Kasargaod :  Karnataka Culture Minister Uma Shree  presented the prestigious Pampa award to Kannada litterateur Kayyara Kinhanna Rai on his 100s Birthday here on Sunday June 8.

The award, given for his lifelong contribution to the language, was presented by Karnataka Culture Minister Uma Shree at a function at Mr. Rai’s residence ‘Kavita Kuteera’ at Peradala village in Badiyadka here.

The award, instituted by the Kanada Cultural development department in the name of legendry Kannada poet Pampa, carries a purse of Rs.3 lakh. An idol of goddess Saraswathi and a memento were also presented.

Kayyara Kinhanna Rai, after receiving Pampa award conferred by the State government for his contribution to Kannada literature, he proved that his love for Karnataka and Kannada literature is undying.

He spoke for seven minutes at a stretch about Pampa, Akhila Karnataka, responsibilities of Kannadigas, though in a much milder way.

Addressing the function, Ms. Uma Shree said the award was a belated honour for Mr. Rai, who turned 100 on the day.

In his presidential address, Karnataka Minister for Forests, Environment, and Ecology B. Ramanath Rai said he would strive for conferring the ‘Karnataka Ratna’ on the ace poet.

Mr. Rai, in his speech, said he was an ardent admirer of the works of Pampa.

Karnataka Rural Development Minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, Health Minister U.T. Khader, Sports and Fisheries Minister Abhay Chandra Jain, former Puthur MLA K. Sakunthala Shetty, local MLAs P.B. Abdul Razak and N.A. Nellikkunnu, former Manjeswaram MLA C.H. Kunhambu, and Kannada writer Na. D’Souza were present.

Mr. Rai has left an indelible stamp as freedom fighter, poet, social activist, teacher, scholar, journalist, and people’s representative.

He has translated poet Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer’s ‘Malayalam Sahitya Charitram’ and Kumaranasan’s famed works such as ‘Karuna,’ ‘Chandala Bhikshuki,’ and ‘Chindavishtayaya Sita’ into Kannada. Mr. Rai is a recipient of the Karnataka Sahitya Akademi award.