Bhubaneswar, Aug 29: Monday morning witnessed the sad demise of veteran painter cum artist cum art historian, Dr. Dinanath Pathy who breathed his last at the age of 74 on account of a thrombosis. He was admitted at a private hospital here. He was hospitalized at the Kar Clinic when he suffered a chest pain while on his morning walk today morning. Although doctors were putting their best for his treatment, he passed away in a short span of time.
People and eminent personalities hailed in their condolence messaged from all over the country. Famous socio-political leader and Chairman of SNSMT, Shri. Suparno Satpathy tweeted, “Sad to learn about the demise of Dinanath Babu. We have lost a great painter and an encyclopedia of art history.” Also Culture Minister, Ashok Panda, MPs Baijayant Panda and Prasanna Patsani expressed their deep condolence on his demise at his residence at Bhimtangi here.
Pathy was the iconic figure of Odia art in every corner of the world. He had his hand in collaborating with the German art historian Eberhard Fischer and his work with the Rietberg Society in Zurich, Switzerland is well-known globally. 2014 saw his nomination for the Rietberg Award, recognizing his lifetime work and contribution to Indian art history as a painter and chronicler.
Beginning his career as theatre curtain painter, he became the former secretary of the National Academy of Art and the Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi and Bhubaneswar. He was also the former principal of the BK College of Art and Crafts in Bhubaneswar and chairman of Ila Panda Centre for Art. In addition to art, he was also interested in writing poetry and teaching. He has been the beneficiary to receive the ‘President of India Silver Plaque’ for Painting.
Around 40 books on classical, traditional, tribal, folk, rural and contemporary art of Odisha written by him are published among the 60 books formulated by him in Odia, English and German languages. Some of them are Sayonara, Punarnava, Chilika Panire Chhai and Gachha Koradare Hrudaya. Both nationally and internationally acknowledged art lovers and connoisseurs have appreciated his art works.
He has been conferred with the Orissa Sahitya Akademi Award for creative literature for his autobiography, Drawing Master of Digapahandi and Jawaharlal Fellowship for his research work.
