Renowned Odia Poet Ramakanta Rath Passes Away

Renowned Odia poet and former IAS officer Ramakanta Rath, known for his profound contribution to modern Odia literature, passed away at the age of 90. Born on December 30, 1934, in Puri district, Rath’s poetic journey began during his college days at Ravenshaw College, Cuttack, where he studied English literature. His works, including Saptama Ritu, Sri Radha, and Sandigha Mrigaya, redefined Odia poetry with deep philosophical reflections and unique poetic expressions. Rath, who received prestigious honors like the Padma Bhushan, Saraswati Samman, and Atibadi Jagannath Das Award, also had a distinguished career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

Key Highlights of Ramakanta Rath’s Life and Legacy

Personal Details

• Born: December 30, 1934
• Birthplace: Puri district, Odisha
• Education: MA in English Literature from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack
• Died: March 2025

Literary Contributions

• Started writing poetry during college days.
• First poetry collection: Kete Dinara (Of Many Bygone Days), 1962
• Moved from romantic themes to deep exploration of human destiny.

Notable works

• Saptama Ritu (The Seventh Season, 1977) – Won Sahitya Akademi Award (1978)
• Sri Radha (1985) – Won Saraswati Samman
• Aneka Kothari (Several Rooms)
• Sandigha Mrigaya (Deer Hunt in a Mood of Indecision)
• Sachitra Andhara (Illustrated Darkness)
• His works blended prose and lyricism, introducing modern diction and structure to Odia poetry.
• His poetry has been translated into English and other Indian languages.

Awards and Honors

• Kendriya Sahitya Akademi Award (1978)
• Saraswati Samman (1992)
• Padma Bhushan (2006)
• Atibadi Jagannath Das Award (2018) – Odisha’s highest literary honor
• State Sahitya Akademi Award
• Bishuva Samman
• Kabir Samman

Career as an Administrator

• Joined Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1957.
• Served as Chief Secretary of Odisha and Secretary to the Government of India.
• Worked as a consultant for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Guyana.
• Vice-president of the Kendriya Sahitya Akademi.
• Honorary Chairman of the Odisha Maritime Academy.

Legacy and Tributes

• Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi announced state honors for his last rites.
• Final rites to be conducted at Swargadwara, Puri.
• Widely recognized for bringing Odia literature to national and international recognition.