Eminent writer Hussain Rabi Gandhi passes away at 74

Biswajeet Swain Published On : Jan 28, 2023 at 2:33 PM

Cuttack: Notable writer Hussain Rabi Gandhi passed away while undergoing treatment at the SCB Medical College and Hospital here, today. He was 74.

Gandhi was the President of Odisha Sahitya Akademi from 2008 to 2010.

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Born on April 23, 1948 in Jajpur district, Gandhi served as the general secretary of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) from its formation in 1998 to 2005.

He was awarded with the Secular India Harmony Award in 1993 by former President Giani Zail Singh and with the Gangadhar Meher Kabita award in 2015 for his notable contributions to the field of Odia poetry.

Besides authoring as many as 13 anthologies, Gandhi also translated Hindi novel ‘Rani Laxmi Bai’ into Odia.

He also practiced law for a brief period of time in the Orissa High Court.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condoled the demise of Gandhi.

In a message, the Chief Minister said that late Gandhi was a veteran leader long associated with Biju Babu and later with Biju Janata Dal. He has contributed immensely in strengthening the Biju Janata Dal and promoted the values of Biju Babu and BJD, said Patnaik.