Eminent author and Odisha CM’s sister Gita Mehta passes away

Born in 1943 to Biju and Gyan Patnaik in Delhi, Gita had her education in India and University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. She had penned several books including Karma Cola, Snakes and Ladders, A River Sutra, Raj and The Eternal Ganesha.

Though she was conferred India’s fourth highest civilian honour, the Padma Shri, in the field of literature and education in 2019, she declined the award.

She has produced and directed at least 14 television documentaries for UK, European and US networks. She was also a television journalist for the US television network NBC.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among those who condoled her death: “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 towards writing as well as film making. She was also passionate about nature and water conservation. My thoughts are with Naveen Patnaik Ji and the entire family in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”