KalingaTV News Network
Bhubaneswar: Eminent Odia writer Chandrasekhar Rath passed away here today at the age of 89. He was undergoing treatment in a private hospital here for prolonged illness. Rath was selected to receive this year’s Padma Shri award.
A native of Malpada in Balangir district, he did his Post-graduation in English from Canning College, University of Lucknow and was conferred a D.Litt from the same University in 2008. Later Utkal University of Culture also conferred him with D.Litt in 2012.
This legendary writer has inspired generations of students as an English Professor and as a writer. He has authored more than three dozen short stories, essays and many books including Yantrarudha, Asurya Upanivesh, Nav Jatak.
This gem was awarded with Odisha Sahitya Akademi for his novel in 1980 and for his essays in 1981, Sarala Award in 1981. Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab’s ‘Jhankar ’ magazine had also conferred him with the annual Vishnu Award. He received the Hutch Crossword Book Award for ‘Yantrarudha’ (The Instrumented).
An important aspect of his life was his keen involvement in translating works of Indian philosophy, Upanishads to Odia language. He was highly inspired by the life and works of Sri Aurobindo and had written Pathachakra diary based on philosophical musings.
People from different walks of life paid their last respects to his mortal remains at his residence.
Chandrasekhar Rath was not only a noted writer but a sculptor, painter and sportsman too. Watch this short documentary that gives an insight into his extraordinary and multifaceted career.
Ms Kalinga