Mortal remains of noted writer Vyasaraya Ballal cremated

Bangalore, Jan 31(UNI) The mortal remains of noted Kannada writer Vyasaraya Ballala, who died at his residence due to illness last night, was cremated in the city today.

He was 85. He was survived by one son and two daughters.

Dr U R Ananthamurthy, M Chidananda Murthy and other wellknown Kannada writers visited his residence and rich tributes to the departed soul. The funeral took place at Banashankari cremation ground this afternoon.

Mr Ballala was known for his revolutionary thinking and had written more than 25 books including novels, short stories, political thinking books, two plays and childrens' books.

His novel +Uttarayana+ was acclaimed as his best work, while other two books Bandaya and Manjari received wide critical acclaim.

Bandaya and Hejje brought him Kendra Sahitya Academy awards.

The writer, who lived in Mumbai for five decades, had contributed short stories for Mumbai Akashvani. He also wrote over 100 short stories and served there as the editor of Nudi, a Kannada weekly published by Kamaladevi Chattopadhay.

In Mumbai he was a prominent member of Karnataka Sangha and also contributed to the columns in the dailies.

After retirement, Mr Ballala came to the city where he continued his writings.

Mr Ballala was a disappointed man lately as his name was not considered by the Central Office of Kannada Sahitya Parishat (KSP) for the presidentship of 74th Akhila Bharatha Kannada Sahitya Sammelan held in Udupi last month.

He was born in Ambalapady near Udupi in 1923. His childhood was tough and after his matriculation he went to Mumbai and worked as steno in a private company.

UNI SIV/MA RS RKN1528