Renowned Odisha Litterateur and International Poet Jayanta Mahapatra Passes Away at 95

Cuttack: Celebrated savant and globally acclaimed poet from Odisha, Jayanta Mahapatra, breathed his last on Sunday. At the age of 95, Mahapatra passed away while receiving medical treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, leaving behind a legacy that has left an indelible mark on the world of literature.

As per initial reports, Mahapatra was suffering from pneumonia. He had been admitted to the hospital on January 20.

He leaves behind a remarkable legacy as the first Indian poet to secure a Sahitya Akademi award for English poetry. His literary contributions are immortalized in masterpieces like ‘Indian Summer’ and ‘Hunger,’ which stand as cornerstones of modern Indian English literature.

Mahapatra went on to publish over 30 books of poetry, including “The Rain of Rites”, and “Relationship.” His poems are known for their lyrical beauty and their exploration of the themes of love, loss, and alienation.

He was also awarded the Padma Shri in 2009. However, In 2015, Mahapatra returned the award as a gesture of protest against the “Moral Asymmetry” that he believed was eroding the societal fabric.

Mahapatra’s death is a great loss to the world of literature. He was a gifted poet who had a unique voice and vision. His poems will continue to be read and enjoyed for generations to come.