Bhubaneswar: Rabindra Narayan Mishra, eminent writer, columnist and former Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), passed away in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday following a prolonged illness. He was 87.
Mishra, who was undergoing treatment for age-related ailments at a private hospital, breathed his last this evening, family sources said.
A supreme devotee of the Lord Jagannath, his demise came on the auspicious occasion of Sri Krishna Janmashtami. Coincidentally, today was also his birthday.
Known as a commentator on spiritual matters especially on Jagannath culture, he served as an officer in the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS). The highlight of his illustrious career was his tenure as Administrator of the SJTA during which he played a significant role in the development of the 12th century shrine.
The former administrator was a columnist writing for ‘Akasha Deepa’. He used to write also for a periodical named ‘Kathatie Kahun’.
A well-known writer and expert on Jagannath culture, he was the elder brother of renowned cardiologist and writer Dr Kabi Prasad Mishra.
Endowed with an in-depth knowledge of the temple culture and traditions in Odisha, Mishra has penned several articles on the Jagannath cult.
As soon as the news about Mishra’s demise spread, a host of distinguished personalities and his admirers visited his house at VSS Nagar in the capital city to pay their last respect.
Culture Minister Ashwini Kumar Patra, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Satyabrat Sahu and Director Culture Dillip Routray expressed grief over the demise of Mishra and conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family.
