Writer Mohapatra Nilamani Sahu passes away

BHUBANESWAR: Eminent writer Mohapatra Nilamani Sahu passed away at a private hospital here on Saturday. He was 90.

A prolific writer, Sahu received several awards for his literary works. He was bestowed with Orissa Sahitya Akademi Award in 1979 for his story book ‘Akasha Patala’.

One of the greatest short story writers in Odia in post-Independence era, Sahu received the Sarala Award in 1983 and Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award in 1984 for ‘Abhisapta Gandharba’, a compilation of short stories.

He was also conferred several prestigious awards including Sahitya Bharati Award in 2006 and Kanta Kabi Award in 2001. He also translated many books.

Some of his popular short story books include Prema Tribhuja (1952), Michha Bagha (1955), Ganjei O Gabesana (1961), Ranu Apa Tharu Pushi Parjyanta, Andha Ratira Surya (1965), Anya Rupa Rupantara, Akasha Patala, Pingala Se Anya Jane and Kapota Pakhi Guru Mora.

Sahu was editor of Odia literary magazine ‘Jhankara’ from 1965 to 1969. Besides, he was the editor of Utkala Prasanga and Orissa Review from 1975 to 1978.

Born at Niali in Cuttack district on December 22, 1926, he passed Matriculation from Binjharpur High School and completed graduation and post-graduation in Odia from Ravenshaw College in Cuttack.

He started his career as a librarian in Sambalpur University. After two years of service, he was posted as a lecturer in Odia in Bhadrak College and later joined the Paralakhemundi Government College in Gajapati. He was also the vice-principal and principal of BJB Evening College, Bhubaneswar.

Eminent personalities from all walks of life including Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan condoled his death. Naveen said Sahu will always be remembered for his contribution to Odia literature.