New Delhi: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik landed in New Delhi to be a part of his late sister Gita Mehta’s funeral Sunday.
Notably, Mehta – who was an eminent author — died Saturday at her Delhi residence. She was 80. Mehta is survived by her son. Her publisher husband Sonny Mehta had predeceased her.
“I am here due to the sad demise of my elder sister, who was a well-known author and filmmaker,” Patnaik told reporters in the national capital.
Official sources said the chief minister will return to Bhubaneswar Monday after completion of Mehta’s last rites.
Mehta’s funeral will take place after the arrival of her son Aditya, who stays abroad, they said.
Her body has been kept at Patnaik’s residence on APJ Abdul Kalam Marg.
An eminent author, documentary filmmaker and journalist, Gita was the sister of Naveen Patnaik and industrialist Prem Patnaik.
Born in 1943 to Biju Patnaik and Gyan Patnaik in Delhi, she studied in India and the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
She has penned books including ‘Karma Cola’, ‘Snake and Ladders’, ‘A River Sutra’, ‘Raj’ and ‘The Eternal Ganesha’.
Mehta, sources said, was very close to her younger brother Naveen Patnaik.
During her earlier visit to Bhubaneswar, she had told reporters that “people of Odisha are fortunate enough to have a Chief Minister like Naveen Patnaik”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled her death, with a post on X: “I am saddened by the passing away of noted writer Smt Gita Mehta Ji. She was a multifaceted personality, known for her intellect and passion for writing as well as filmmaking. She was also passionate about nature and water conservation. My thoughts are with @Naveen_Odisha Ji and the entire family in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”
Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal also condoled her death. He wrote on X: “Saddened to learn about the demise of accomplished English author Gita Mehta, sister of Hon’ble CM Shri @Naveen_Odisha and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and friends.”
Many ministers and eminent persons from Odisha expressed their condolences over Mehta’s demise.
PNN & Agencies