Odisha’s ‘Biplabi Kabi’ Rabi Singh Passes Away

Cuttack: Eminent revolutionary poet of Odisha, Rabi Singh, died at his residence at Khapuria in Cuttack early on Sunday after a prolonged old age related illness.

Singh was 89 and is survived by two sons.

Family sources said Singh was admitted in the ICU at SCB Medical College and Hospital for the past six months. Earlier, he was also admitted in the ICU at Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar.

Singh, who was popularly known as Biplabi Kabi. (revolutionary poet) for his patriotic writings, was a recipient of Adibadi Jagannath Das Samman (2017) and Odisha Sahitya Akademi Award (1961). He was born on February 18, 1935, at Nabapatana village in Jagatsinghpur district.

Singh’s poetry collections include Patha Prantara Kabita, Charama Patra, Sithila Balga, Lal Pagoda Ra Preta O Anya Kabita, Bhrukuti, Bidima, Padatika, Apritikara Kabita, Jwalara Mala, Khyata, Bisabani, Durgama Giri, Jhada, Sarbahara Banya, Anaryara Charyapada, Bhanga Hatara Kabita, Kebala Sangrama, Kranti Kamodi, Nabama Swarga, Pruthibi Talamala, Paschima Parba and Purba Parba.

The late poet had no higher education but was still proficient in Odia, English and Bengali.

Singh’s father, who was a freedom fighter, had inspired him to join the Independence movement and politics. He had joined the Congress Socialist Party in 1948. He then joined the Communist Party of India in 1953.

However, his literary career began after he joined the Goa Freedom Movement in 1955. His intense patriotism is reflected in most of his poems.

Several eminent litterateurs have deeply condoled Singh’s demise.