Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Aug 2: Dr. Pradeep Mahapatra, the former Head of the Department of Journalism & Mass Communication at Berhampur University, passed away early Friday morning at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. He was 69 years old.
According to hospital sources, Dr. Mahapatra died at approximately 2:30 AM. His body is being transported to Berhampur for cremation.
Dr. Mahapatra had been brought to Bhubaneswar after falling ill a few days prior. He was diagnosed with severe pneumonia and, during his treatment at the private hospital, his condition worsened, leading to him being placed on ventilator support. He suffered a cardiac arrest during this period, resulting in significant brain damage.
The news of his illness prompted concern from his students, friends, and prominent media figures both in Odisha and abroad.
Dr. Mahapatra had a distinguished career spanning 27 years as a faculty member at Berhampur University. His extensive experience in journalism covered over five decades, including work in magazines, newspapers, radio, television, and development communication. He played a key role in publishing Gram Vikas Samachar, a development-focused journal in Odia, for 12 years, and Brahmapur Poura Samachar, a municipal journal, for 2 years.
His contributions included media support for developmental campaigns organized by both governmental and non-governmental agencies in the region over a span of 25 years.
