Veteran journalist, former Odisha PTI bureau head Sarat Chandra passes away

Veteran journalist and former Odisha Bureau Chief of the Press Trust of India Sarat Chandra Dash, passed away at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar on Friday (June 26, 2026).

Dash, 83, is survived by two sons and two daughters. He had reported for PTI for 42 years before retiring in 2003. Dash had stint with PTI’s Mumbai and New Delhi bureaus. He was suffering from prolonged illness.

His understanding Odisha politics, combined with balanced and insightful reporting had earned him laurels. Since Odisha is prone to natural disaster, the former PTI Bureau Chief was often at the forefront of reporting under adverse conditions.

Leaders and journalists paid last tribute to departed soul. “I am saddened to learn about the demise of eminent journalist and former head of PTI’s Odisha bureau Sarat Chandra Dash. He was always admired throughout his long journalistic career for his high values, impartial reporting, and professional integrity,” said Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also condoled the death saying, “in his long career in journalism, he earned numerous accolades. He was a well-known and respected figure in Odisha’s media world.”