Bhubaneswar: Jagannath Prasad Das, a celebrated author, playwright, painter and former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, breathed his last late Wednesday night at the age of 90. His demise marks the end of a significant chapter in Odia literature and public life.
Chief Minister pays tribute
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Das, describing it as an irreparable loss to both literature and public service. "He was not only a great writer but also an accomplished IAS officer who served the state and country in several important positions. The demise of J P Das, who left a unique mark of creativity in every field of literature, is an irreparable loss to the literary world," the chief minister wrote on X.
Early life and literary journey
Born in Puri in 1936, Das emerged as one of the most influential figures in Odia literature for over four decades. A prolific writer in both Odia and English, he also founded the Poetry Society (India) and served as its president for 14 years. Among his most celebrated works is Desha Kala Patra, translated into English as A Time Elsewhere. This sweeping narrative spans five decades and offers a rich portrait of 19th-century Odisha. Several of his literary works were translated into English and other languages, gaining international acclaim.
Career in civil service
After completing his studies at Ravenshaw College (now a university), Das joined the Indian Administrative Service. As the collector of Kalahandi in 1966, he played a pivotal role in relief efforts during a devastating famine and drought. Although writing remained his primary passion, Das balanced literature with public service for several years before resigning from the IAS in 1984 to dedicate himself fully to creative pursuits.
Awards and recognition
Das received numerous honours, including the Sarala Samman and the Odisha Sahitya Akademi Award. He was also selected for the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1990 for his poetry collection Ahnik, but he chose not to accept the award. His death has drawn tributes from across the literary, cultural, and administrative spheres.
