Which renowned Odia poet and former bureaucrat, a recipient of the Padma Bhushan award, recently passed away at the age of 90?

The correct answer is Ramakanta Rath.

In News

• Renowned Odia poet and former bureaucrat Ramakanta Rath passed away at the age of 90 on March 16, 2025.
• He was a Padma Bhushan awardee and served as Chief Secretary of Odisha.

Key Points

• Ramakanta Rath was born on December 13, 1934, in Cuttack, Odisha.
• He completed his MA in English literature from Ravenshaw College and later joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1957.
• His notable poetry collections include Kete Dinara (1962), Sri Radha (1985), and Sreshtha Kavita (1992).
• He was honored with the Sahitya Akademi Award (1977), Sarala Award (1984), Bishuva Samman (1990), and Sahitya Akademi Fellowship (2009).

Additional Information

• Ramakanta Rath’s Administrative Career:
  • Retired as **Chief Secretary of Odisha in 1992**.
  • Held several important positions in **both the state and central governments**.
• Literary Contributions:
  • Served as **Vice President (1993-1998) and President (1998-2003) of Kendra Sahitya Akademi**.
  • His poetry has been translated into **English and several Indian languages**.
• State Honors:
  • Odisha Chief Minister **Mohan Charan Majhi announced full state honors for his last rites**.
  • His last rites will be performed at **Puri Swargadwar after his son's arrival from abroad**.