Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Jun 25:

Eminent writer Mohapatra Nilamani Sahoo passed away at a private hospital in Odisha capital after battling with cancer. He was 90.

Pic Courtesy: www.telegraphindia.com

Sahoo was admitted to the hospital in Sahid Nagar area here on Thursday following complications. He was put on ventilator support as he developed multi-organ failure, sources said.

He is a recipient of many awards and recognition for his literary works. He was bestowed with Orissa Sahitya Akademi Award in 1979 for story book 'Akasha Patata'. For ‘Abhisapta Gandharba’ (a compilation of short stories), he received Sarala Award in 1983 and Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award for the same book in 1984.

Some of his popular story editions include—Prema Tribhuja (1952), Michha Bagha (1955), Srunantu Sarbe Amrutasya Putra (1957), Ganjei O’ Gabesana (1961), Ranu Apa Tharu Pushi Parjyanta, Andha Ratira Surya (1965), Anya Rupa Rupantara, Akasha Patala, Pingala Se Anya Jane, Kapota Pakhi Guru Mora, Sumitra Ra Hasa, Bishnu Maya, Papa O’ Mukti, Se Kala Pakhala, Brundabanara Sesha Dhupa, Ja Devi Sama Grushesu, Galpa Bichitra and Nibeditara Naisyabhisara. His popular novels include-- Dhara O Dhara, Tamasi Radha and Hansa Mithuna. His criticism book includes-- Sahityara Katha O Ramya Rachana Sahityara Paribar.

Many eminent personalities mourned the demise of Sahoo and expressed condolences to the bereaved family.

“Mohapatra Nilamani Sahoo is one of the greatest Odia short story writers in the post-independence era. His short story book ‘Abhisapta Gandharba’ was one of the finest works of Odia literature. He will always be remembered for his outstanding contribution to Odia literature. The state has lost an exceptional writer with the demise of Sahoo. May his soul rest in peace,” Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said in a condolence message.

Born on 22nd December 1926 into a zamindar family at Niali in Cuttack district, he passed matriculation from the Binjharpur High School and completed graduation and post graduation in Odia from Ravenshaw College in Cuttack.

He began his career as a librarian in Sambalpur University. After two years of his service, he was posted as a lecturer at Bhadrak College and then joined the Paralakhemundi Government College in Ganjam. He had also held the post of vice-principal and principal of BJB Evening College, Bhubaneswar.