image credits: ETV Bharat
Ratikant Mohanty, a towering figure in Odia journalism, passed away on April 18, 2025, at the age of 70. Known affectionately as ‘Rati Bhai,’ Mohanty’s life was a testament to integrity & dedication. His decades-long career, marked by fearless reporting and ethical standards, shaped Odisha’s media landscape. Survived by his wife, Sipra Mohanty, and daughters, Puja and Bandana, Mohanty’s contributions extended beyond journalism to social good. His passing, after a prolonged illness, has left a void in the hearts of journalists, politicians, and ordinary citizens alike.
A Storied Career in Journalism
Mohanty’s journalistic journey spanned several prominent platforms, including The Asian Age, Indus Valley Times, Dinalipi, Paryabekhyak, and Hindusthan Samachar. His work was defined by a commitment to truth and impartiality. Whether covering turbulent political eras or chronicling the state’s cultural pulse, Mohanty’s reporting was incisive yet fair. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described him as a beacon of principled journalism, while Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan noted his austere lifestyle and unwavering honesty. Mohanty’s ability to maintain professional integrity, even while maintaining close ties with leaders like Janaki Ballav Patnaik and Biju Patnaik, set him apart as a journalist of rare calibre.
Ratikant Mohanty as a Mentor and Guide to Many
Beyond his reporting, Mohanty was a mentor who shaped the careers of countless young journalists. He offered professional advice as well as a model of ethical conduct. At a memorial service held on April 26, 2025, at Bhubaneswar’s Gita Gobinda Sadan, Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy shared a personal anecdote, recalling how Mohanty guided her through challenging times in her political career. “His reporting was fearless, his honesty unmatched,” she said. The Ratikant Memorial Committee, which organized the event, proposed initiatives to preserve his legacy, a suggestion Padhy promised the Assembly would consider sympathetically.
A Man of Compassion and Spirituality
A deeply spiritual individual, he often spent time in local temples, engaging in conversations with saints and sages. His compassion was legendary, strangers and acquaintances alike found in him a listener and helper. As a committed social activist, he never turned away those in need, earning admiration from all sections of society. Former Union Minister Srikant Jena said that he never sought personal gain despite numerous opportunities. This humility with his dedication to public service, made him a beloved figure, fondly remembered as ‘Samastanka Priya Rati Bhai’ (everyone’s dear Rati Bhai).
Memorial Service of Ratikant Mohanty
The memorial service in Bhubaneswar was attended by political stalwarts, journalists, and citizens. Leaders like Prafulla Chandra Ghadai and Niranjan Patnaik praised Mohanty’s influence during Odisha’s politically volatile years. A commemorative book, Samastanka Priya Rati Bhai, and a documentary chronicling his life were released, moving many to tears. Mohanty’s daughters, Puja and Bandana, offered heartfelt tributes, remembering him as a principled father whose values shaped their lives. As Odisha mourns the loss of a journalistic giant, Mohanty’s principles continue to guide aspiring journalists and public servants. The words of Speaker Surama Padhy resonate: “If we can follow even a part of the path he illuminated, it would be the greatest homage.”
