Listen to this article:

New Delhi: Veteran Odisha journalist Ashutosh Mishra passed away at 68 on Sunday (March 8) night. He will be cremated today (March 10) at Satya Nagar Crematorium. Mishra is survived by his wife Saroj, a son and a daughter.

The Wire pays tribute to Mishra, who was a contributor, and wrote regularly for the news website. His reports provided an insight on Odisha’s political landscape and often highlighted instances of communal violence and caste-based discrimination which are on the rise in the state.

In his almost four-decade-long career, Mishra worked with The Times of India, The Pioneer and The Telegraph and other publications.

Several journalists and politicians condoled Mishra’s sudden passing away.

Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi mourned Mishra’s demise calling it an “irreplaceable loss”.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of senior journalist Ashutosh Mishra. His demise is an irreplaceable loss to the world of journalism in Odisha. While conveying condolences to the bereaved family members, I pray to Lord Shri Jagannath for the peaceful departure of the departed soul. Om Shanti,” Majhi wrote on X. 

Formed Odisha chief minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief Naveen Patnaik also condoled Mishra’s death.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Odisha’s senior journalist Ashutosh Mishra. His contributions throughout his long career in journalism will always remain memorable. Along with praying for the eternal peace of his immortal soul, I convey my condolences to his bereaved family,” Patnaik said on X.

Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan said Mishra “carved out a unique identity in the fields of journalism and political analysis”.

“I am deeply saddened and heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of senior journalist Ashutosh Mishra. He had carved out a unique identity in the fields of journalism and political analysis. His departure is an irreplaceable loss for Odisha’s media world. While praying for the eternal peace of his soul, I extend my condolences to his bereaved family. Om Shanti,” Pradhan wrote on X.

Paying tribute to Mishra, BJD MP Manas Mangaraj said that his contribution to journalism will be remembered.

“Deeply saddened to hear about the passing away of senior journalist Ashutosh Mishra. Known for his sharp political insights, his contribution to journalism will continue to be remembered through the impact of his writings. My deep condolences to the bereaved family. Praying for the departed soul. Om Shanti,” he mentioned in a post on X.

Former Union minister and Congress Odisha state unit president Bhakta Charan Das underlined that Mishra’s “service to journalism will always remain a source of inspiration”.

“Deeply saddened by the demise of senior journalist Shri Ashutosh Mishra. His dedicated service to journalism will always remain a source of inspiration. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Praying for the eternal peace of the departed soul,” Das wrote on X.

© The Wire