Distinguished Odia Poet Ramakanta Rath Passes Away, CM Majhi Mourns
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Synopsis
Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi mourns the loss of renowned Odia poet and Padma Bhushan awardee Ramakanta Rath. The CM highlights Rath's literary contributions and directs state honors for his last rites.
Key Takeaways
- Mohan Charan Majhi expresses sorrow over Ramakanta Rath's passing.
- Rath was a celebrated modern Odia poet and a Padma Bhushan recipient.
- His significant works include Saptama Ritu and Shri Radha.
- Rath also played a vital role in the administrative development of Odisha.
- His contributions to Odia literature earned him multiple prestigious awards.
Bhubaneswar, March 16 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, expressed profound sadness on Sunday following the passing of the illustrious modern Odia poet and Padma Bhushan awardee Ramakanta Rath.
In honor of his legacy, CM Majhi has instructed that the final rites of this literary icon be conducted with full state honors.
In his message of condolence, Chief Minister Majhi remarked, "The late Ramakanta Rath was among the finest poets in Indian literature. His enduring works, such as Saptama Ritu, Shri Radha, Sachitra Andhara, Kete Dinara, Duara Epatu, and Naja Naja Kahu Kahu, have secured his place in the literary realm."
Beyond his poetry, the 91-year-old Ramakanta Rath significantly contributed to the state's development, having served as secretary in various departments and as the Chief Secretary of Odisha.
CM Majhi further recognized Rath’s unmatched efforts in elevating Odia literature to both national and international acclaim. He received the Saraswati Samman for Shri Radha, the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award for Saptama Ritu, and the Sarala Award for Sachitra Andhara. He was also a Fellow of the Sahitya Akademi, a title bestowed upon distinguished literary figures.
"His passing represents an irreparable loss to the literary community. I pray for the eternal peace of his soul and extend my deepest condolences to his grieving family," expressed the Chief Minister.
The Culture Minister of Odisha, Suryabanshi Suraj, also paid his respects to the remarkable Odia poet Ramakanta Rath. "The loss of Padma Bhushan Ramakanta Rath, a modern poet in Odia literature, is a significant blow to the literary world. He was well-regarded as an effective administrator. Many of his poetry collections have garnered critical acclaim. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award for his collection Saptama Ritu. Rath's writings reflect a profound spiritual and metaphysical imagination. I am heartbroken by the passing of such a revered figure in literature," wrote Suraj.
A 1957 batch IAS officer, Ramakanta Rath was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2006 for his contributions to literature and the arts. He held the position of Vice President of the Sahitya Akademy of India from 1993 to 1998 and served as the President of the Sahitya Akademi from 1998 to 2003 in New Delhi.
