Rashmi Ranjan

Eminent Odia litterateur and poet Binapani Mohanty passed away on Sunday. She was 85.

She breathed her last at her residence in Cuttack due to age-related complications, her family said.  

A professor in Economics, Mohanty has more than 100 books to her credit. She was the younger sister of eminent doctor Nirupama Rath and advocate Sachinadanda Mohanty, both of whom have passed away.

She was conferred with Padma Shri in Literature and Education category in 2020 and received the prestigious 'Atibadi Jagannath Das Samman'. Besides, she was also honoured with Sahitya Akademi Award and Sarala Samman.

Mohanty received the Sahitya Akademi award in 1990 for her collection of short stories entitled 'Pata Dei and other stories.'  'Patadei' was published as 'Lata' in Femina in 1986. Its Hindi dramatisation 'Kashmakash', telecast on Doordarshan, in the late 1980s was a hit. She wrote three novels and translated Russian folktales to Odia.

Mohanty’s career began with the publication of ‘Gotie Ratira Kahani’ in 1960. Some of her best known stories are Pata Dei, Khela Ghara, Naiku Rasta, Bastraharana, Andhakarara, Kasturi Murga O Sabuja Aranya and Michhi Michhika.

Besides, many of Mohanty’s short stories have been translated to other Indian languages. She has also translated a large number of books from Hindi and English. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Odisha Governor Professor Ganeshi Lal, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, BJP National Vice President Baijayant Panda and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan have expressed grief over the demise of the noted writer.

Taking to Twitter, PM Modi condoled the death of the noted writer and wrote, "Pained by the passing away of noted writer Binapani Mohanty Ji. She made monumental contributions to Odia literature, especially fiction writing. Her works have been translated in various languages and attained great popularity. Condolences to her family and admirers. Om Shanti."

 

 

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed grief, saying it was an irreparable loss for the Odia literature world.

"She will always remain in the hearts of the people for her literary works. I express my condolence to the bereaved family members," he said.

Patnaik said that her funeral will be held with full state honours.

 

 

Condoling her death, Governor Ganeshi Lal said she enriched Odia literature in many ways.

 

 

BJP National Vice President Baijayant Panda said, "She will be remembered for her contribution to the Odia literature.".

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan termed the noted writer's demise as an irreparable loss.

 

 

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