Noted poet Sourindra Barik passes away in Odisha capital

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Feb 23:

Eminent poet Sourindra Barik passed away this morning at a private hospital in Odisha capital after a prolonged illness. He was 79.

The noted poet wasn’t keeping well and ailing since long. He was admitted to a city-based private hospital recently. He breathed his last today, family sources said.

Writers, poets, journalists and intellectuals mourned the death of Barik. Friends, relatives and people from various walks of life gathered at his residence near Punama Gate under Bhimtangi here to pay their last respect to the departed soul.

The poet was born in Baripada, Mayurbhanj in 1938. After completing his Master’s degree in English literature, he took to teaching profession and taught in various government-run colleges. He superannuated as Chairman, Bureau of Textbook Preparation and Production.

The highly-acclaimed writer has translated many books to Odia.

His publications include Samanya Kathan (1975), Upabharat (1984), Akasha Pari Nibida (1985), Gunugunu Chitrapata (1986), Luhathhu Bi Antaranga (1989), Chahala Chhaire Ghadie, Anubharata (1990),  Ame Duhen (1991), Padha Ba Napadha (1997), Maa, Aau Jaha Kahibaku Thila and Haladi Basanta. He has also published several works of literary criticism.

The awards and honours received by him include Orissa Sahitya Akademi award, Dharitri award and Sahitya Akademi award for Akasha Pari Nibida in 1988.