Padma Bhushan awardee Ramakanta Rath passes away at 91
What's the story
Noted Odia poet Ramakanta Rath, also a former bureaucrat, died at his home on Sunday morning. He was 91. His family said he had been sick for six months, and his health worsened since last month. Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi said Rath would be given full state honors during his last rites.
Literary legacy
CM Majhi praises Rath's literary contributions
CM Majhi lauded Rath as one of the finest poets in Indian literature. He emphasized Rath's timeless creations like 'Saptama Ritu,' 'Sriradha,' 'Sachitra Andhara,' 'Kete Dinara,' and 'Duar Epatu,' which have established his legacy in the literary world. The CM also recognized Rath's tremendous contribution to the development of Odisha during his time as Secretary in different departments and Chief Secretary of Odisha.
Career path
Rath's journey from poet to bureaucrat
Rath was born on December 13, 1934, in Cuttack. After obtaining a master's degree in English from Ravenshaw College, he joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1957. His first collection of poems, 'Kete Dinara,' was published in 1962. Throughout his career, he won several literary awards, including the Padma Bhushan Award, for his exceptional contribution to literature.
Awards and honors
Rath's accolades and literary recognition
Rath was awarded the Atibadi Jagannath Das Samman in 2018 for his contribution to Odia literature. His best-known work, 'Sriradha,' which won the Saraswati Samman in 1992, is a modern classic. Other important literary contributions include 'Sripalataka,' 'Anek Kothari,' 'Sandigdh Mrugaya' and 'Simanta Basa.' His writings have been translated into English and various Indian languages.