Bhubaneswar: Eminent litterateur and satirist Mahapatra Nilamani Sahu passed away at a private hospital in the city here this evening. He was 90.
Sahu, who was afflicted with cancer since a long time, fell seriously ill on Thursday. He was admitted to a private hospital where he passed away after multi-organ failure.
Born on December 22, 1926 at Niali in Cuttack district, Sahoo was conferred with Odisha Sahitya Akademi Award in 1979 for his book ‘Akasha Patala’. He had also received the prestigious Sarala Award in 1983 for ‘Abhisapta Gandharba’ (a compilation of short stories) and won the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award for the same book in 1984.
His other popular books include Prema Tribhuja (1952), Michha Bagha (1955), Sunantu Sarbe Amrutasya Putra (1957), Ganjei O’ Gabesana (1961), Ranu Apa Tharu Pushi Parjyanta, Andha Ratira Surya (1965), Anya Rupa Rupantara, Pingala Se Anya Jane, Kapota Pakhi Guru Mora, Sumitra Ra Hasa, Bishnu Maya, Papa O’ Mukti, Sekala Pakhala, Brundabanara Sesha Dhupa, Ja Devi Sama Grushesu, Galpa Bichitra and Nibeditara Naisyabhisara.
Some of his well-known novels include Dhara O Dhara, Tamasi Radha and Hansa Mithuna. His books of criticism include Sahityara Katha O Ramya Rachana and Sahityara Paribara.
Eminent personalities including chief minister Naveen Patnaik have condoled the demise of Sahoo.
“Nilamani Sahoo was one of the greatest Odia short story writers in the post-independence era. His short story book ‘Abhisapta Gandharba’ is one of the finest works of Odia literature. He will always be remembered for his outstanding contribution to Odia literature. With his death, the state has lost an exceptional writer. May his soul rest in peace,” the chief minister said in his message.