Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod
Kasargod, Aug 9: Kayyar Kinhanna Rai, the veteran freedom fighter, activist, educationist, author, poet and former journalist, passed away at his residence in Badiadka here on Sunday August 9. He was 100.
Born on June 8, 1915 to Duggappa and Deyyakka Rai, Kinhanna Rai's centenary birthday was celebrated recently.
Kinhanna Rai had participated in the freedom struggle. He started his career as a school teacher and also contributed articles to various newspapers and publications as a journalist. As poet and author, he has written books on various subjects including theatre, language, biographies and books for children. In 2005, he was conferred honorary doctorate by Mangalore University.
He was one of the campaigners for the merger of Kasargod district into Karnataka and founded the Kasargod Merger Action Council in 2002 in this regard. He also supported the formation of a separate Tulunadu for the Tulu speaking population.
During his lifetime, he was honoured with a number of prestigious awards, including Karnataka Sahitya Academy award in 1969, National Award for Best Teacher in the same year, Honorary Fellowship by Manipal Academy of Higher Education (1970), Pejawar Award in literature in 2004, Alva's Nudisri Award in 2005, Adarsha Ratna Award in 2006, Nadoja (Teacher of the State) Award in 2006, Karnataka Ekikarana (Unification) Award in 2007, the first Karnataka Gadinada Ratna Award and the Pampa Award in 2014 on his 99th birthday.
As news of his demise spread, large number of people began gathering at the residence to pay their last respects. Deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada district A B Ibrahim were among those who visited the residence.
The last rites will be held on Monday August 10, family sources said.