Bhubaneswar: Famous writer and former president of Odisha Sahitya Akademi Hussain Rabi Gandhi passed away Saturday at the age of 75 while receiving treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.
Hussain primarily wrote in Odia language. For his significant contributions to the field of Odia poetry, the former President of India Giani Zail Singh conferred him with the Secular India Harmony Award in 1993. He was also awarded Gangadhar Meher Award for Poetry in 2015.
Hussain joined Janata Dal in 1988 and was one of the founding members of Biju Janata Dal (BJD). He became BJD’s general secretary in 1998 and held the post till 2005.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed grief over Gandhi’s death and noted their long friendship.
Naveen said, “He has contributed immensely in strengthening the Biju Janata Dal and promoted the values of Biju Babu and BJD.” His passing was a great loss to the state as he was a well-known author who made significant contributions to Odia literature, Naveen added.
Agencies