​​​​​​​Bhubaneswar, Oct 24: Eminent Odia litterateur and former Bureaucrat Rajendra Kishore Panda is no more.

Panda passed away on Friday at the Banaja Residence in Bhubaneswar at 81.

Panda was a renowned Odia poet and ace novelist, who has authorered scores of books that bestowed Kendr Sahitya Akademy Award with many more state and national-level recognitions.

Born on June 24, 1944, in Batalga village of Jharsuguda district, Panda carved a distinguished place for himself in Odia literature through his evocative poetry and thoughtful prose.

 He completed his postgraduation from the Allahabad University, after which he joined the administrative services and served in various key roles in Odisha from 1967 to 2004.

Panda’s literary journey began with his first poetry collection, Gauna Debata, published in 1947.

Panda’s sudden demise brought an indelible blankspace in the historic Odia literature.The literary fraternity across the state & nation as well, expressed profound  grief over the demise of Panda and paid heartfelt tributes to the great Odia critic.