Renowned Odia poet and Padma Bhushan awardee Ramakanta Rath passed away at the age of 91 in Bhubaneswar

BHUBANESWAR: Renowned poet and Padma Bhushan awardee Ramakanta Rath, who was also a former bureaucrat, passed away at his residence in Kharavela Nagar, 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.

Ramakanta Rath Padma award

Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the demise of the eminent modern Odia poet. In a condolence message, the Chief Minister said that Padma Bhushan awardee Late Ramakanta 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 chief minister also directed that the last rites of the great literary figure and epoch-making writer be conducted with full state honours.
Born on 13 December 1934 in Cuttack, Rath pursued a master’s degree in English from Ravenshaw University. Despite a distinguished career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), which he joined in 1957, his passion for literature remained unwavering. He held several key positions, including 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, Sri Palataka, and Srestha Kavita.
His magnum opus, Sri Radha, won him the prestigious Saraswati Samman in 1992 and remains one of the most celebrated works in Odia literature. 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 immense 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 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 sectors thronged 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,” said writer Gourahari Das, convener, Odia Advisory Board of Sahitya Akademi.
Rath is survived by his wife, three daughters, and one son.