Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday condoled the demise of eminent Odia bhajan singer Shantilata Barik Chhotray.
Shantilata, a cancer patient, died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar at the age of 63.
In a press release, the Odisha CM expressed his sympathy to her bereaved family and said Shantilata will always remain immortal through her devotional bhajans.
Also, Patnaik has declared that Shantilata will be cremated with full state honours.
In the condolence message, the Chief Minister said “Shantilata Barik was an ardent devotee of Lord Jagannath. Her soulful rendition of Jagannath bhajans made her a household name in Odisha. Her bhajans were an amalgamation of devotion and surrender to Lord Jagannath. Her voice had the power to create a devotional atmosphere.”
The Chief Minister paid deep tribute to the legendary singer by terming her demise as an irreparable loss for Odisha.
