Eminent writer and researcher in classical music Neelamadhab Panigrahi (93), better known as doyen of Sambalpuri-Kosli literature, passed away after prolonged illness at his native village Gulunda in Maneswar block of Sambalpur district on Wednesday morning. Panigrahi was born on November 14, 1919 and is survived by three sons and as many daughters.
Panigrahi had written many books including Mahabharat, Sambalpuri-Kosli Byakaran, Kosalika, Mahara Aar Mahu and Panigrahi Padyabali in Sambalpuri language besides books like Bharatiya Sangita, Sangita Sangmarjani and Jayadev Gitagobinda in Odia.
He had also done extensive research on Odissi dance and music. The Kendriya Sangeet Natak Akademi, National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama, the apex body of performing arts in the country, had endowed upon him the ‘Tagore Samman’ this year.
He was also awarded with an honorary D Litt degree from Sambalpur University and Odisha Sahitya Akademi Puraskar besides many other accolades.