Former State Chief Secretary Lalat Indu Parija passed away at a private hospital here after a cardiac arrest on Monday. He was 89.
His mortal remains were consigned to flames at the Khan Nagar crematorium here where his elder son Ashok Parija lit the funeral pyre.
Parija, son of eminent botany scientist Prana Krushna Parija, was appointed as the Chief Secretary twice during his service period.
He had served the state as the chief of bureaucracy for a period of one month from March 1, 1983 to April 1, 2983 and again for over a year from January 1, 1986 to August 5, 1987.
His book “Fate Takes A Hand” had been unveiled here on March 20 this year.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressing deep condolences said Parija was a brilliant administrator.
Parija was also a good cricketer and had captained Odisha in Ranji Trophy.