Kuvempu is the pen name of K. V. Puttappa, a renowned Kannada poet, writer, and scholar. He was awarded the Jnanpith Award, India's highest literary honor, in 1967.
The term "Kannada Kampu" (meaning "Kannada warrior") was bestowed upon Kuvempu in recognition of his contributions to Kannada literature and his fierce advocacy for the Kannada language and culture.