Cuttack: polarly known as ‘Pata Dei’ in Odia literary world, eminent Odia litterateur and academic Binapani Mohanty, has breathed her last at her residence in Odisha’s Cuttack on Sunday evening, said the legendary writer’s niece Dr Sumita Mohanty. She was 85.
Prof.Mohanty served as an Economic professor at the time of her retirement at SB Women’s College in Cuttack. She has more than 100 books to her credit. A votary of women rights women empowerment, her literary creations spreads to various fields like novels, short stories, poem, a one-act play and biography.
She was conferred Padma Shri in 2020 in Literature and Education category and Atibadi Jagannatha Das Sammana by Odisha Sahitya Akademi. She won the Sahitya Akademi Award for ‘Pata Dei and other Stories’ in 1990 and Sarala Award. She served as chairperson of Odisha Lekhika Sansad.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Oisha Governor Ganeshi Lal, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and many other eminent persons from different walks of life have expressed grief over Mohanty’s demise.
“Pained by the passing away of noted writer Binapani Mohanty Ji. She made monumental contributions to Odia literature, especially fiction writing. Her works have been translated in various languages and attained great popularity. Condolences to her family and admirers. Om Shanti,” Prime Minister Modi said in a twitter post.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said Binapani Mohanty’s death has left a huge void in the literary world and extended his condolences to the bereaved family.
Pained by the passing away of noted writer Binapani Mohanty Ji. She made monumental contributions to Odia literature, especially fiction writing. Her works have been translated in various languages and attained great popularity. Condolences to her family and admirers. Om Shanti.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 24, 2022
Mr.Patnaik also announced state honour at the funeral of Mohanty, to be held at sati Chaura in Cuttack.
Prof.Mohanty’s career began with the publication of ‘Gotie Ratira Kahani’ in 1960. He well read stories are Pata Dei, Khela Ghara, Naiku Rasta, Bastraharana, Andhakarara, Kasturi Murga O Sabuja Aranya and Michhi Michhika.
Her short stories have been translated to other Indian languages. She has also translated a large number of books from Hindi and English.