The correct answer is: A) Kuvempu.
Kuvempu (1897-1987) was a Kannada poet, writer, social reformer, and freedom fighter. He is considered the “Father of Modern Kannada Literature”. He was awarded the Jnanpith Award, India’s highest literary award, in 1968.
D.V. Gundappa (1887-1975) was a Kannada writer, poet, and social reformer. He was a pioneer of modern Kannada literature. He was awarded the Jnanpith Award in 1974.
B.M. Srikantaiah (1880-1946) was a Kannada writer, poet, and scholar. He is considered the “Father of Modern Kannada Prose”. He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1943.
Girish Karnad (1938-2019) was a Kannada playwright, actor, director, and screenwriter. He is considered one of the most important Indian playwrights of the 20th century. He was awarded the Jnanpith Award in 1998.