India, March 16 -- Renowned Odia poet and former bureaucrat Ramakanta Rath passed away at the age of 90 in Bhubaneswar. His demise marks the end of an era in Odia literature.

Born on December 13, 1934, in Cuttack, Rath pursued his master's degree in English Literature from Ravenshaw University. Despite a distinguished career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), which he joined in 1957, his passion for literature remained undeterred. Before retiring in 1992, he held several key positions, including Chief Secretary of Odisha.

Rath was a towering figure in Odia poetry, known for his modernist and philosophical approach. His acclaimed poetry collections include Kete Dinara (1962), Sandigdha Mrugaya (1971), Saptama Rutu (1977), Sachit...