Eminent sculptor and Rajya Sabha MP Raghunath Mohapatra has died due to COVID-19. 

Raghunath Mohapatra died on Sunday at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar in Odisha. 

Mohapatra was 78 years old at the time of his demise. 

Mohapatra passed away just days after testing positive for COVID-19. 

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Mohapatra, a Padma Bhushan awardee, was admitted to the hospital on April 22.  

“Despite all valiant efforts by the doctors, Mohapatra lost the battle and died at 3.49 pm,” Dr Gitanjali Batmanabane, Director of AIIMS-Bhubaneswar said. 

President Ram Nath Kovind said: “With the passing away of Raghunath Mohapatra, the field of art has become poorer. A very talented sculptor of traditional forms, he was honoured with all the three Padma awards. His absence is an irreparable loss. My condolences to his family, friends and followers.” 

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief at the demise of Raghunath Mohapatra. 

He said that Mohapatra will be remembered for his contributions towards popularising traditional crafts. 

PM Modi tweeted: “Saddened by the demise of MP Shri Raghunath Mohapatra Ji. He made pioneering contributions to the world of art, architecture and culture. He will be remembered for his contributions towards popularising traditional crafts. My thoughts are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”