Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has expressed grief over the demise of renowned author and poet Padmashree Jayanta Mahapatra.

In a message, the Chief Minister has described Mahapatra as a legendary author and poet, who excelled in both English and Odia literature.

Mahapatra had successfully elevated the reach of Odia literature to a wider circle. His intellect and knowledge was a guiding spirit for many youngsters to write in english literature, said the Chief Minister.

“Mahapatra’s mellifluous words will continue to weave their magic reminding us of the power of human expression. The vivid imagery of his writings about daily life, particularly drawn from Cuttack, will always remain a rich encapsulation of Odia life,” added the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister has announced that the late poet will be cremated with full state honours tomorrow (August 28).

He has wished peace and tranquility for the departed soul and expressed deep sympathies for the bereaved family members.

Mahapatra (95) breathed his last while undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack at 9 pm today. He was suffering from pneumonia, sources said.

Mahapatra had authored poems like ‘Indian Summer’ and ‘Hunger’. He is the first Indian poet to win the Sahitya Akademi Award for English poetry.