Bhubaneswar, June 27: Veteran journalist Sarat Das passed away on Friday afternoon following a cardiac arrest. He was 83. He had been battling prolonged health issues and was admitted to a private hospital on Thursday, where he breathed his last, family sources said.
His demise has cast a pall of gloom over Odisha's media and political circles. Several political leaders, journalists and members of various organisations paid their last respects at his residence in Nuapalli, Bhubaneswar. His mortal remains were later taken to Swargadwar in Puri, where the last rites were performed.
His younger son, senior journalist Ajit Kumar Das, lit the funeral pyre. Elder son Ashok Kumar Das, daughters Dr Rita Das and Rekha Das, sons-in-law Dr Nayan Ranjan Nanda and Jibitesh Mishra, along with other family members and relatives, were present during the final rites.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed profound grief over the veteran journalist's demise, describing it as an irreparable loss to Odisha's media fraternity. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.
Sarat Das had a distinguished career in journalism spanning nearly 37 years. He served as a correspondent for the Press Trust of India (PTI) in New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata before taking charge as PTI's Chief Correspondent and Manager in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. He retired after decades of dedicated service to the profession.
Widely respected for his contributions to political and social journalism, Das earned a reputation as one of Odisha's most accomplished journalists. Known for his extensive network and incisive reporting, he remained closely associated with the state's political developments and was regarded as one of PTI's finest journalists at the national level.
Born in Nimeisapur village under Tangi in Cuttack district, Sarat Das is survived by two sons and two daughters. His younger son, Ajit Kumar Das, is also a senior journalist.
