The Doctor Who Made Karnataka Laugh

Long before humour magazines became part of Kannada literary culture, Dr. M. Shivaram believed laughter deserved a place of its own. A doctor by profession and a writer by passion, he founded Koravanji in 1942—a magazine that would entertain Kannada readers for twenty-five years and shape generations of humour writers. Known to readers simply as Ra Shi, he became one of the defining voices of modern Kannada humour.

A humourist born in the library

Shivaram was born in Bengaluru on 10 November 1905. While studying at Central College, he discovered the English satirical magazine Punch in the college library. That encounter sparked his fascination with humour and satire and gave birth to the writer who would become known as Ra. Shi.

Although he later qualified as a doctor in 1930 and began private medical practice, writing remained a constant alongside his practice.

The writer who almost became an actor

Life was far from easy during his student years. Financial hardship, the loss of his father, and the responsibility of supporting a large family weighed heavily on him while he was still in medical college.

At one point, he even considered leaving medicine for the film industry. He secured a small role in a film adaptation of Mrichchakatika, but playwright T. P. Kailasam persuaded him to return to his studies instead. Shivaram followed the advice, completed his medical degree, and became Dr. M. Shivaram in 1930.

Finding humour in everyday life

Shivaram's journey as a humour writer began with a newspaper column titled Somavarada Susuddi ("Monday's Good News"), where he wrote humorous observations and satirical pieces. Those early writings laid the foundation for everything that followed, eventually leading to the creation of Koravanji.

His humour was never limited to jokes alone. Through columns such as Kuhakidigalu, Urigaalu, and Koravavalokana, he gently poked fun at everyday life, changing social values, and contemporary events.

The magazine that changed Kannada humour

Launched on 18 March 1942 with the support of fellow humourist Na. Kasturi, Koravanji quickly became a landmark in Kannada literature. Early issues featured cartoons by a young R. K. Laxman alongside humorous writing by Ra Shi and other contributors.

As the magazine grew, it became a platform for emerging writers including T. Sunandamma, Kefe, Rami, Dasharathi Dixit and many others. For twenty-five years, Koravanji remained the home of Kannada humour before publishing its final issue in April 1967. Ra Shi simply remarked that "Koravanji has gone to the forest."

A friendship with Kailasam

One of the greatest influences on Shivaram's writing came through his friendship with playwright T. P. Kailasam. The two often cycled together to Bengaluru Cantonment, spending hours in conversation. Kailasam's retelling of stories from mythology left a lasting impression on the young writer.

Ra Shi later reflected, "Kailasam's portrayal of Markandeya changed my personality itself. My arrogance and selfishness gradually melted away, and I became more human."

The warmth of that friendship is also remembered through anecdotes that reveal Kailasam's generosity and Shivaram's deep admiration for him.

More than a humour writer

While humour made him famous, Shivaram wrote across an astonishing range of subjects. His books explored psychology, health, philosophy, literature and fiction, making complex ideas accessible to ordinary readers. He also authored biographies, novels, essays and works in English, demonstrating a literary range that extended far beyond satire.

His public service extended beyond writing as well. Shivaram played a key role in establishing Bangalore Medical College, helping organise and run the institution before eventually handing its administration over to the government so it could serve a wider public.

Keeping the laughter alive

In 1983, sixteen years after Koravanji ceased publication, friends proposed reviving the magazine. Shivaram agreed on one condition: the new publication should not carry the old name.

Instead, he suggested the title Aparanji, believing the new magazine should build its own identity rather than live in Koravanji's shadow. With support from many of the original contributors, Aparanji carried forward the spirit of Kannada humour and later inspired the formation of the Koravanji–Aparanji Trust, ensuring that the tradition Ra Shi had begun would continue for future generations.

A lasting legacy

Over the course of his career, Ra Shi received the Karnataka Sahitya Akademi Award, the Sahitya Akademi Award, the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, and served as President of the Karnataka Sahitya Akademi in 1978.

When he passed away on 13 January 1984, Karnataka mourned the loss of a doctor, writer and institution-builder. Yet the legacy of Ra Shi lives on—not only through his books, but through the generations of readers and writers who continue to find laughter, wit and humanity in the world he helped create.

Sources and References

https://aparanjimag.in/php/about.php

Aparanji Magazine

https://kn.wikipedia.org/wiki/ರಾ.ಶಿವರಾಂ 

ರಾ.ಶಿವರಾಂ. Wikipedia

‘Malleswarada Rashtra Shilpigalu - Brief life sketches in Kannada of eminent citizens and organisations of Malleswaram Locality ‘ 

Published by: Malleswaram Residents Welfare Association