Noted Author & Odisha CM’s Sister Geeta Mehta Passes Away

Bhubaneswar: Renowned author, documentary filmmaker, and journalist Geeta Mehta aged 80, has passed away in Delhi. Geeta was the daughter of the iconic leader Biju Patnaik and the elder sister of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. She was married to late Sonny Mehta, a renowned American publisher.

Born in Delhi in 1943 to Biju and Gyan Patnaik, Geeta received her education in India and later at the University of Cambridge in the UK. Throughout her career, she authored five notable books, including “Karma Cola,” “Snake and Ladders,” “A River Sutra,” “Raj,” and “The Eternal Ganesha.”

In a show of respect, the Chief Minister will depart for Delhi tomorrow morning to attend Geeta’s final rites.

Geeta Mehta’s literary works beautifully depicted India’s rich history, culture, and religious heritage. Her books achieved international acclaim, being translated into 13 languages and published in 27 countries. Additionally, Geeta made her mark as a filmmaker, having produced and directed 14 television documentaries broadcast in the UK, various European countries, and the United States.

During the 1970s, Geeta served as a war correspondent for the United States National Broadcasting Company (NBC) television network. It is worth noting that in 2019, she declined the prestigious Padma Shri award.