New Delhi, Sept. 24 -- Padma Bhushan Kannada novelist and philosopher SL Bhyrappa died due to a cardiac arrest at Rashtrotthana Hospital in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on Wednesday, September 24. He was 94 years old.

The Rashtrotthana Hospital said in a statement that the Padma Shri novelist died at 2:38 pm after suffering a cardiac arrest. It said, "The legendary Indian novelist, philosopher, Padma Shri, Padmabhushana and Saraswathi Samman awardee Shri S L Bhyrappa suffered a cardiac arrest today at 2.38 pm and reached the lotus feet of the Almighty. Om Shanti !!!."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the passing of SL Bhyrappa and called him a fearless, timeless thinker who stirred the conscience.

"In the passing of Shri S.L. Bhyrap...