Born on May 10, 1931, at Hirekogalur in Channagiri taluk of Shivamogga district, Dr. M. Chidananda Murthy (ChiMu), known for his researches and pro-Kannada stance, heralded a new dawn in the field of literary research. He was equally known for controversies and his stands on religious and political matters were sharply criticised in the literary circle.
A vocal Kannada activist through Kannada Shakti Kendra, Dr. Murthy also played a key role in a movement that led to Kannada getting classical language status.
