Bio
Narayan Yaji Salebailu is a distinguished Kannada literary critic, Sanskrit scholar, and cultural historian whose work bridges classical wisdom, performance, and modern thought.
Fluent in Kannada, English, and Sanskrit, he has illuminated the philosophical essence of the Vedas, Upanishads, and epics through his writings and lectures. His celebrated column Nelamugilu in Vijaya Karnataka and the award-winning book of the same title, honoured by Bhumi Pratishthana, Dharwad in 2022, established him as a leading voice in contemporary criticism. His later works Avani Ambar and Dhavala Dharini reinterpret Valmiki’s Ramayana through a Vedic lens. A renowned Yakshagana Talamaddale Arthadhari, he combines poetic depth with interpretive mastery. Yaji’s pioneering research brought to light Kibbachalu Manjamma, a woman from the late 18th century and the first known female Yakshagana prasanga writer, whose work was published in Mumbai. A former banker and eloquent speaker, he continues to inspire audiences through his insights on literature, Yakshagana, and
spiritual thought.