Cuttack: The last rites of Jayanta Mahapatra, the noted Indo-Anglian poet from Odisha who breathed his last at SCB Medical College and Hospital last night, were performed in Cuttack city on Monday with full state honour.
The mortal remains of the eminent poet were consigned to flames at Khannagar cremation ground in the city around noon with full state honour in the presence of a host of distinguished persons from different walks of life.
Those present at the cremation ground bid a tearful adieu to the renowned poet as his nephew lit the pyre, sources said. His wife and son predeceased him, while his daughter-in-law and grand children live in Singapore.
The Padma awardee was cremated and not buried as per his will titled ‘My last wishes’. He wanted the cremation to be held as early as possible after his demise.
A large number of dignitaries and admirers of Mahapatra as well as his near and dear ones visited his residence at Tinikonia Bagicha, where his mortal remains were kept following his demise last night, to pay their last tributes.
Mahapatra was admitted to SCB MCH on August 7 due to pneumonia. He had fully recovered and was ready to be discharged, but he then suffered a stroke and became drowsy, following which he was shifted to the ICU and kept on a ventilator. Doctors said he suffered a heart attack around 9 pm and breathed his last.