BHUBANESWAR: Renowned poet and Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award winner Sourindra Barik passed away at a private hospital here on Tuesday. He was 79.
Born on October 3, 1938 at Amarda in Mayurbhanj district, Sourindra took up teaching as his profession after completing his Master’s degree in English and taught in various Government colleges. He retired as the director of Odisha State Bureau of Text Book Preparation and Production.
A prolific writer, Sourindra has many books to his credit. He also translated several books of other languages to Odia. He was also a well known literary critic.
Some of his popular books include Upabharat, Anubharat, Samanya Kathana, Akasha Pari Nibida, Bithi Pain, Bhari Mane Pade, Satyara Kuhuka, Ramayani, Sabuthare Tume, Haladi Basanta, Au jaha Kahibaku Thila, Jibana Jemiti, Gunugunu Chitrapata, Luhathu Bi Antaranga, Chahala Chhaire Ghadie, Ame Duhein and Padha Ba Napadha.
He received several awards including the Kendra Sahitya Akademi award in 1988 for his book Akasha Pari Nibida.
Following the news of his death, several distinguished personalities, friends, writers, poets and journalists rushed to his residence here to pay last respects.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Minister of State for Law Arun Sahu, Minister of State for Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Sanjay Dasburma, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak and Minister of State for Culture Ashok Das have condoled his death.