Bhubaneswar, March 16 -- Renowned Odia poet Ramakanta Rath passed away at his residence in Kharvel Nagar here on Sunday after a prolonged illness. He was 91. His poetry reflects a sense of pessimism along with counter-aesthetics, and he steadfastly refused to take on the role of a preacher of goodness and absolute beauty. Ramakanta Rath's poetry is deeply melancholic and often laments the inevitability of death and the resultant sense of futility. His poetic expressions are rich with symbolic annotations, often carrying a spiritual essence. Born in Cuttack, Rath obtained his M.A. in English Literature from Ravenshaw College. He joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1957 but continued his literary pursuits. He retired as Chief Secretar...