Kenkere Bailappa Siddaiah (2 March 1954 â 19 October 2019), commonly known as Prof. K. B. Siddaiah or simply KB, was an Indian poet, sociopoliticalâÂÂphilosopher, writer and social activist known for his works in Kannada language. For his contribution to Kannada literature, he was awarded the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award by the Government of Karnataka in 2013.
Siddaiah was born in Kenkere in Tumkuru to Bailurappa and Anthuramma. He married Gangarajamma and had three children.
Siddaiah started his career as an English lecturer and got involved in Dalit movement in Karnataka and became a prominent leader in the movement. He was one of the founding members of the Dalita Sangharsha Samiti.
KB's poems were mostly based on social life of the marginalized people. His poems including âÂÂEe naada manninalliâ inspired people across the state to join the Dalit movement.
Siddaiah met with a road accident and admitted in Manipal hospital in Bangalore and died eventually on 18 October in 2019. He was survived by his wife and 3 children.