Ramakanta Rath, one of the most renowned modernist poets in Odia literature, passed away at 91at his Kharvel Nagar residence in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.
Some of his notable works include ‘Kete Dinara’, ‘Aneka Kothari’, ‘Sandigdha Mrigaya’, ‘Saptama Ritu’ & ‘Sachitra Andhara’.
Born in Cuttack, Rath obtained his MA in English Literature from Ravenshaw College before joining the Indian Administrative Services in 1957. However, he continued his writing career. He retired as Chief Secretary Odisha after holding several important posts in the Central Government, such as Secretary to the Government of India.
He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1977, Saraswathi Samman in 1992, Bishuva Samman in 1990, and India’s 3rd highest civilian honour, the Padma Bhushan, in 2006. He also served as the Vice President of the Sahitya Academy of India from 1993 to 1998 and the President of the Sahitya Akademi of India from 1998 to 2003, New Delhi.
