Bhubaneswar, Feb 11: Renowned litterateur Satakadi Hota, the former president of Odisha Sahitya Akademi, passed away on Sunday in Bhubaneswar due to old-age-related ailments. He was 95 years old.
Hota, who had been ailing for some time, breathed his last in the morning, according to family sources.
The demise of Hota has led to expressions of grief from Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Born in 1929 in Jagannath Khunta, Mayurbhanj district, Satakadi Hota received his early education in Baripada. He later pursued his studies in Puri and Cuttack.
In 1954, he joined the Indian Railway Traffic Service and served in various locations. Alongside his professional pursuits, Hota remained deeply involved in social service, affiliating himself with numerous social and cultural organizations, enriching his understanding of life.
Hota commenced his literary journey with poetry, predominantly focused on traditional themes, which were compiled in his 1966 book "Madhuchhanda." However, in 1972, he transitioned to writing stories, publishing a total of 12 story collections, comprising approximately 180 stories.
These collections include "Phular Gotie Surabhi" (1977), "Sonitar Swapna" (1977), "Begam Saheba" (1978), "Kiriburu Kanya" (1980), "Mahasnana" (1981), "Sayanhar Shobha" (1982), "Madhulagna" (1982), "Jagannathanka Hasa" (1982), "Asatarka Muhurta" (1982), "Nilachalaku Rasta" (1982), "Langala Raja" (1983), and "Mo Galpar Nayak" (1984).