Eminent Odia Poet & Dramatist Harihar Mishra Passes Away In Puri At 84

Puri: Eminent poet, writer and dramatist Harihar Mishra passed away at his residence in Odisha’s Puri town on Monday following a brief illness. He was 84.

A former president of Odisha Sahitya Akademi, Mishra was popularly known as ‘Hari Bhaina’ in literary circles. Mishra, who was ailing for sometime, breathed his last on Monday morning, family sources said.

Known for his versatility, the renowned litterateur had carved a special identity as a poet, writer, playwright and translator who also acted during his distinguished career.

Mishra, who taught in several colleges and authored a large number of poems, was the president of Odisha Sahitya Akademi from 2016 to 2021.

Winner of many awards, he was honoured with the prestigious Sarala Puraskar, Bishuba Puraskar and Odisha Sahitya Akademi Award for his outstanding contribution in the field of literature.

Born on January 20, 1940, the author, a retired principal of a Puri college, is known for his versatility as a dramatist as well as writer of prose and poetry.

As a dramatist, he has worked on major works such as Chilika Tire for the radio and among his famous poetry books – Dibya Asantosh stands tall. He had won the Odisha Sahitya Akademi Award way back in 1977 for his drama Ratira Duiti Dena.

Mishra has written over 22 poems, three novels, as many short stories and essays, apart from analysing different works in Odia literature.