Bhubaneswar, April 18 : Eminent musician, singer, lyricist padma Prafulla Kar, a household name in Odisha, passed away on Sunday night at his residence following protracted illness. He was 83. Family sources said the last right of the acclaimed musician will be performed at Swarga Dwara in Puri on Monday. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik while expressing his deep condolence to the bereaved family members announced that the noted singer will be cremated with full state honour. At the direction of the Chief Minister Urban and Law minister Pratap Jena, School and Mass Education Minister Sameer Ranjan dash will attend the funeral of the late Kar. Born in 1939, Kar with his popular songs and music in over 70 Odia films, had become a household name in Odisha.He was also popular abroad and gave a new identity to Odia music across the country. A recipient of the prestigious Jaydev Award in 2004 for his outstanding contribution on the enrichment of Odia music,Kar was also felicitated with Padma in 2015 for his rich contribution in the field of art and music.He was also awarded as Best Music Director in Odisha State Film Awards for a record eight times. People from all walks of life have expressed their deep sorrow at the passing away of Kar and rushed to his Saheed Nagar residence this morning to pay their last tribute to the departed soul. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Odisha Governor Professor Ganeshi Lal, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and on Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan besides several distinguished personalities from the music world, have expressed grief at the passing away of Kar. Taking to the tweeter Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Anguished by the passing away of Prafulla Kar Ji. He will be remembered for his pioneering contribution to Odia culture and music.” “Kar blessed with a multifaceted personality and his creativity was reflected in his works. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” the Prime Minister said. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said he was deeply saddened with the demise of noted musician Prafulla Kar . “His demise led to an end of era of Odia music world over.Kar’s special composition of Odia songs, will be remembered and immortalized in the hearts of Odia people for ever”,Patnaik stated Taking to Twitter on Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said each song of Prafulla Kar will keep him alive forever in the hearts of people of Odisha and he will be remembered in the hearts of people for his valuable contribution to the music world. DP BM
