Bhubaneswar: Senior journalist and former Odisha Bureau Chief of the Press Trust of India (PTI), Sarat Chandra Dash, passed away at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar on Friday. He was 83.
A highly respected journalist known for his meticulous reporting, professional integrity and deep understanding of public affairs, Dash had been undergoing treatment for some time.
He is survived by two sons and two daughters. His wife, Priyambada Dash, had predeceased him over a year ago.
During a distinguished career spanning over four decades, Dash served PTI for 42 years before retiring as the news agency’s Odisha Bureau Chief in 2003.
He reported extensively on politics, governance, administration, natural disasters, sports and other major developments, earning widespread respect for his accuracy, balanced reporting and insightful analysis.
Dash began his career with PTI and served in its Mumbai (then Bombay) and New Delhi offices before being posted as Bureau Chief in Cuttack.
In 1993, he took charge as PTI’s Odisha Bureau Chief in Bhubaneswar, a position he held for a decade until his retirement.
Widely admired for his humility, affable nature and unwavering commitment to journalistic ethics, Dash mentored several young journalists and left an enduring mark on the media fraternity in Odisha.
Leaders, journalists, public figures and people from different walks of life expressed profound grief over his demise.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik and a host of distinguished persons expressed profound grief over the demise of Dash
In a message, CM Majhi said Dash was always admired for his high standards, impartial presentation and professional integrity during his long career in journalism. “His deep knowledge and meticulous analysis on politics, administration and public welfare issues of the state set a benchmark in the world of journalism,” the CM said.
“His demise is an irreparable loss to the media world of Odisha. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved family in this hour of grief and pray for the eternal peace of his soul,” said Majhi.
Naveen Patnaik said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of senior journalist Sharat Das. In his long career in journalism, he earned numerous accolades. He was a well-known and respected figure in Odisha’s media world. While praying for the eternal peace of his immortal soul, I convey my condolences to the bereaved family members.”
