Mangaluru, Nov 7, 2014: Speaking after inaugurating workshops on centenarian jubilee writers Kayyara Kinhanna Rai and Late Saraswati Bai Rajwade organised by S.V. Parameshwara Bhatta Kannada Study Centre of the University and Karavali Lekhakiyara Mattu Vaachakiyara Sangha. Noted writer Vaidehi on Nov 6, Thursday urged Mangalore University to set up a Kaavya Peetha (poetry chair) in the name of eminent writer Kayyara Kinhanna Rai and hold regular programmes on poetry.
Vice Chancellor K. Byrappa on the subject informed that he was willing for this. He would consult with Rai’s family members and the government on the matter and something should materialise in a year or so. Prof. Byrappa recalled his association with the Kannada Study Centre at Mysore University though he had been a student of science. Literary activities give life a shine and make young people dedicated he said and added the university would support literary activities as best as possible.
Poet Vaidehi said Rai was “tall” physically, but his stature was gigantic in litrature. He followed Gandhian principles in a silent and sincere manner, she said. “While reading his poems for children. Rai’s literature for children other different forms of literature included the whole world,” she said. She went on to say, Kinhanna was always calm, cool and content with life. Rarely one witnessed such confident faces now a days, one can only see anxious and agresive faces now. Poet Vaidehi added, many see him as a loud poet, but to reach out to society, one had to be forceful. Though his works were on par with international or national standards, they did not get recognition for lack of translation to Hindi etc..., she pointed out.
Karnataka in general and coastal Karnataka in particular had failed Kinhanna Rai in his efforts to bring Kasaragod under the State. Determination to get Kasaragod to Karnataka, while celebrating the unification of Karnataka was absent she said. Rai favoureed all languages including Malayalam, and all should undersatnd his sentiments nostalgically.