J. P. Das, Odia Litterateur and Former IAS Officer, Dies

Jagannath Prasad Das, known as J. P. Das, was an Odia poet, playwright, art historian and former Indian Administrative Service officer. He died on 3 June 2026 at his residence in Bhubaneswar at the age of 90. He was born on 26 April 1936 in Puri district.

Early Life and Civil Service

J. P. Das joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1958. He served as Collector of Kalahandi during the 1965-1966 famine and drought. He took premature retirement from the IAS in 1984.

Literary Works and Recognition

J. P. Das wrote poetry collections such as Prathama Purusha, Ahnika and Parikrama. He also wrote the historical novel Desha Kala Patra. He received the Saraswati Samman in 2006. He declined the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1990 for his poetry collection Ahnika.

Personal Details and Posthumous Wish

His family will donate his body for medical research to AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described his death on 4 June 2026.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Indian Administrative Service was created in 1947 and functions under the Union Government of India.
• The Saraswati Samman is a literary award instituted by the K. K. Birla Foundation in 1991.
• The Sahitya Akademi Award is one of India’s major literary awards and is given by the Sahitya Akademi.
• AIIMS Bhubaneswar is an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.