Eminent Odia litterateur and academic Ratnakar Chaini passed away at his Bidanasi residence here on Saturday. He was 75 and is survived by his wife and a son.
Born at Sarei village in the Salepur area of Cuttack district in 1945, Chaini matriculated from the local Nemalo High School, graduated from the Christ College in Cuttack, had Masters degree in Odia from the Ravenshaw College, Cuttack and obtained PhD from the Utkal University. He taught Odia in several colleges.
Chaini was president of the prestigious Utkal Sahitya Samaj for long years. His literary works include ‘Achyutananda Rachanabali’, ‘Niraba Kolahala’, ‘Asha Brundabana’, ‘Tathapi Rabana’ and ‘Kaha Lalita’. He was felicitated with several awards.
Among others, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed deep grief over his demise.