Cuttack, March 9: The district administration will publish a collection of songs, lyrics and literary works by the late Odia singer and composer, Akshaya Mohanty.

According to the proposals, the administration will start the documentation of all the works of the singer-cum-music director, popularly known as Khoka bhai.

The collection would be a treasure trove for the music lovers and useful for the younger generation to go through the popular songs and literary works of Akshaya Mohanty, who ruled the Odia film industry.

A senior official said steps would be taken to develop the existing park at Kanika Chhak named after the legendary singer.

The Akshaya Smruti Sansad will be formed for the welfare of the artistes in the city. A corpus fund will also be created in this regard.

"The entire collection will be based on the entire life history of Akshaya Mohanty as a singer, lyricist, composer and writer - which will be made available to the people in the state," said district collector Nirmal Chandra Mishra.

All the literary works will be released in the form of books while his songs, lyrics and compositions will be stored digitally and later released in the form of compact disc (CD).

Mishra said all his works would be compiled and later released either in the form of a single book or in several editions that would be finalised in subsequent phases.

Akshaya Mohanty has written over 4,000 songs, sung over 8,000 songs and composed music in 106 feature films. His literary works also include 100 short stories, out of which 70 were published, 12 novels out of which four were published and an autobiography. Such achievements speak volumes about the singer, who is still alive in the memories of the people across the state.

"People still remember popular songs of Akshaya Mohanty such as Jajabara, Smruti Tume, Udi Udi Ja Re Gudi, Ja Re Bhasi Ja. We hope that the collection based on the works of Akshaya Mohanty will provide an insight on his hard work and dedication," said Kishore Patnaik, 65, Badambadi resident and a Mohanty fan.

The family members of the singer have also welcomed the decision of the district administration to initiate measures for a proper documentation of the works. However, the family has demanded for an extensive research on the works of Akshaya Mohanty and has assured the administration of full support in their effort.

"Legends do not die, and we want people to know more about my father (Akshaya Mohanty) as there are still several compositions and literary materials that still remain unpublished," said Mitrabhanu Mohanty, his son.

Mohanty said that due to paucity of funds, the family has not been able to publish the literary works of Akshaya Mohanty - which includes around 20 short stories, two short novels, one poetry collections and many other worksAkshaya Mohanty had a special bonding with the people of Cuttack. He was always was closely connected with his songs that still reverberate in various corners of the city.

It was the love for the singer that the district administration, local residents and fans had come together to save Bichitra Barna, the ancestral house of Akshaya Mohanty from auction.

"A nationalised bank had served a notice to the family of Mohanty, who were at default in repaying a loan in 2013. Thousands of fans were disheartened and a lot of people in the city had come together and supported the administration to generate funds through charity and cultural programs," said Pradipta Das, a resident of Mission Road.