Stephan Kayyar
Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod (SP)
Kasargod, Aug 10: The mortal remains of Kayyar Kinhanna Rai (100), renowned litterateur, poet, educationist and veteran freedom fighter, who fought tirelessly for the cause of Kannada language and culture, were consigned to flames on Monday August 10.
The cremation was conducted near his residence at Badiadka in the district.
To bid farewell to this great soul, a large number of dignitaries including Karnataka heath minister U T Khader, Karnataka minister for Kannada and culture Umashree, Karnataka minister for forests Ramanath Rai, Kerala minister for culture K C Joseph, veteran politician Janardhan Poojary, Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj, Puttur MLA Shakuntala Shetty, and many others gathered at the venue.
Karnataka minister for Kannada and culture Umashree said that the Karnataka government would discuss the possibility of building a memorial for Kinhanna Rai in Badiadka, and this may be done with the cooperation of Kerala government.
U T Khader described Kinhanna Rai's demise as a great loss to literature and particularly to the border population of Karnataka-Kerala.
Ramanath Rai and Janardhan Poojary also lauded Rai and said that his memory would continue to live and his contributions would remain unmatched.
Kinhanna Rai's son Durgaprasad Rai lit the funeral pyre.
A large number of well-wishers, locals and leaders bid a tearful fareful to Kinhanna Rai.