Renowned broadcaster, bilingual poet, and Kataka Heritage Walk founder Dipak Samantarai passes away at his residence in Kataka
OdishaPlus Bureau
Eminent poet, broadcaster, academician and heritage enthusiast Dipak Samantarai passed away at his Rovers Street residence in Kataka on Tuesday morning. He was in his late sixties. His death has sent a wave of grief across literary, academic and heritage circles in Odisha.
Samantarai, who had served in a senior position at All India Radio (AIR), retired a few years ago as Director of its Training Institute. Following his retirement, he joined Ravenshaw University in Kataka as a Visiting Professor of Journalism, continuing his association with academics and media education.
A bilingual poet with several poetry collections to his credit, Samantarai shared a close association with eminent poet Jayanta Mahapatra. He was also a regular contributor to newspapers and literary journals. For a brief period, he worked with The Indian Express at its Vijayanagar edition, adding journalistic experience to his diverse professional career.
His contribution to the conservation and promotion of Kataka’s rich heritage was particularly noteworthy. As the founder-convenor of Kataka Heritage Walk, he played an important role in bringing the city’s historical landmarks, architectural legacy and cultural traditions into public focus. The initiative attracted considerable attention from heritage enthusiasts and people from different walks of life.
An amateur photographer with a keen eye for the city’s cultural and architectural landscape, Samantarai also organised several exhibitions of his photographs. His interests in poetry, photography, history and heritage reflected his deep engagement with the cultural life of Odisha.
He had suffered a brain stroke about a fortnight ago and was admitted to a private hospital in Kataka. As his condition did not improve, he was discharged on Monday and brought back home, where he breathed his last the following morning.
He is survived by his wife and daughter. His son-in-law was also present at his bedside.
Samantarai’s demise marks the loss of a multifaceted personality who made significant contributions to broadcasting, literature, journalism, education and heritage conservation. Writers, intellectuals, academics and heritage activists have mourned his death, remembering him for his literary sensibility, intellectual engagement and commitment to preserving Kataka’s historical identity.