Odia poet, ex-bureaucrat Ramakanta Rath passes away at 91

BHUBANESWAR: Renowned poet and Padma Bhushan awardee Ramakanta Rath, who was also a former bureaucrat, passed away at his residence in Bhubaneswar on Sunday, marking the end of an era in Odia literature. He was 91.

A towering figure in modernist poetry, Rath's contributions left an indelible mark on Indian literature.

Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed sorrow over the demise and said Rath was one of the finest poets in Indian literature. "His efforts in promoting Odia literature at the national and international levels remain undeniable. Apart from his literary contributions, he also played a crucial role in Odisha's development as a secretary in various departments and as the chief secretary of the state. His demise is an irreparable loss to the literary world."

The CM also directed that Rath's last rites be conducted with full state honours.

Born on Dec 13, 1934, in Cuttack, Rath pursued a master's degree in English from Ravenshaw University. He joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1957 and held several key positions, including the chief secretary of Odisha, before retiring in 1992.

Rath revolutionised Odia poetry with his philosophical and modernist approach. His acclaimed works include Kete Dinara, Sandigdha Mrugaya, Saptama Rutu, Sachitra Andhara, Sri Radha, which won him the prestigious Saraswati Samman in 1992 and remains one of the most celebrated works in Odia literature, Sri Palataka and Srestha Kavita.

Over the years, Rath received numerous accolades, including the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1977, Sarala Award in 1984, Bishuva Samman in 1990 and the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship in 2009. In recognition of his contribution to literature, he was conferred with the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, in 2006.

Beyond his literary achievements, Rath played a pivotal role in shaping India's literary landscape. He served as the vice-president of the Sahitya Akademi from 1993 to 1998 and later as president of the Akademi from 1998 to 2003, promoting Indian literature on a national and global stage.

Many eminent persons from different fields came to his residence in Kharavela Nagar to pay their last respects. "His passing is an irreparable loss to the world of literature, but his words will continue to inspire generations of poets and readers," writer Gourahari Das, who is the convener of Odia Advisory Board of Sahitya Akademi, said.

Rath is survived by his wife, three daughters and a son.