Bhubaneswar: Renowned writer Hussain Rabi Gandhi breathed his last on Saturday while undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack city. He was 75.
Gandhi, a former president of Odisha Sahitya Akademi, wrote in Odia language and was conferred with the Secular India Harmony Award by former President Giani Zail Singh in 1993. He also received the Gangadhar Meher Kabita award in 2015 for his contributions to the field of Odia poetry.
He joined the Janata Dal in 1988 and was one of the founding members of Biju Janata Dal (BJD). Gandhi became the party’s general secretary in 1998 and held the post till 2005.
People from all walks of life mourned Gandhi’s demise.
Expressing deep grief at the passing away of veteran leader and writer, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said Gandhi had a long association with Biju Patnaik and the BJD. “He has contributed immensely in strengthening the Biju Janata Dal and promoted the values of Biju Babu and BJD. His death is a great loss for the state.”
