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Bhubaneswar, Sept 9: ‘Dinanath’, a book of paintings and pictures of Dinanath Pathy, the painter-writer who passed away August 29, was unveiled Friday at a memorial function held at BMC Kalyan Mandap near Sahid Nagar here.
Dinanath, a painter, writer and art historian had passed away August 29 at the age of 74. The versatile artist-writer had been the secretary of Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi and Bhubaneswar and is regarded a pioneer of the art movement in Orissa.
He has also authored 50 books in English, Oriya and German about classical, traditional, tribal, folk, rural and contemporary art of the state. Dinanath was awarded the Orissa Sahitya Akademi Award for his autobiography “Digapahandira Drawing Master”.
The memorial function was attended by former chief secretary Subhash Pani, former speaker of the state assembly Sarath Kumar Kar, and former vice-chancellor of Sambalpur university Priyambada Mohanty Hejmadi, among others.
Priyambada said Dinanath was an exceptionally talented artist and writer and that he will be missed by his fans and family members.
Soubhagya Pathy, son of Dinanath who has himself authored ‘Chitrangi : Dinanathanka Chitrakala’, a compilation of photographs, newspaper articles and paintings by the artist, said his father had drawn much inspiration from his own life and presented his experiences through his works. “He blended tradition and modernity in his works. Oriya literature will miss him dearly,” Soubhagya said.
Jayanta Das, a professor at B K College of Art and Crafts, which was founded by Dinanath, said the artist’s death had created a vacuum that was difficult to fill. “He was loved even by his critics and he was a multi-talented person,” Jayanta said.
Sarat Kumar, in turn, said Dinanath had been a true friend and great son of the state. Schoolchildren sang bhajans and guests paid floral tributes to the artist at the function.
