Padma Bhushan recipient, renowned Odia poet Ramakanta Rath, passes away at 91

Ramakanta Rath, one of the most renowned modernist poets in Odia literature, passed away at 91. The Padma Bhushan award recipient breathed his last at his Kharvel Nagar residence in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.

Some of his notable works include ‘Kete Dinara’, ‘Aneka Kothari’, ‘Sandigdha Mrigaya’, ‘Saptama Ritu’ & ‘Sachitra Andhara’.

Born in Cuttack, Rath obtained his MA in English Literature from Ravenshaw College before joining the Indian Administrative Services in 1957. However, he continued his writing career. He retired as Chief Secretary Odisha after holding several important posts in the Central Government, such as Secretary to the Government of India.

He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1977, Saraswathi Samman in 1992, Bishuva Samman in 1990, and India’s 3^rd highest civilian honour, the Padma Bhushan, in 2006. He also served as the Vice President of the Sahitya Academy of India from 1993 to 1998 and the President of the Sahitya Akademi of India from 1998 to 2003, New Delhi.

Odisha CM's Tribute:

CM Mohan Majhi took to social media to express sorrow on the passing away of Rath.

Taking to his X handle, the Odisha CM shared, “I am saddened to learn of the passing away of Padma Bhushan awardee former civil servant and writer Ramakant Rath. He will always be remembered for his contribution to the Indian civil service as well as the world of literature. His last rites will be performed with national dignity. I pray to Lord Sri Jagannath for the eternal peace of the departed soul of Rath and express my condolences to the bereaved family.”

State Funeral in Puri

The revered poet Ramakant Rath will be laid to rest with full state honours in a ceremony scheduled for tomorrow at Swargadwar, Puri, following an announcement by the Chief Minister of Odisha.

Ramakant Rath, widely celebrated for his contributions to Odia literature, will be cremated at the culturally significant site of Swargadwar. This decision underscores the profound respect and recognition bestowed upon him by the state government.