Veteran Journalist and Educator Pradeep Mohapatra Passes Away at 69

Pradeep Mohapatra, a distinguished former professor and journalist, passed away at 69 due to a heart attack. He was known for his significant contributions to Odia journalism and education. Mourners, including prominent figures from various fields, gathered to pay their respects.

Pradeep Mohapatra, a notable former professor of journalism and mass communication at Berhampur University, passed away on Thursday night in a Bhubaneswar hospital following a heart attack.

He was 69 and leaves behind his wife, who is also a retired professor from the same university.

A diverse group of mourners, including academics, journalists, activists, politicians, and traders, gathered at his residence in Bhimarao Peta to pay their respects after his body was brought home.

During his career, Mohapatra edited various books and magazines and continued contributing to journalism with columns on social issues and media in different Odia periodicals post-retirement. He was notably the editor of Janani, the first Odia feature color magazine published in Berhampur, and authored several books on the history and future of Odia journalism. His writings also covered local issues, including Berhampur Thakurani Yatra and the Maa Tara Tarini shrine.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, along with other prominent figures, expressed deep sorrow over his passing. Chief Minister Majhi stated, ''I am saddened to hear the news of the demise of Mohapatra, a retired professor in Berhampur. After his retirement, he remained active in the field of journalism, writing several articles and books. His death has caused an irreparable loss in the field of journalism. I expressed my condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for his soul to rest in peace.'' Former chief minister Naveen Patnaik also offered his condolences in a post on X.