'State not making efforts to safeguard interests of Kannadigas'

Speaking after inaugurating the 95th birthday celebrations of veteran litterateur and freedom fighter Dr Kayyara Kinhanna Rai here on Monday, he said Dr Kayyara should have received awards like Padmashri or Padmabhushan at least 20 years back, but the State government did not pressurise the Central government in this regard.

“Dr Kayyara is the darling of Kannadigas not only within Karnataka but also outside. He is a source of inspiration for those in the border areas. He has been the voice and backbone of about three crore Kannada speaking people who have been technically outside Karnataka after its unification,” he said.

In his address, writer Erya Lakshminarayana Alva said Dr Kayyara is a poet who should get the world recognition.

“Artistes and litterateurs should be there to make the land rich. The Indian cultural scenario has become rich due to the geniuses like Kalidasa. Dr Kayyara who propagated the message of freedom is through unity should also get the universal recognition,” he observed. Karnataka Border Area Development Authority Chairman Chandrakanth Bellada presided. Kasargod MLA C T Ahammadali, Kannada Sahitya Parishat DK unit President Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, Udupi unit President Ambatanaya Mudradi, KSP former head Harikrishna Punaroor, Kerala Tulu Sahitya Academy President Dr P Venkatraja Puninchittaya, Badiadka GP President Mahin Kelot and others were present.Dr Kayyara Kinhanna Rai released book ‘Kayyara,’ edited by poet Radhakrishna Uliyattadka. A sculpture of Kayyara by artist Appuraj was unveiled.