Kendrapada: Shri Umakant Mohapatra, a distinguished educationist hailing from Koshida village under the Garadapur block of the Patkura constituency, passed away today at the age of 94. His demise has cast a pall of grief across the Patkura area, where he was known as a devoted friend to the village.
Shri Mohapatra earned a stellar reputation for his efficient service, holding several high positions within the Odisha government. His distinguished career included roles as the former Principal of Ravenshaw College and the Director of the Secondary Education Department.
He is survived by his illustrious family members, including his elder brother, senior administrator and Jnanpith Award winner Sitakant Mohapatra, and his younger son, Assam Additional Chief Conservator of Forests Suman Mohapatra. His elder son, Ranjan Mohapatra, a former LIC officer, offered the funeral pyre at Puri’s Swargadwar.
Political leaders have extended their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Among those who expressed their grief were Deputy Chief Minister Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Higher Education Minister Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, MP Shri Baijayant Panda, and MLA Arabinda Mohapatra.