Renowned Odia Litterateur JP Das passes away at 90

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Bhubaneswar: Renowned Odia poet, playwright, art historian, and former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Jagannath Prasad (JP) Das passed away at his residence in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday night. He was 90.

Born on April 26, 1936, in Puri district, Das joined the IAS in 1958. During his distinguished bureaucratic career, he served in several pivotal state and central government roles, most notably as the Collector of Kalahandi during the severe 1965–1966 famine and drought, where his exemplary relief efforts earned widespread recognition.

At the peak of his career in the year 1986, he took voluntary retirement to dedicate himself entirely to his creative passions.

Das authored several acclaimed poetry collections, including Prathama Purusha, Ahnika, and Parikrama.

He was known for their modernist sensibility, philosophical depth, and cultural introspection. He received the prestigious Saraswati Samman in 2006 for his literary excellence.

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Beyond poetry, Das made significant contributions to Odia theatre through experimental and absurdist plays such as Suryasta Purbaru and Sundara Das. He also wrote the landmark historical novel Desha Kala Patra. He was a passionate advocate for writers, having founded the Poetry Society (India) and serving as its president for 14 years.

Known for his strong principles, He also declined the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1990.

JP Das was also a strong advocate for literary communities and founded the Poetry Society (India), serving as its president for 14 years.

He helped introduce Odia literature to global audiences by translating works into and from Swedish, Urdu, French, and English.

Also Read: Eminent Odia Litterateur Chandrasekhar Rath Passes Away

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