Sun Mar 16 10:43:19 UTC 2025: ## Eminent Odia Poet and Former Bureaucrat Ramakanta Rath Passes Away at 90

**Bhubaneswar, Odisha –** Renowned Odia poet and former bureaucrat Ramakanta Rath passed away at his residence in Kharvel Nagar on Sunday at the age of 90, his family announced. Rath, a recipient of the Padma Bhushan award, leaves behind three daughters and a son.

His death prompted an outpouring of grief from national leaders. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi both issued statements expressing their condolences. President Murmu lauded Rath’s significant contribution to Indian literature, highlighting his numerous awards and lasting impact on Odia and pan-Indian literary landscapes. Prime Minister Modi praised Rath’s popularity across society and acknowledged his distinguished career as both an administrator and scholar.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also mourned Rath’s passing, emphasizing his contributions to both the Indian Administrative Service and the world of literature. The Chief Minister announced that Rath’s last rites will be performed with full state honors in Puri Swargadwar on Monday, following the arrival of his son from abroad.

Rath, born in Cuttack on December 13, 1934, joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1957 after completing his MA in English literature. He served in various key positions in both state and central governments, retiring as Odisha’s chief secretary in 1992.

His prolific literary career saw him publish numerous acclaimed poetry collections, including *Kete Dinara*, *Aneka Kothari*, and *Saptama Rutu*, some of which have been translated into other languages. His accolades included the Sahitya Akademi Award (1977), the Sarala Award (1984), the Bishuva Samman (1990), the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship (2009), and the Padma Bhushan (2006). He also served as vice president and later president of the Kendra Sahitya Akademi. Numerous dignitaries and well-wishers gathered at his residence to pay their respects.

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