Odisha: Noted writer Hussain Rabi Gandhi dies at 75

BHUBANESWAR: Noted writer and former president of Odisha Sahitya Akademi, Hussain Rabi Gandhi, died due to cardiac arrest at SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, on Saturday. He was 75.
Gandhi has written several books, including 13 anthologies of poems and was president of the Akademi from 2008 to 2010. He was also the former editor of the government's monthly magazine, Utkal Prasanga.
Inspired by former chief minister Biju Patnaik, Gandhi joined Janata Dal in 1988. He was one of the founding members of the BJD and served as general secretary of the party from 1998 till 2005. He was also observer of the ruling party for Deogarh and Sambalpur elections.
Governor Ganeshi Lal, chief minister Naveen Patnaik and many prominent persons condoled his death. "I am deeply saddened by the death of noted poet, orator and politician Hussain Rabi Gandhi. His contribution to the enrichment of Odia literature is unbelievable," the governor tweeted.
Remembering his long association with Biju Babu and BJD, chief minister Naveen Patnaik said, "Late Gandhi was a veteran leader long associated with Biju Babu and later with Biju Janata Dal. He has contributed immensely in strengthening the BJD and promoted the values of Biju Babu and BJD. He was an established writer and contributed immensely for Odia literature. His death is a great loss to the state."
He received the Secular India Harmony Award from former President Giani Zail Singh in 1993 and Gangadhar Meher Kabita award in 2015.