Bhubaneswar: In a solemn gathering that transcended political affiliations, professional boundaries, and generations, an emotionally charged memorial service was held in Bhubaneswar to honour the life and legacy of veteran journalist Ratikant Mohanty, who passed away recently.
The event, marked by heartfelt tributes and shared memories, drew participation from a wide cross-section of society — from political stalwarts and senior journalists to cultural figures and ordinary citizens whose lives he had touched through his work.
The memorial service, organised by the Ratikant Memorial Committee, was held on Saturday at the city’s Gita Gobinda Sadan, a venue fitting for a man who had chronicled the pulse of Odisha’s socio-political landscape for over four decades.
The gathering commenced with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp, led by Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, former finance ministers Prafulla Chandra Ghadai, Prasanna Acharya, Panchanan Kanungo, and senior Congress leader Niranjan Patnaik — a rare assembly of leaders united in grief and admiration for a man whose pen left an indelible imprint on the state’s journalism and politics.
In her moving tribute, Speaker Surama Padhy recalled her personal connection with the late journalist. “Rati Bhai taught me how to grow in politics. He held my hand during difficult times and showed me the path forward,” she said, her voice heavy with emotion. “His reporting style was distinctive — always honest, always fearless. If we can follow even a part of the path he illuminated for us, it would be the greatest homage we could pay him.” She further added that the Assembly would consider, with sympathy, the proposals made by the Ratikant Memorial Committee to preserve the journalist’s memory for posterity.
Prafulla Chandra Ghadai reflected on Mohanty’s profound influence during the politically turbulent days of Biju Patnaik’s era. “Ratikant Babu was a journalist of rare calibre — soft-spoken, unassuming, yet deeply respected. He held significant influence not only among politicians but also within administrative circles. Despite being close to several Chief Ministers like Janaki Ballav Patnaik, Hemanand Biswal, and Giridhar Gamang, he never sought personal favours. That was the measure of his greatness,” Ghadai noted.
Expressing similar sentiments, senior Congress leader Niranjan Patnaik described Mohanty’s demise as an irreparable loss to Odisha’s journalism. “He was not just a reporter; he was an institution. Even though he had many opportunities, he never used his position for personal gain. His humility and integrity made him stand apart.”
Former Union minister Srikant Jena too remarked on Mohanty’s remarkable restraint in a profession often marked by transactional relationships. “He never asked for anything — not for himself, not for his family. And that, in these times, is a rarity.”
The memorial service witnessed the presence of an array of dignitaries, cutting across political parties and professions. Notables in attendance included former minister Prithviraj Harichandan, former ministers Debi Prasad Mishra, Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, Arun Kumar Sahoo & Sanjay Das Burma, Anant Jena, Sudarshan Das, and BJP leader Golak Mohapatra.
A large contingent from Odisha’s media fraternity also came together to pay their respects.
Adding to the poignancy of the occasion, Ratikant Mohanty’s daughters, Pooja Mohanty and Vandana Mohanty, paid deeply personal tributes to their father, remembering him as not just a revered journalist, but a caring and principled parent.
A commemorative book titled ‘Samastanka Priya Rati Bhai’ was released on the occasion, chronicling fond memories and reflections on his life and career. Additionally, a documentary film capturing key moments from Ratikant Mohanty’s illustrious journey was screened, leaving many in the audience visibly moved.
The memorial served as a reminder that Ratikant Mohanty was more than a journalist; he was a mentor, guide, and quiet force of influence in Odisha’s public life. His passing marks the end of an era in Odisha’s journalistic history, yet the values he upheld — integrity, humility, and fearless truth-telling — continue to inspire.
