<p>The 101st birthday of Kannada writer Kayyara Kinhanna Rai was celebrated by literary enthusiasts at his residence in Peradala, Kasargod, on Monday. <br /><br /></p>.<p>A host of dignitaries from political, social and literary fields greeted Rai on his birthday and felicitated him. Rai is popularly known as “Gadinada Sahithi” (litterateur of the border area).<br />The centenarian felt that regionality should not be obstacle for the pride of Kannadigas. Tuluvas and Malayaalis in a border area like Kasargod are Kannadigas. <br /><br />Though his mother tongue is Tulu, his major contribution has been for Kannada language. <br />Dakshina Kannada district in-charge and minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment B Ramanath Rai said that Kayyara truely deserves ‘Karnataka Rathna’ award.<br /><br />Kayyara’s first grandson Gautham Rai, who spoke to Deccan Herald said his grandfather is a true Gandhian and disciplinarian to the core. “Even to this day, grandpa wears only Khadi. <br />He was in the pink of robust health till he turned 90,” he said. Rai has 8 children, 14 grandsons and two great grandsons.<br /> </p>
<p>The 101st birthday of Kannada writer Kayyara Kinhanna Rai was celebrated by literary enthusiasts at his residence in Peradala, Kasargod, on Monday. <br /><br /></p>.<p>A host of dignitaries from political, social and literary fields greeted Rai on his birthday and felicitated him. Rai is popularly known as “Gadinada Sahithi” (litterateur of the border area).<br />The centenarian felt that regionality should not be obstacle for the pride of Kannadigas. Tuluvas and Malayaalis in a border area like Kasargod are Kannadigas. <br /><br />Though his mother tongue is Tulu, his major contribution has been for Kannada language. <br />Dakshina Kannada district in-charge and minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment B Ramanath Rai said that Kayyara truely deserves ‘Karnataka Rathna’ award.<br /><br />Kayyara’s first grandson Gautham Rai, who spoke to Deccan Herald said his grandfather is a true Gandhian and disciplinarian to the core. “Even to this day, grandpa wears only Khadi. <br />He was in the pink of robust health till he turned 90,” he said. Rai has 8 children, 14 grandsons and two great grandsons.<br /> </p>