Puri: The mortal remains of renowned sculptor and Padma Vibhushan awardee Raghunath Mohapatra were cremated with full state honour at his native village of Girala in Puri district last night
His body was brought to the village in a special ambulance from AIIMS-Bhubaneswar. Puri Sub-collector Bhabataran Sahoo, , Additional superintendent of Police and other administrative officers paid last respect to the departed soul.
The funeral pyre was lit by the late sculptor’s grandson Nitetsh Mohapatra, who was Wearing PPE kit.
Padma Vibhushan Raghunath Mohapatra passed away while undergoing treatment for COVID-19 at the AIIMS-Bhubaneswar on Sunday.
Mohahapatra, 77, was admitted to the hospital after testing positive on April 22. Several members in his family were also found to be infected by the virus. When his condition deteriorated, he was shifted to the ICU on April 25 and then put on ventilator support.
In 2018, President Ram Nath Kovind nominated Mr. Mohapatra — first person from Odisha — to the Rajya Sabha. As a doyen of stone sculpture, he was chosen for India’s second highest civilian award — Padma Vibhushan — in 2013.
The talented artist had just turned 22 in 1964 when he got national award for sculpture and in 1975, Padma Shri was bestowed upon him. In 2001, he was felicitated with the Padma Bhushan. Over five decades, he honed the skills of over 2,000 sculptors.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also condoled the death saying he would always be remembered for his invaluable contribution to the enrichment of the arts and heritage of Odisha.
Governor Ganeshi Lal said he was anguished to learn about the demise of the sculptor of international repute.
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