Condolences pour in over demise of Odisha MP Padma Vibhushan Raghunath Mohapatra

Bhubaneswar/New Delhi: As soon as the news of Rajya Sabha Member and Eminent Sculptor Padma Vibhushan Raghunath Mohapatra’s demise broke out today afternoon, condolences poured in from all quarters.

President of India, Ram Nath Kovind expressed grief over Mohapatra’s death and stated in a tweet, “With the passing away of Raghunath Mohapatra, the field of art has become poorer. A very talented sculptor of traditional forms, he was honoured with all the three Padma awards. His absence is an irreparable loss. My condolences to his family, friends and followers.”

Vice President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu stated, “Anguished to learn about the passing away of Shri Raghunath Mohapatra, Member of Rajya Sabha and noted sculptor. My deepest condolences to his family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the demise of Mohapatra and said in a tweet, “Saddened by the demise of MP Shri Raghunath Mohapatra Ji. He made pioneering contributions to the world of art, architecture and culture. He will be remembered for his contributions towards popularising traditional crafts. My thoughts are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”

Odisha Governor Prof. Ganeshi Lal condoled and conveyed his grief message to the bereaved family members and friends. The Governor further stated, ‘He will be eternally remembered for his exquisite sculptures.”

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed sadness and stated in a tweet, “I am deeply saddened with the death of internationally renowned Sculptor and MP Raghunath Mohapatra. He will be remembered forever for his contribution to enrich Odisha’s culture and heritage. I pray for eternal peace of the departed soul and express sympathy to the bereaved family.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the death of Mohapatra is an irreparable loss for art and culture world. His contribution to keep the traditional art form of India alive cannot be forgotten, Shah added.

Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel Dharmendra Pradhan stated in a tweet, “Anguished by the passing away of the doyen of stone sculpture, an illustrious son of Odisha and Rajya Sabha MP Padma Vibhushan Shri Raghunath Mohapatra. A man who could infuse life into stones, Raghunath ji was one of the biggest ambassadors of Odisha’s art, culture and history.”

Pradhan further stated, “Raghunath ji’s passing away is a great loss for the cultural world of Odisha as well as a personal one for me. May Mahaprabhu Jagannath give strength to his family in this hour of grief and also grant Sadgati to the departed. ॐ शांति:”

Union MSME Minister Pratap Sarangi took to Twitter and expressed his condolences. He stated, “Shocked to know that Padma Bibhusan Dr. Raghunath Mohapatra, Nominated MP from @RajyaSabha succumbed to #COVID19 at AIIMS, BBSR. A renowned sculptor & architect, Dr. Mohapatra has trained generations of students & contributed to the richness of Odisha’s stone carving traditions.”

“In his death, the country has lost an iconic personality who was known for his cultural sensibility and deft craftsmanship. The people of Odisha deeply mourn his sad demise,” Sarangi added.

Today afternoon, Rajya Sabha MP Padma Vibhushan and illustrious Sculptor Raghunath Mohapatra died while undergoing treatment at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar. He was 78.

Hospital sopuirces informed Mohapatra passed away at 3:49 PM.

He had been undergoing treatment at AIIMS after being afflicted with Covid-19 disease.

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