Mangaluru, June 09: Art Kanara Trust, Mangaluru, and Kavita Kutira, Peradala, in association with the alumni of Navajeevana High School, Peradala, Kasaragod, celebrated the birth anniversary of renowned litterateur, the late ‘Nadoja’ Kayyara Kinhanna Rai, at Kodial Guthu Centre for Arts and Media on Saturday, June 8, 2024.
The programme was graced by advocate Kallige Taranath Shetty, Dr. Saigeetha Hegde, Head of Humanities at Nitte Deemed to be University, Durgaprasad Rai, President of Kavita Kutira, Peradala, and Subhas Chandra Basu, President of Art Kanara Trust, along with several students of the late poet from Navajeevana High School. The session was moderated by N. Subraya Bhat, poet and office-bearer of Kannada Sahitya Parishad, Mangaluru. An oil-on-canvas portrait of the late poet by artist Syed Asif Ali adorned the venue.
The programme began with the recitation of one of the poet’s popular poems by his son and Secretary of Kavita Kutira, Dr. Prasanna Rai. Dr. Saigeetha Hegde spoke about the poet’s literary works and recited some of his best-known poems. Kallige Taranath Shetty reminisced about the poet’s social influence, stating, “He was revered not just by the Government of Karnataka but equally by the Government of Kerala. So much so that the Government of Kerala and the DC of Kasaragod were ready to give a guard of honour during his funeral.”
Durgaprasad Rai, a son of Kayyara Kinhanna Rai, remembered the poet as a father at home and how his life was influenced by his father’s ideals of simplicity and punctuality. Francis D’Souza, a student of Navajeevana High School, Peradala, who was taught by the poet, fondly remembered his teacher and how he developed his interest in Kannada. Prof. P. Krishnamoorthy, Principal of Govinda Dasa College, Surathkal, spoke about Rai’s impact on Kannada literature.
The programme included a preparatory meeting for the release of the book "Aikyave Mantra," an anthology of writings by authors from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Kasaragod, commemorating the poet. Nemiraj Shetty, secretary of the Art Kanara Trust, announced the release of the book in August. “We are honoured to be editing a book that commemorates one of the greatest poets from Tulunadu alongside Manjeshwar Govinda Pai, K.V. Tirumalesh, Peradala Krishnayya, and Sara Aboobacker. We hope to reach a larger audience and commemorate the poet’s works with this book,” he said.
Rajendra Kedige, Treasurer of Art Kanara Trust, proposed the vote of thanks.