Bhubaneswar:
Legendary writer Manoj Das
passed away on Tuesday at Aurobindo Ashram in Puducherry. The 87-year-old, was a novelist, revered poet, columnist, fiction and travel writer, a bold commentator on social issues, and an amazing storyteller.
As a bilingual writer, he was prolific in both English and Odia and was a household name in Odisha who wrote hundreds of books, countless columns in newspapers. The acclaimed writer died due to old-age-related illness, family sources said.
Tributes started pouring for the great writer from all sections of the society including literature, politics, and his innumerable fans and readers. Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal said, “He will continue to inspire generations through his timeless literary works.”
Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswabhushan Harichandan, chief minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and others also expressed deep condolences on the sad demise of the celebrated writer.
“Deeply saddened to know about the passing away of legendary litterateur Manoj Das. Sri Das has left an indelible mark in the field of literature with his vast variety of immortal works and left a void that can never be filled. The demise of the literary doyen is an irreparable loss to the world of Odia and English literature.” Naveen wrote in his Twitter message.
Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan said, “I am pained to know about the death of legendary writer Manoj Das. He has been highly awarded for his immortal creations in Odia and foreign languages. His death has created a great loss to Odisha’s as well as India’s literary world.”
Fellow writers Pratibha Ray, Sitakanta Mohapatra, Hara Prasad Das, and Debdas Chhortay, dramatist Subodh Patnaik were among who condoled the death of the great writer.
“No one will inspire the Odia readers the way
Manoj Das used to do. He was unique in so many ways. The way he writes, his selection of words, his ending to a story, everything was so very different and so unique and inspiring. This void will remain unfulfilled,” said noted writer Pratibha Ray.
Das was awarded innumerable awards including Saraswati Samman in 2000, Padma Shree in 2001, Sahitya Akademi Award Fellowship in 2006, Atibadi Jagannath Das Samman in 2007, Padma Bhusan in 2020.
Born in Sankhari Village in Balasore district on February 27, 1934, Das was influenced by the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and decided to stay in Aurobindo Ashram, Pondichery since 1963. He was teaching English Literature and the Philosophy of Sri Aurobindo at the Sri Aurobindo International University.
He edited a magazine ‘Diganta’ in 1950 while his first published story was ‘Samudra ra Sudha’ in 1952. Das edited ‘The Heritage’ a magazine published from Chennai in 1985-1989. He wrote columns in The Times of India, The Hindustan Times, The Hindu, and The Statesman as well.
His literary creations included ‘The Escapist’, ‘Tandralokara Prahari’, ‘Aakashra Isara’, ‘Amruta Phala’, ‘A Tiger at Twilight’, ‘Bulldozers and Fables and Fantasies for Adults’, ‘Cyclones’, ‘Godhulira Bagha’,
Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Start a Conversation
Post comment