Stephan Kayyar
Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod
Kasargod, Jun 19: In a significant step to preserve and promote Kannada language and culture in border regions, the Karnataka Border Area Development Authority (KBADA) is actively working in Kasargod. The Authority is not only organizing Kannada-focused programs across the district but is also set to inaugurate the Kayyara Kinyanna Rai Kannada Bhavan in Badiyadka soon, through Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, said KBADA chairman Somanna Bevinamarada.
He was speaking at the 110th birth anniversary celebration and award ceremony of Nadoja Dr Kayyara Kinyanna Rai held on Wednesday at the Kayyar Jodukallu Friends Club auditorium. The event was organized jointly by KBADA, the Border Literature and Cultural Academy Kasargod, Kalkura Pratisthana Mangaluru, Green Star Arts and Sports Club Kayyar, Kayyar Family Unit and several other organisations.
Somanna expressed concern that Kayyara’s literary works, created during his lifelong struggle for Kasargod’s merger with Karnataka, are at risk of fading into obscurity. He said that if Kayyara’s family, Kavita Kuteera, and well-wishers extend their cooperation, the Authority is ready to take up the reprinting of all his works.
Somanna further mentioned that since taking office as KBADA chairman, he has visited Kasargod nine times to understand the sentiments of the local Kannada-speaking population. “Efforts are being made to ensure that people here feel they belong to Karnataka. Authority member Subbayakatte regularly brings every local issue to our attention. We are working to address key concerns, including the marginalization of Kannada, and are conveying these to higher authorities,” he said.
He also revealed that land has been purchased in Goa to construct a Kannada Bhavan and that efforts are underway to ensure students studying in other states receive all necessary facilities in Karnataka.
Tributes and reflections
Inaugurating the event by beating a chende (drum), Manjeshwar MLA AKM Ashraf said Kayyara Kinyanna Rai was not only a poet but also a relentless crusader for Kannada language, culture, and human values. He, along with Govinda Pai, played a key role in shaping Kannada literature and identity in Kasargod. Recalling a historic moment, Ashraf noted that when Kasargod was merged with Kerala, Kayyara famously called out to Kannadigas, “The house is on fire, come quickly.” This quote was even referenced in the Kerala Assembly, he said.
Honouring achievers
Prof A Srinath, retired Kannada professor from Kasargod Government College, a renowned folklore expert and Yakshagana puppet artist, was conferred the Kayyara Award. Konkani singer and literary organiser from Dubai, Joseph Mathias, was also honoured.
Speaking after presenting the award, Kalkura Foundation president and founder of the Border Literature and Cultural Academy, S Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, said Holy Scriptures should not be confined to any one religion and that good thoughts must be embraced universally. He stressed the importance of preserving native culture through conscious efforts in communication and thinking in the mother tongue.
In his introductory remarks, KBADA secretary Prakash Mattihalli highlighted Kayyara’s contributions as a freedom fighter, polyglot, and leader of the Karnataka unification movement. He announced that a formal request would be submitted to the district administration to prioritize Kannada in Kasargod.
In a tribute speech, poet and writer Mohammed Badduru praised Kayyara’s poetic brilliance, especially his skill in crafting rhymes, calling him a true literary ascetic. Manjunath Alva Madwa, Secretary of the Rajarajeshwari Temple, Mundappalli, also addressed the gathering.
Distinguished presence
KBADA member A R Subbayakatte, Shivaraddi Khyaded, Dr Jayaprakash Thottethodi (president of the Kerala Kannada Sahitya Parishad Border unit), Paivalike GP president Jayanti, and Manjeshwar block panchayat member Fatimath Zaur were present.
Haridasa Jayananda Kumar Hosadurga led the prayer. Kasargod Border Literature and Cultural Academy president Chaniyappanayak welcomed the gathering, while secretary Akhilesh Nagumugam proposed the vote of thanks. Ravi Naikapu, president of the Kasaragod District Kannada Journalists Welfare Association, compered the programme.