Odia fiction writer Binapani Mohanty passes away at 89

By: WE Staff | Tuesday, 26 April 2022

Binapani Mohanty (89), an eminent Odia litterateur, died at her home here on Sunday after a protracted illness.

Mohanty is a well-known Odia fiction writer who has received numerous prominent literary awards, including the Atibadi Jagannath Das Award, the Sahitya Akademi Award, and the Sarala Samman.

In 1960, she published 'Gotie Ratira Kahani,' which launched her literary career. 'Pata Dei,' 'Khela Ghara,' 'Naiku Rasta,' 'Bastraharana,' 'Andhakarara,' 'Kasturi Murga O Sabuja Aranya,' and 'Michhi Michhika' are some of her best stories.

In 1990, she won the Sahitya Akademi Award for her short tale "Pata Dei." She had written three Odia novels and had also translated Russian folk stories into Odia.

Her numerous short stories have been translated into English, Hindi, Kannada, Malayam, Marathi, Bengali, Urdu, and Telegu. 'Bhanga Salita,' a film based on her story 'Andhakarachhai,' was well received.

Padma Shri was bestowed upon her in 2020. She founded the Odisha Lekhika Sansad, a women's writing organisation in Odisha. According to her nephew Biswadas Mohanty, her death rituals would be performed at Sati Chaura on Monday. On Sunday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his condolences and declared that her final rites would be conducted with state honours.

The Chief Minister stated Mohanty's books and short stories "always forcibly depicted the challenges of women in their life," adding that her writings "provided inspiration for women empowerment."

He went on to say that her passing has left a hole in Odia literature.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences for her death, saying she made significant contributions to Odia literature, particularly fiction writing. "Her works have been translated in various languages and attained great popularity. Condolences to her family and admirers," he added.

Her writings, according to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, have improved Odia literature. Her contributions will be remembered for a long time.