CUTTACK: Eminent social activist, writer and freedom fighter Girija Bhusan Patnaik passed away at his residence at Kala Vikash Kendra Marg early on Sunday.
He was 84 and was ailing for some time now. He is survived by wife Prof Kamal Kumari Patnaik, two sons and a daughter.
Girija was drawn to the freedom struggle at a fairly early age of 11 and actively participated in the movement in 1942. Though trained as a lawyer, he was more involved in social work. He was also a prolific writer with several acclaimed books to his credit. He was conferred the Sahitya Akademi Award for his autobiography ‘Jibanara Bate Ghate’ in 2002.
Among his other popular books are ‘Jeebanara Patha Prantare’, ‘Jeeba Smrutiru Khie’, ‘Sraddhanjali’ and ‘Ukhura Smruti’.
He established The Universe, Council of Cultural Growth & Cultural Relations (CCGR), in 1974 and built it up as a leading social organisation and a platform for socio-cultural, intellectual exchanges not only at domestic but also international level.
He also played a prominent role in getting the Millennium City status to Cuttack and the celebration of 1000 years of the city.