Rich tributes to Rajaratnam on his birth centenary

New Delhi, Feb 24 (UNI) Number of Kannadigas today paid rich tributes to distinguished Kannada teacher and writer G P Rajaratnam to commemorate his birth centenary.

In a programme organised by 'Dehali Kannadiga', a Kannada monthly speakers recalling his contribution said he was a bridge not only between old and modern Kannada literature but also between the old and the young generations.

Rajaratnam, himself a teetotaller all his life, wrote 'Ratnana Padagalu' where he projected an imaginary hero, proclaiming his love not just for liquor but Kannada also.

Popular as 'Kannadada Ratna' (diamond of Kannada), he had penned over 150 books including short stories, books on drama, children literature, poems, biographies and classical Kannada literature.

Incidentally he presided over the 50th All India Kannada Literary Conference of the Kannada Sahitya Parishad held here in 1978.

He was also a winner of Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award in 1969 and Kannada Rajyotsava Award in 1970.

Meanwhile, Dehali Kannadiga Editor M B Samaga has demanded that the toy train run by the Bal Bhavan in Cubbon Park in Bangalore should be named after Prof G P Rajaratnam as a fitting tribute for his contribution.

''The magazine would constitute an award in his name for new generation writers,'' Mr Samaga said.

UNI MCN SK KP1514