Dr Ramchandra Behera on Monday resigned from the post of President of the Odisha Sahitya Academy. A renowned short story writer, he tendered his resignation three months before expiry of his term.
According to Dr Behera, he did not want to continue in the post when Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had already given his nod for eminent writer Satakadi Hota as his successor.
Dr Behera appeared peeved over the formation of a search committee for a new academy President long before completion of his term. The committee has given names of three persons and the Chief Minister recommended Hota’s name for the post.
“It hurts me when my term has not been completed,” Dr Behera said. He added that during his tenure he managed to revive the academy, for which he feels satisfied.
Meanwhile, Hota assumed charge as the new president of the academy on Wednesday.