Renowned writer and art historian JP Das has passed away at 90. Explore the enduring legacy of this legendary former IAS officer and literary icon from Odisha
OdishaPlus Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Jun 4: Renowned Odia litterateur, art historian, and former IAS officer Jagannath Prasad (JP) Das passed away at his residence in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday night. He was 90.
Sources stated that he passed away peacefully as a result of age-related health conditions. He leaves behind a rich legacy in public service, literature, and art history.
Notably, Das had expressed his wish that no traditional last rites be performed after his death and that his body be donated for medical research. Honouring his decision, his family will donate his body to AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
Several prominent personalities from the literary, administrative, cultural, and social spheres visited his residence to pay their last respects and offer condolences to the bereaved family.
Born on April 26, 1936, in Puri district, Das joined the IAS in 1958. During his long and distinguished career, he held several important positions in both the state and central governments. One of his most notable roles was as the Collector of Kalahandi during the severe famine and drought of 1965–66, where his dedicated relief work earned him widespread appreciation.
In 1984, at the height of his career, Das took early retirement from the IAS to devote himself fully to his passion for literature, art, and creative pursuits.
Das was a versatile and highly respected intellectual who made significant contributions as a poet, playwright, novelist, painter, actor, and art historian.
A leading figure in modern Odia literature since the 1960s, he wrote acclaimed poetry collections such as ‘Prathama Purusha’, ‘Ahnika’, and ‘Parikrama’, which explored modern ideas, philosophy, and culture.
In recognition of his literary achievements, he received the prestigious ‘Saraswati Samman’ in 2006. Known for his strong principles, he also turned down the ‘Sahitya Akademi Award’ in 1990.
Apart from poetry, Das made a major impact on Odia theatre through innovative plays such as ‘Suryasta Purbaru’ and ‘Sundara Das’. He also wrote the acclaimed historical novel ‘Desha Kala Patra’.
Deeply committed to promoting literature, he founded the Poetry Society (India) and served as its president for 14 years, supporting and encouraging writers and poets across the country.
A bilingual writer and translator, Das helped introduce Odia literature and culture to a wider audience across the globe. He translated works from languages such as Swedish, Urdu, French, and English to Odia. His interest in painting also inspired his research on Odisha’s art history.
He authored important books like Puri Paintings (1982) and Palm-Leaf Miniatures (1991), which are regarded as key works for understanding and preserving Odisha’s rich artistic heritage.
After he shifted to Bhubaneswar I was in touch with him on his Facebook page. I am an ardent reader of his posts . I wrote a few lines on my first government posting at Khariar Road from 01.07.1976- June 1978 which was in response to his description of 1965-66 draught in Kalahandi during his posting as Collector of the district. When I joined a decade after the great draught things started changing after the Indravati Irrigation project was launched. The district of Kalahandi has turned as a granary because of Green Revolution . Agriculturally rich district Kalahandi no longer wears the spectre of hunger. Early in the morning I unexpectedly received a call from him . He enquired about me , my job and experience during my posting at Khariar Road . Second time he also called me and told me to meet him in Bhubaneswar. I couldn’t . I was afraid of meeting him alone. I don’t know why. Fear gripped me to meet a legend like him. I became heartbroken when I heard that JP Sir is no more. I am stunned to miss him forever.
I express my deep condolences in his death and pay my humble homage to the departed soul . May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti 🙏