Balasore, Oct. 7: Radhanath Ray, the great poet of modern Odia literature, seems to have been forgotten in his own district.

The poet’s native house at Kedarpur village under Soro block is in ruins with no effort by the culture department to protect the memories associated with him.

Ray was born on September 28, 1848 and died on April 27, 1908. In the 60-year life span, he had contributed a lot in poetry. Local resident Sitaram Patra, while ruing on the neglect towards the great personality, said: “Nothing has been done for him. Only his birth and death anniversaries are observed mechanically. Not even a memorial has been made for him, despite false assurances since years.”

Ray’s grandson Suvendu Ray said: “My father, Girish Chandra Ray, donated 5.5 decimal, a part of Radhanath Ray’s own property, to the government for construction of a memorial.

But, nothing has been built except an assembly hall, which was constructed in 2004-05 out of the MP unities fund of Kharabela Swain (Rs 5 lakh) and local people.”

There are several articles, cot, table, chair, box and other items belonging to Ray — that are getting damaged in the want of care and maintenance. “We have formed a Smruti Sansad after his name. It observes the poet’s birth anniversary in his native place, for which the district administration gives us mere Rs 2,000,” said Sandeep Ray, another member of the Ray family.

Ray is honoured in Odia literature with the title Kabibara for his creations and contributions towards Odia language when it was facing acute difficulties for existence and propagation. Kedar Gouri, Chandrabhaga, Nandikeshari, Usha, Chilika and Mahayatra are some of his significant works.

“His creations have enriched Odia literature, and it can be undoubtedly said that through his unique literary creations Odia poetry in the 19th century received new life, appeal and asset,” said Harish Chandra Behera, a former member of the Odisha Sahitya Akademi.

He was not only a poet, but also a noble teacher, who wrote several textbooks in association with Fakir Mohan Senapati when the language was facing crisis for existence.

Ray was the child of Sundar Narayan Ray and Tarini Dasi. A brilliant student from childhood, he passed from the famous Presidency College of Calcutta. His career started with his appointment as a third teacher at Balasore Zilla School on May 1, 1864. He was retired from the post of inspector of schools, Balasore, in 1903 at the age of 55.

In his early life, he composed in both Bengali and Odia languages. But later, he shifted his writings in Odia only.

“Detailed research must be made on his works. His creations were themed on love, and he had a unique way of blending tradition with the modernity,” Behera said.

Arabinda Giri, another literary personality of the district, said: “Besides research works, a statue of the great personality should be installed in the district headquarters.”

District culture officer Anant Prasad Sethi said: “The jayanti is being observed by our department through the Sahitya Akademi. We help the Smruti Sansad, but we don’t have adequate funds for anything more.”

Balasore MP Rabindra Kumar Jena said: “I would look into the matter and see what can be done to install a statue in the headquarters after having talks with the district administration and the government.”