Poet Shankha Ghosh, the last of the Mohicans of the post-Jibanananda Das era of modern Bangla poetry, died from Covid-19 at the age of 89 at his residence in Kolkata today.
The poet had been suffering from fever. He tested positive for coronavirus on Apr 14, Indian media reported quoting his family.
His treatment started at home four days back, as he declined to be treated in a hospital, they said.
Born on Feb 6, 1932 at Chandpur, in the then undivided India, Shankha Ghosh was conferred with prestigious Jnanpith, government of India’s highest literary honour Sahitya Akademi and many other awards, and India’s third highest civilan honour Padma Bhushan.
His epochal book of poems include ‘Babarer Praarthanaa’ for which he got the Sahitya Akademi in 1977.
Among his other notable works are ‘Dinguli Raatguli,’ ‘Mukh Dheke Jaai Biggapone’ and ‘Gaandharba Kobitaguchcha.’
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condoled Ghosh’s death and ordered state funeral for the poet.
