Padmabhushan Dr. Pandit Puttaraj Kavi Gavaiji
1914 – 2010
The Walking God, Master of Classical Music & Literary Scholar
Spiritual & Life Journey
Padma Bhushan Dr. Pandit Puttaraj Kavi Gawai was a musical colossus, multilingual scholar, and humanitarian savior. Born Puttayya on March 3, 1914, in Devagiri (Haveri District), he lost his eyesight in infancy. Orphaned early, his maternal uncle entrusted him to Pt. Panchakshara Gawai. Under his guru's strict but loving tutelage, he learned classical music and languages, spending his youth in rigorous devotion.
Social & Cultural Contributions
Upon his guru's demise in 1944, Pt. Puttaraj Gawai took charge of the Veereshwara Punyashrama. For the next 66 years, he worked tirelessly, teaching Hindustani and Carnatic music to thousands of visually impaired children. A master of over ten classical instruments, he was also a prolific playwright and director. To fund the ashram's free boarding, he founded the "Guru Kumareshwara Krupa Poshita Natya Company", writing and staging spiritual dramas across Karnataka.
Divine Legacy & Teachings
His literary genius spanned Kannada, Sanskrit, and Hindi, producing over 80 books, including major biographies of historical saints. He accomplished the monumental task of translating the Bhagavad Gita into Braille. In recognition of his lifetime service to music and humanity, the Government of India conferred the Padma Bhushan in 2008. He attained Mahasamadhi on September 17, 2010, at the age of 96, revered by millions as "The Walking God".