D Rathnamma Nagara, Moodbidre (DK dist): It was an unusual and a most memorable occasion for Novelist N Vyasaraya Ballal and his family members. The 85th birthday of Vyasaraya Ballal was celebrated by lighting 85 lamps at the Alva’s Nudisiri in Moodbidri on Saturday.

After the seminar on “Sahithiya Shaikshanika Javabdarigalu,” (Litterateur’s educational responsibilities) Mr Ballal was brought to the stage in a wheelchair.

Speaking on the occasion, Alva’s Foundation Chairman Dr M Mohan Alva said “no litterateurs told me how to celebrate birthday. I did not want to celebrate it by cutting the cake. I wanted to celebrate Ballal’s birthday in an unique manner.” He recited ‘Shubhashaya Shubhashaya janumadinada shubhashaya’ poem. Mr Ballal’s wife Rajiv lighted the first lamp. Later, Dr Mohan Alva, College students and Ballal’s children lighted 85 lamps.  Alva’s College students sang a poem written by Dr Alva ‘Shubhashaya Shubhasahaya.’ Later, the Nudisiri President Prof G Venkatasubbaiah garlanded him. As a mark of respect, all the litterateurs and the participants stood and gave a big applause. Looking at the honour given to him, tears were rolling down his eyes and Ballal’s children Poornima and Anjali too could not control their emotions.