CUTTACK: Eminent litterateur, journalist, politician and social worker Annada Prasad Ray passed away following a cardiac arrest at his residence in Tala Telengabazar here on Tuesday. He was 79 and is survived by a son.
Born in January 14, 1937, Ray authored several short stories and novels. ‘Muthae Jibana Anjulae Smruti’, ‘Matira Luha’, ‘Ya Devi’, ‘Balaya’, ‘Airabata’, ‘Ajana Gachhara Maya’, ‘Poushara Parthana’, ‘Rai Ra Chithi’ and ‘Sunayana’ are some of Ray’s prominent works.
For his outstanding literary activities, Ray bagged several awards like Byasa Kabi Fakir Mohan award, Baishnab Pani Samman, Galpa Gaurab Samman, Sahitya Ratna Samman, Satakratu Samman, Indo Soviet Samman, Bhubaneswar Sahitya Sansad Samman, Binayak Acharya Samman, Utkal Sahitya Kala Parisad Samman and Prativa Puja Samman.
Ray was the former president of Utakal Sahitya Samaj, Odisha Prativa Puja Sansad and Jadi Mangala Sahitya Sansad. He was also the Editor of Odia daily Matrubhumi.
As a politician, Ray’s contribution to the State unit of Congress is unparallel. He was the president of undivided Cuttack district Congress committee and general secretary of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee.
Eminent personalities including writers, academicians, novelist, journalists, politicians and bureaucrats condoled the death of Ray. His last rites will be conducted at Khannagar on Wednesday, family sources said.