Bolwar Mohammed Kunhi

Bolwar Mohammed Kunhi (born 1951) is a Kannada short story writer, novelist, playwright and scriptwriter. He is the first Indian writer to introduce Muslim ethos and culture into creative Kannada prose and is also considered as one of the best Short Story writers of Karnataka. He is the only Indian writer conferred twice with Central Sahitya Academy Award (2010 & 2016) for creative prose. He is also the first ever Kannada writer conferred with `Bala Sahitya Puraskar’ by Central Sahitya Academy.

In addition to Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, he has been awarded thrice from Karnataka Sahitya Academy including the Lifetime Achievement Award. Besides several other awards, he is also conferred with KATHA award-Delhi, Bharatiya Bhasha Sasthan Award – Calcutta, Dr. Shivarama Karantha Balavana Award – Putturu, Basavaraja Kattimani Award – Belgaum, MWF Award – Abudhabi, and more. He has won National Awards twice for his contribution to Kannada Films.

A post-graduate with a gold medal in Kannada literature from Mysore University, 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.

Works and Contributions

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 40-odd illustrated poems. He also edited 12 best children’s plays – Hanneradu Makkala Natakagalu.

He is the recipient of the Kendra Sahitya Akademi award for the story of an ordinary Mohandas who became Mahatma Gandhi in his “Paapu Gandhi Bapu Gandhi Aada Kathe”. Other than Gorur Ramaswamy Iyengar, it is only Bolwar who has 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 great source of courage to him. It was translated and published in English with the title Gandhi – “From Monu to Mahatma” (Published by Peak Publishing House, London). During the book launch, Jnanpith awardee, 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, in his bit for the book, said Bolwar is blessed with great insight, and that his works are finely tuned, transcending time. “Bolwar’s collection of songs and poems are among the best in contemporary Kannada literature,” The book was also enacted as a children’s play.

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.

His epic 1,110-page opus named “Swathranthada Ota” (in English: The run for independence) released on 18 March 2012 at Ravindra Kalakshetra, Bangalore by the world famous Sarod artist Pandit Rajiv Taranath. His latest book `Odiri’ is considered as the first-ever historical novel on Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

He worked as Senate Member in Hampi Kannada University, Kannada Sahitya Academy, Kannada Pustaka Pradhikara. He also worked as State president for `Samudaya’ Cultural Organisation, as Convener to Bandaya Sahitya Sangha, as Editor to GIANT (Syndicate Bank’s House Magazine) KRISHILOKA (Syndicate Bank’s Magazine), as member to RDC (Syndicate Bank’s Rural Development Institute) and Self-Employment Training Institute (RUDSETI- Dharmastala).

He was the President for Kannada Belesi Balaga and Chitra Samudaya (Film Division).