Bhubaneswar: The famous Odia poet and former bureaucrat Ramkant Rath died on Sunday at his residence in Kharavel Nagar area. He was 90 years old. Padma Bhushan is left from Awardi Rath, three daughters and a son.
President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the demise of the chariot.
Afpadaha Sh Thur Runaman R R Tha Kanar Ti Kanauthun R Jagat A Papa Papa Papam Padam Bhushan Bhushan and many many many many many many many many many many many vabataumauths including their respective ktamauranauranauraranauraranauraranauraranaurara Ti Kaiayrach Yaayracha Yaayracha yaay kathaur Chairman of (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 16, 2025
Expressing grief over the death of the famous Odia poet, in a post on X, Murmu said that the chariot was a prominent person in the Indian literary world.
He said, “He was awarded several awards including Padma Bhushan. He enriched Pan-Indian literature with his unforgettable contribution to Odia literature,” he wrote. Murmu expressed his deep condolences to the bereaved family of the chariot.
Modi performed the demise of eminent poet and scholars and said that the works of the chariot, especially poetry, are widely popular among all sections of society.
Shri Ramkanta Rath Ji distinguished himself as an effective administrator and scholar. His work, especially poetry, are widely popular among all sections of society. Suffering from his passing. My views are with his family and fans in this hour of grief. Om Shanti: PM… – PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 16, 2025
“Shri Ramkanta Rath ji distinguished himself as an effective administrator and scholar. His work, especially poetry, are widely popular among all sections of society. He is suffering from his death. My views are with his family and fans.
Many Odisha leaders and eminent personalities mourned the demise of the chariot and gathered at their home to pay their final honors.
Expressing deep sorrow over the demise of the chariot, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said that Ramkanta Rath will always be remembered for his contribution to the Indian administrative service and literature world.
Maji expressed her condolences to the bereaved family.
The CM also announced that the funeral of the chariot would be performed with full state honors.
The younger daughter of the poet said that after the arrival of her son from abroad, the funeral of the chariot will be performed at Puri Swargadwar on Monday.
The chariot was born on 13 December 1934 in Cuttack. After completing his MA in English literature from Raveshv College (now University), he joined the IAS in 1957. The chariot retired as the Chief Secretary of Odisha in 1992, after holding several important positions in both the state and central governments.
Some of the major poems of the chariot include Kete Deenara (1962), Anica Kothari (1967), Sandigdha Murugaya (1971), Saptama Rutu (1977), Sachitra Andhra (1982), Mr. Radha (1982), and Seresha Kavita (1992). Some of his poems have been translated into English and other languages.
The chariot was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1977, Sarla Award in 1984, Bishuva Saman in 1990 and Sahitya Akademi Fellowship in 2009.
In the recognition of his outstanding contribution to literature, he was honored with Padma Bhushan in 2006.
He also worked as the Vice President of the Center Sahitya Akademi from 1993 to 1998 and the President of the Academy from 1998 to 2003.
