Revolutionary Odia poet Rabi Singh passed away at his residence at Khapuria here on Sunday morning. He was 89. The veteran poet had been suffering from old-age related ailments since past few years.
Singh had received many awards for his immense contribution to Odia literature. He had penned finest literary works through which he had voiced against old values and degrading morality in the society.
‘Patha Prantara Kabita’, ‘Charama Patra’, ‘Lal Pagoda ra Preta O Anya Kabita’, ‘Bhrukuti’, ‘Bidirna’, ‘Padatika’, ‘Apritikara Kabita’, ‘Bishabani’, ‘Durgama Giri’, ‘Jhada’, ‘Sarbahara’ and ‘Banya’ were among the collections of his poetry.
He was conferred with the Atibadi Jagannath Das Samman for the year 2017. Earlier, he had also received the Odisha Sahitya Akademi Award in 1961.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik declared state funeral for Singh for his remarkable contribution to the freedom movement and Odia literature.
Expressing deep grief over Singh’s death and conveying his deep sympathy to the bereaved family, Patnaik described him as a very talented poet, prolific writer and a true patriot.
The Chief Minister said Singh’s death has created a great void in modern Odia literature. His poems were remarkable in carrying the values of socialism, human rights and equality of classes, he added.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan too mourned Singh’s death and said this has created an irreparable loss to Odia literature.
BJP leaders, State president Samir Mohanty and Leader of Opposition in State Assembly Pradipta Naik, also expressed deep condolence over Singh’s demise.
Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan also mourned Singh’s death.
Samajwadi Party State president Rabi Behera too expressed grief over the poet’s death. “Singh was an inspiration to revolutionary youths who love human beings and the society and fight against exploitation and persecution,” he said.