India lost one of its most distinguished literary figures as renowed Odia poet and former bureaucrat Ramakanta Rath passed away at his residence in Kharvel Nagar, Bhubaneswar, on Sunday. He was 90 years old and had been a revered name in both literature and administration.
Rath, a Padma Bhushan awardee, is survived by his three daughters and a son. Rath’s last rites will be conducted in Puri Swargadwar on Monday with full state honors, following the arrival of his son from abroad, as reported by PTI.
Deeply saddened by the passing away of eminent Odia poet, scholar and former President of Sahitya Akademi Ramakanta Rath.
— Manas Mangaraj (@manasrmangaraj) March 16, 2025
His departure has left a void in Odia poet. His contributions to the field of literature will be long remembered.
My heartfelt condolences go out to his… pic.twitter.com/Kd6eT0evwi
His demise has left a deep void in the literary and administrative spheres, with several eminent personalities, including President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing their condolences.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed profound grief, highlighting Rath’s contributions to Indian literature and the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Calling him an inspiration, Majhi stated that Rath’s works will be remembered for generations.
प्रख्यात कवि श्री रमाकांत रथ जी के निधन के बारे में जानकर मुझे बहुत दुख हुआ है। श्री रमाकांत रथ भारतीय साहित्य जगत की एक प्रमुख विभूति थे। उन्हें पदम् भूषण सहित अनेक पुरस्कारों से सम्मानित किया गया। ओड़िया साहित्य में अपने चिरस्मरणीय योगदान द्वारा उन्होंने अखिल भारतीय साहित्य को…
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 16, 2025
President Droupadi Murmu, in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledged Rath’s immense contribution to Odia and Indian literature. She extended her deepest condolences to the bereaved family.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute, calling him an effective administrator and a gifted poet. "His poetry resonated with people across generations. Saddened by his passing. My thoughts are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti," PM Modi shared on X.
Shri Ramakanta Rath Ji distinguished himself as an effective administrator and scholar. His works, especially poetry, are widely popular among all sections of society. Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti: PM…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 16, 2025
Who was Ramakanta Rath?
Born on December 13, 1934, in Cuttack, Ramakanta Rath pursued his Master’s degree in English Literature from Ravenshaw College. He joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1957 and served in various key positions before retiring as Chief Secretary of Odisha in 1992.
Despite his decorated administrative career, Rath’s true legacy lies in his poetry, which captivated readers with its deep philosophical and aesthetic essence. Some of his most celebrated works include “Kete Dinara,” “Aneka Kothari,” “Sandigdha Mrugaya,” “Saptama Rutu,” “Sachitra Andhara,” “Sri Radha,” and “Sreshtha Kavita.” His poetry has been translated into multiple languages, ensuring his influence reaches beyond Odia literature.