By Our Correspondent
NEW DELHI/BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will leave for the national capital in a while. The daughter of legendary Biju Patnaik, Gita Mehta was ailing for some time and took her last breath at 80.
Born in 1943 to Biju and Gyan Patnaik in New Delhi, Gita Mehta had completed her education in India and University of Cambridge in the UK. She had written three books Karma Cola, Snake and Ladders, A River Sutra, Raj and The Eternal Ganesha.
Noted writer and elder sister of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Gita Mehta, who is wife of late editor, Sonney Mehta , on Saturday passed away at the age of 80. Her husband Sonney had died in 2019.
‘Saddened to hear about the passing away of Gita Mehta ji, a prominent author. This is a major loss to the literary and cultural world. Sincere condolences to Hon. CM Odisha and family. Pray to Almighty to give strength to his family and friends to bear this loss. Om Shanti, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said.
‘Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the demise of octogenarian, eminent author & journalist Geeta Mehta.My heartfelt condolences to Hon’ble CM Shri @Naveen_Odisha ji and the entire family during this difficult time. I pray to Lord Jagannath to bless the noble soul to rest in peace,’ Minister Ranedra Pratap Swain said.
‘Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Gita Mehta, eminent author, war correspondent, daughter of the legendary Biju & Gyan Patnaik, sister of businessman Prem & Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik.Having been close family friends, i recall her wit & intelligence as a great raconteur & alongwith her late husband, publishing titan Sonny Mehta, her many kindnesses & wonderful hospitality.A charismatic, opinionated, fiesty personality, she will be greatly missed.With deepest condolences to the family & prayers for the departed soul. Om Shanti,’ BJP National VP in charge of Assam and Delhi , Baijayant Jay Panda said in a X Post.
‘Just heard the news about the demise of eminent author, Smt. Gita Mehta at New Delhi a few minutes ago. My deepest condolences to the family. Odisha, nay India, has lost her Virginia Woolf and Hemingway, rolled into one.May Mahaprabhu Jagannath give strength to the family to bear this irreparable loss,” BJD Rajya Sabha MP said.
“It’s a huge loss for all of us. Eminent Writer, Documentary Filmmaker and Journalist Smt. Gita Mehta passed away at the age of 80. It’s a personal loss for the Biju Parivar.Daughter of Legendary Leader Late Biju Patnaik and Elder Sister of our Hon’ble CM Shri Naveen Patnaik, Smt. Gita Mehta earned a lot of accolade for her writing. She had her education in India and University of Cambridge UK. Smt. Mehta, an acclaimed Writer had penned 5 books Karma Cola, Snake and Ladders, A River Sutra, Raj and The Eternal Ganesha.My deepest condolences to the bereaved family members. Praying for the departed soul. Om Shanti,’ BJD Rajya Sabha MP Manas Mangraj said.
