Bhubaneswar: Eminent Odia cartoonist Kishore Rath breathed his last at Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar owing to cardiac arrest late Sunday night. He was 58.
According to a source, Kishore was admitted to the government-run health facility after he complained of severe chest pain earlier at night. However, he did not respond to medical treatment and succumbed.
Doctors treating him confirmed the news after conducting an ECG.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his deep grief at the sad demise of the renowned cartoonist.
Taking to his personal Twitter handle, Patnaik wrote in Odia, “I am deeply saddened on hearing about the demise of popular cartoonist Kishore Rath. He will always be remembered for his unique style of expression of different social issues through his cartoon works. I express my deep condolences to the bereaved family members and pray that his immortal soul rests in peace.”
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Kishore was a leading cartoonist in the state and was popular for his pocket cartoon Katakhya which was being published in a local daily. Born in 1963, the cartoonist had graduated in Fine Arts from Khallikote Arts College of Ganjam district. He was ventilating his power-packed thoughts and aptly reflecting public opinions through cartoons.
The noted cartoonist had interest in Dhumpa Sangeet. It is a folk musical art form of Ganjam and Nayagarh districts. Usually, a bamboo beating instrument is used to create the folk music.
After the news of Kishore’s sudden demise spread, a pall of gloom descended the media fraternity in Odisha.
Condolences have been pouring in from all sections of the society, including Kishore’s fans, praying for peace of the departed soul.
PNN