Renowned Odia Poet Padma Bhushan Ramakanta Rath passed Away

Bhubaneswar: 16/3/25:Padma Bhushan Ramakanta Rath, one of the most renowned modernist poets in Odia literature, passed away this morning at Bhubaneswar at the age of 91. His passing has cast a deep shadow of mourning over the literary world, marking the end of an era in Odia literature.

Born on December 13, 1934, in Cuttack, Rath pursued his master’s degree in English Literature from Ravenshaw University. Despite a distinguished career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), which he joined in 1957, his passion for literature remained undeterred. Before retiring in 1992, he held several key positions, including Chief Secretary of Odisha.

A 1957-batch IAS officer, Ramakanta Rath also served as the Chief Secretary of Odisha and held several key positions in the Union Government.

Rath was a towering figure in Odia poetry, known for his modernist and philosophical approach. His acclaimed poetry collections include Kete Dinara (1962), Sandigdha Mrugaya (1971), Saptama Rutu (1977), Sachitra Andhara (1982), Sri Radha (1985), and Sreshtha Kavita (1992)A recipient of numerous literary awards, Rath was honoured with the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1977, the Sarala Award in 1984, the Bishuva Samman in 1990, and the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship in 2009. His magnum opus, Sri Radha, won him the prestigious Saraswati Samman in 1992. His works have been translated into English and several Indian languages. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to literature, he was conferred with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in 2006. The last rites of Ramakanta Rath will be carried out tomorrow at the SwargaDwar of Puri.

President Droupadi Murmu has expressed grief at the demise of eminent Odia poet Ramakanta Rath. In her message, President Murmu said Ramakant Rath was a prominent figure in the Indian literary world. Ramakanta Rath was honoured with many awards including Padma Bhushan. The President said the eminent poet has enriched pan-Indian literature with his unforgettable contribution to Odia literature.

Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, has deeply condoled the death of Ramakanta Rath saying he had given a new identity to Odia literature, both nationally and internationally. The Culture Minister of Odisha, Suryabanshi Suraj, also paid tributes to the great Odia poet Ramakanta Rath.