Padmashree Jayanta Mahapatra No More
CM Condoles Death, Declares state funeral .
Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has expressed deep grief and sorrow on the passing away of renowned author and poet Padmashree Jayant Mohapatra.
In a message, the Chief Minister has described him as a legendary author and poet, who was a genius in both English and Odia literature. He had successfully elevated the reach of Odia literature to a wider circle. His intellect and knowledge was a guiding spirit for many youngsters to write in english literature.
His mellifluous words will continue to weave their magic reminding us of the power of human expression. The vivid imagery of his writings about daily life, particularly drawn from cuttack, will always remain a rich encapsulation of Odia life ,the CM added.
The CM has announced that the late poet will be laid to rest with full state honours tomorrow.
The CM has wished peace and tranquility for the departed soul and expressed his deep sympathies for the family members.
Noted Indian English poet and Padma Shri awardee Jayanta Mahapatra passed away Sunday while getting treatment at SCB Medical College. He was 95 years old
He was suffering from Pneumonia and old age related complications for the last several days days, a source said sunday.
A team of doctors from SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) led by Cardiology Specialist Professor Dr Biswajit Das we’re treating him.
The medical team has given necessary consultations and medicines to the litterateur and some medical tests were advised in the morning for diagnostic purposes.
During his treatment at SCB Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) Mayor Subhash Chandra Singh, Standing Committee chairman A Sridevi and several other local people’s representatives have visited the poet.
Odia Culture minister Ashwini Kumar Patra paid tribute to Mahapatra and termed him as poet of highest standard and literary field lost a gem today may his soul rest in peace minister said.
Worth mentioning, Mahapatra was born on 22nd October 1928. He is the first Indian poet to win Sahitya Akademi Award for English poetry. He is the author of poems such as ‘Indian Summer’ and ‘Hunger’, which are regarded as classics in modern Indian English literature.
The eminent poet was awarded Padma Shri in 2009. However, he returned the award in 2015 protesting against the much-debated and rising intolerance in the country.