Bhubaneswar, Aug 27 (PTI) Noted Odisha poet Jayant Mohapatra passed away on Sunday. His family members gave this information.
He was 95 years old and was suffering from old age related health complications.
Mohapatra, who was admitted to the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for treatment of pneumonia and other old age-related ailments, breathed his last at the hospital on Sunday night. He is survived by his wife and a son.
Born in Cuttack on October 22, 1928, Jayant Mohapatra was the first Indian poet to win the Sahitya Akademi Award for English poetry. He was also honored with the Padma Shri award in 2009. However, he returned it in 2015 in protest against the ‘rising intolerance in India’.
The author of ‘Indian Summer’ and ‘Hunger’, considered masterpieces of modern Indian English literature, Mohapatra wrote 27 poetry collections, seven of which are in Oriya, while the rest are in English.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed deep sorrow over Mohapatra’s demise, describing him as a talented poet in the world of English and Oriya literature.
In his condolence message, Naveen Patnaik said, “He had successfully extended the reach of Odia literature to a wider area. His wit and wisdom served as a guide for many youngsters to write in English literature. His sweet words will continue to cast their magic and remind us of the power of human expression. The vivid imagery of his writings about daily life will always remain a rich summary of Oriya life.
The chief minister said Mohapatra’s last rites would be performed on Monday with full state honours. He also wished for the peace of the departed soul. Mohapatra’s major works also include ‘Relationship’, ‘Bare Face’ and ‘Shadow Space’.
A teacher by profession, Mohapatra attended Stewart School in Cuttack and completed his post graduation in Physics from Patna University.
Bhasha Ravi Kant Suresh
suresh
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