first-class honours from Bombay University. He taught English literature at the Honours level.

Gokak continued his studies under his guidance, eventually proving worthy of his professor. He obtained a first class in B.A. (Hons) in 1929 along with the Daxina Fellowship. 

The source claims that Gokak began writing poetry at a young age, receiving guidance from his teachers.

Also Read: Karnataka’s Iconic Poet and Jnanpith Award Winner

Vinayaka Krishna Gokak: Academic and Scholarly Contributions

Vinayaka Krishna Gokak was probably one of the most charismatic literary personalities of his time.

Gokak first encountered Bendre, a prominent figure in North Karnataka's literary circles, while he was a student at Dharwad. Later, he was impressed by Da Ra Bendre, who became his "Kavya Guru" (poetry guru), inspiring Gokak to focus on Kannada literature.

As a teenager, he had tried his hand at English verse, and by the time he had completed two years at Dharwad, he had a collection of English poems:

• The Sky Line
• A play in three Acts
• The Saint in Woman

Vinayaka Krishna Gokak, a well-known writer in Karnataka's official language, opted to pursue a career in teaching. After completing his M.A. degree in English with distinction in 1931, he had a stint of teaching before going up to Oxford, where he took his M.A. with a first class in 1938.

Here are the key aspects of Vinayaka Krishna Gokak's Professional Journey:

*Source

Vinayaka Krishna Gokak: Literary Journey

Bendre, a "gifted poet" (Varakavi), mentored the younger poet, V.K. Gokak, who became a pioneer of modern Kannada poetry and a key figure in the movement to prioritise Kannada in schools.

V.K. Gokak has opened new paths in Kannada poetry and made unique experiments in form and content. More than 15 of his collections feature high-key lyrics, longer poems, and verse plays. His lyrics mirror the moods and thoughts of an aspiring and assimilating personality. He was also the first to write a Kannada travelogue, or travel abroad in the form of letters, "SAMUDRADACHEYINDA.".

V.K. Gokak: Early & Major Works

V.K. Gokak, a Jnanpith Award winner, made various contributions in the field as a writer, some of which have been listed below:

• V.K. Gokak’s epic Bharatha Sindhu Rashmi. This is the longest epic written in this century, which includes 35000 lines.
• Samarasave Jeevana is another famous novel written by V.K. Gokak.
• Later, due to its publicity and demand, it was translated into English by his daughter Yashodhara Bhat, under the title 'The Agony and the Ecstasy', and released to worldwide popularity.

V.K. Gokak also penned down some of the best poetries; some of these include:

• Urnabha
• Abhyudaya
• Dhyava Prithvi
• Baaladeguladalli
• Samudra Geethegalu

During the late 1960s, Sri Sathya Sai Baba of Puttaparthi influenced the writer highly. He then became the medium for translating his guru’s words into English and spread them across the world. He also wrote the book "The Advent of Sathya Sai", which explains the significance of the Guru’s miracles and their impact on the poor and the education system in society.

V.K. Gokak's poetry collection, titled "The Golden Treasury of Indian Anglican Poetry", features works by various Indian poets. This includes a comprehensive essay about some renowned poets, including Kamala Das, Taru Dutta, Nissim Ezekiel, Sri Aurobindo, and Sarojini Naidu.

Also Read: Shivarama Karanth: Eminent Kannada Litterateur and Artist

Vinayaka Krishna Gokak: Role in the Kannada Literary Renaissance

The Gokak committee's formation in 1980 to address Karnataka's language policy led to the establishment of the Gokak movement in the early 1980s. The committee, led by Vinayaka Krishna Gokak, recommended giving Kannada primacy in state schools and served as the inspiration for the movement's name. 

In the 1980s, Kannada poet V.K. Gokak conducted surveys and submitted numerous reports that included several demands, such as recognising Kannada as the primary language in schools across Karnataka using a three-language formula. Thus, the movement got its name, Gokak Movement / Gokak Chaluvali. There were many language scholars who opposed the Gokak movement.

Many people, including Dr Rajkumar and other senior artists, supported the Gokak Movement / Gokak Chaluvali. This agitation was carried out by Kannada political parties, Kannada activists, writers, Kannada education staff, students, poets, playwrights, film personalities, and critics.

Ultimately, the Karnataka government responded positively to the large-scale movement, granting Kannada the status of a first language along with special recognition.

Key Details of the Gokak Movement / Gokak Chaluvali:

Vinayaka Krishna Gokak: Awards and Recognitions

Vinayaka Krishna Gokak was an Indian writer of the Kannada language and a scholar of English and Kannada literature. In 1990, the Jnanapeeta Prashasti/Jnanpith Award in Kannada honoured him as the fifth writer for his epic, Bharatha Sindhu Rashmi. 

In addition to the Jnanapeeta Prashasti/Jnanpith Award, this epic work earned honorary doctorates from Karnataka University and Pacific University in the USA for this scholar and writer of Kannada literature.

V.K. Gokak, one of the prominent Kannada literature scholars, was among the few modern Indian academicians who produced creative literature in more than one language. He wrote poetry in Kannada and English and spoke authoritatively about literature in Marathi, Gujarati, and Sanskrit.

The renowned writer of the century has been the recipient of many awards, as mentioned below:

*Source (not to add in website)

Also Read: Kuvempu: Karnataka’s Iconic Poet and Jnanpith Award Winner

Vinayaka Krishna Gokak: Legacy and Remembrance

Today the remembrance of Vinayaka Krishna Gokak highlights his legacy as a pioneering Kannada writer and English scholar. In 1990, V.K. Gokak was honoured with the Jnanapeeta Prashasti for his monumental epic, Bharatha Sindhu Rashmi.

As a writer, poet, educationist, and thinker, V.K. Gokak forged a bridge between tradition and modernity, incorporating classical Indian values into his engagement with contemporary issues. His legacy still motivates generations of readers and writers, making him a vital voice in the literary and cultural history of India.

Along with the Jnanapeeta Prashasti/Jnanpith Award in 1990, V.K. Gokak was also awarded the Padma Shri Award for one of his notable works, Dyava Pruthvi, a collection of poems.

For his memory, the Vinayaka Gokak Vangmaya Trust and the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bangalore, jointly instituted the Prof. V. K. Gokak Award in 2010 to recognise and felicitate scholars and professors who have made a difference in their respective fields. 

Every year, on the 9th of August, Karnataka State hosts a literary event series in the memory of a great writer and poet.

Conclusion

Vinayaka Krishna Gokak is regarded as one of the foremost figures in modern Indian literature, particularly in the Kannada literary tradition. His legacy inspires generations of writers, poets, and thinkers. His beautifully lyrical style, philosophical insights, and contributions to cultural rebirth through the Gokak and Navodaya movements have significantly enriched the literary heritage of India in both the vernacular languages and English. 

Vinayaka Krishna Gokak was considered a legend during his lifetime, including his:

• Novels – Samarasave Jeevana
• Poetry collections – Urnanabha, Abyudaya, Baaladeguladalli and more 
• Epic – Bharatha Sindhu Rashmi, for which he was honoured with the Jnanpith Award in 1990.

Stay tuned with JAIN PU College to learn more about Karnataka's famous literary authors and poets and the Jananpeeth award for the Kannada language.