Eminent poet of Oria literature and social activist Brajanath Rath on Saturday passed away following a prolonged illness at his residence in Odisha, family sources said. He was 79.
Rath was the recipient of many prestigious awards, including the Orissa Sahitya Academy Award, Vishuba Award, Gokarnika Award and the Shudramuni Sahitya Award.
He was also honoured by global cooperation society international, Seoul, Republic of Korea for contribution to world peace and welfare, cooperation and services.
Rath was conferred the highest honours from the Orissa Sahitya Academy Award for 'Manara Manachitra'. He was also awarded the Tagore Literature Award (2010) for his poetry collection 'Samanya Asamanya'.
He is survived by his wife Pushpalata Devi and three sons.