Former speaker Sarat Kar dies at 81
Bhubaneswar: Eminent politician, distinguished writer, prolific orator and former speaker of Odisha assembly Sarat Kar died at a private hospital here on Monday. He was 81.
Kar, who was infected with Covid-19, recovered and was discharged from hospital a few days back. But his condition deteriorated again and he was admitted to the Covid hospital in a serious condition, where he breathed his last, informed a family member.
His death has cast a pall of gloom on all sections of the society. Governor of Odisha Ganeshi Lal condoled Kar’ demise and conveyed his deep sympathy to the bereaved family. “His contributions to the socio-political and cultural life of Odisha will be remembered forever,” he tweeted.
Expressing his grief, Naveen said Sarat Kar was a talented politician and an efficient administrator. During his tenure as the speaker of Odisha assembly he managed the house very efficiently and set an excellent parliamentary tradition. “As a people’s representative, his efforts for the development of Odisha will be remembered. His had deep knowledge of Odia culture. On his death the state lost an eminent politician. I extend my condolences to the bereaved family and wish them well,” he said.
Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan also expressed his condolences. “I am deeply saddened by the death of noted politician and litterateur. His death caused an irreparable loss for politics as well as literature. My condolences are with the bereaved family,” he tweeted.
Among others, BJP national vice-president Baijayant Panda said, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Sarat Kar, former Speaker of Odisha Assembly. A contemporary and friend of my parents, he had held many other important public posts. He always encouraged and supported me. Last January he had surprised me by dropping by on my birthday”.
Born on September 5, 1939, in Cuttack district Kar joined politics in 1964 after completing his masters in political science from Allahabad University and was elected three times to the Odisha Legislative Assembly from Mahanga constituency in 1971, 1990 and 2000. He was elected to the Lok Sabha as a Janata Party (Lok Dal) member from Cuttack after defeating prominent Congress leader Janaki Ballav Patnaik in 1977.
Kar has written several book, including four collections of poems Druta Bilambita, Manthan, Romanthan and Ananya, one long fiction Samayara Jete Dheu, one spiritual book and hundreds of articles in newspapers and magazines on literary, social, spiritual and political topics in Odia. He was popular for live commentary of Rath Yatra on Doordarshan and All India Radio.
Odisha assembly speaker Surya Narayan Patro and other politicians in the state expressed their grief on the sad demise of Kar. He is survived by wife and two sons.