TNI Bureau: Eminent sculptor & Rajya Sabha MP from Odisha, Padma Vibhushan Raghunath Mohapatra died on Sunday at a hospital in Bhubaneswar due to COVID-19 complications. He was 78.
Mohapatra was admitted to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar on April 22 after being diagnosed with COVID 19.
Raghunath Mohapatra, a doyen of stone sculpture was awarded Padma Shri in 1975, Padma Bhushan in 2001 and Padma Vibhushan in 2013 for his contribution towards preservation of ancient manuments and architectural structures. He won his first national award at the age of 22.
Raghunath Mohapatra had a dream to construct a 2nd Konark, but it remained unfulfilled.
Earlier, PM Narendra Modi had spoken to Raghunath Mohapatra’s son to enquire about his health condition.
Padma Vibhushan Raghunath Mohapatra will be cremated with full state honours, announces Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik.