Bhubaneswar: Renowned Odia poet, novelist, and former administrator Rajendra Kishore Panda passed away on Friday at around 11:30 AM. He was 81.
Born on June 24, 1944, in Batalga village of Jharsuguda district, Panda carved a distinguished place for himself in Odia literature through his evocative poetry and thoughtful prose. He completed his postgraduate studies in Arts from Allahabad University, after which he joined the administrative services and served in various key roles from 1967 to 2004.
Panda’s literary journey began with his first poetry collection, Gauna Debata, published in 1947. Over the decades, he went on to author sixteen poetry collections and two novels, enriching Odia literature with his lyrical depth and philosophical insight.
His demise marks the end of an era in Odia poetry, leaving behind an enduring legacy that continues to inspire readers and writers alike. The literary fraternity across the state has expressed deep grief and paid tributes to the departed writer.
