Kannada writer S L Bhyrappa was today chosen for the prestigious Saraswati Samman for his novel 'Mandra'. The award, constituted by K K Birla Foundation, consists of 7.50 lakh rupees, a citation and a plaque. The selection jury was headed by former Chief Justie of India G B Patnaik. An official press release said, the works published in 22 Indian languages during 2000-2009 were considered for the 20th Saraswati Samman.75-year-old Bhyrappa has so far published 22 novels, the first being 'Bheemakaya' in 1959. He is one of the best selling novelists in Kannada over the past 25 years.