Eminent author, documentary filmmaker, and journalist, Gita Mehta, the elder sister of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, passed away at her residence in Delhi on Saturday due to age-related ailments. She was 80 years old and is survived by her son, while her publisher husband, Sonny Mehta, had predeceased her.
Born in 1943 to Biju Patnaik and Gyan Patnaik in Delhi, Gita Mehta pursued her education both in India and at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. Throughout her illustrious career, she authored several acclaimed books, including ‘Karma Cola,’ ‘Snake and Ladders,’ ‘A River Sutra,’ ‘Raj,’ and ‘The Eternal Ganesha.’
Gita Mehta shared a deep bond with her younger brother, Naveen Patnaik, who currently serves as the Chief Minister of Odisha. During one of her visits to Bhubaneswar, she praised her brother, stating that “people of Odisha are fortunate enough to have a chief minister like Naveen Patnaik.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on Twitter, saying, “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_Odisha Ji and the entire family in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”
Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal also extended his condolences, stating, “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.”
Mehta’s passing has been met with sorrow and condolences from many Odisha ministers, eminent personalities, and admirers of her literary work. Her legacy as a prominent author and her contributions to literature continue to be celebrated, leaving a lasting imprint on the literary world.
Sources By Agencies
