Eminent poet Sourindra Barik passed away on Tuesday morning at a private hospital here after prolonged illness. He was 79.
Writers, poets, journalists and intellectuals mourned the death of Barik. Friends, relatives and people from various walks of life gathered at his residence near Punama Gate here to pay their last respects to the departed soul.
Barik was born in Baripada, Mayurbhanj in 1938. After completing his MA in English literature, he took to teaching profession and taught in various Government-run colleges. He superannuated as Chairman, Bureau of Textbook Preparation and Production.
He has translated many books into Odia. His publications include Samanya Kathan (1975), Upabharat (1984), Akasha Pari Nibida (1985), Gunugunu Chitrapata (1986), luhathhu Bi Antaranga (1989), Chahala Chhaire Ghadie, Anubharata (1990), Ame Duhen (1991), Padha Ba Napadha (1997), Maa, Aau Jaha Kahibaku Thila and Haladi Basanta. He has also published several works of literary criticism.
The awards and honours received by him include Orissa Sahitya Akademi award, and Central Sahitya Akademi award for Akasha Pari Nibida in 1988.