Eminent Odia litterateur Mohapatra Nilamani Sahu passed away here after battling with cancer at a private hospital on Saturday. He was 90.
Sahu was born on December 22, 1926 at Niali in Cuttack district. He started his career as a lecturer in Odia literature and retired from the BJB (Evening) College in 1984.
He had started writing before Independence and is known as one of best storywriters. He was conferred with different awards for his short stories.
For his book Abhishapta Gandharva, he got both the Sarala Award and the Kendra Sahitya Akademi award. He received the Sarala Award in 1983 and in 1984 he received the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award.
For his book Akasha Patata, he received Orissa Sahitya Akademi Award in 1981.
Besides, he was also conferred with BC Nayak Sammana, Utkalmani Sammana and Sahitya Bharati Sammana, among others.
His story editions include Prema O Tribhuja, Michha Bagha, Anya Rupa Rupantara, Akasha Patala, Papa O Mukti and Se Kala Pakhala etc.
His novels include Dhara O Dhara and Tamasi Radha etc.
While condoling the death of the noted writer, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said Mohapatra Nilamani Sahu was an eminent writer in post independence era for his short stories. His short story collection Abhishapta Gandharva is an outstanding creation in the Odia literature, said Patnaik.