In Memoriam: Gita Mehta—A Literary Luminary’s Last Chapter

Renowned as an acclaimed author, documentary filmmaker, and journalist, Gita Mehta, a scion of one of Odisha’s most prominent political dynasties, peacefully departed from this world at her Delhi residence on the 16th of September, 2023. She had reached the venerable age of 80, having grappled with age-related ailments for a considerable duration.

Born in the heart of Delhi in 1943 to the esteemed lineage of Biju Patnaik and Gyan Patnaik, Mehta inherited the legacy of an Indian independence activist and a former Chief Minister of Odisha. Furthermore, she shared fraternal ties with Naveen Patnaik, Odisha’s longest-serving Chief Minister since the year 2000. Her educational odyssey traversed the hallowed halls of institutions in India and culminated in the venerable University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.

Gita Mehta carved an illustrious career that spanned an impressive five decades, encompassing her roles as a writer, journalist, and filmmaker. Her literary palette birthed five seminal works that delved deep into the multifaceted facets of Indian culture, history, and spirituality. Among these literary gems were “Karma Cola” (1979), “Snakes and Ladders: Glimpses of Modern India” (1997), “A River Sutra” (1993), “Raj” (1989), and “Eternal Ganesha: From Birth to Rebirth” (2006). These works transcended linguistic confines, resonating with global acclaim.

Beyond her literary pursuits, she orchestrated a symphony of fourteen television documentaries, gracing the screens of the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States. These documentaries were an exploration of diverse themes spanning religion, art, politics, and the environment. Gita Mehta’s resolute spirit also led her to serve as a war correspondent for the esteemed U.S. television network, NBC, during the pivotal 1971 Indo-Pakistan war, an event that precipitated the birth of Bangladesh. Her cinematic chronicle, “Dateline Bangladesh,” enraptured audiences both in her homeland and across international borders.

In the personal sphere, she was united in matrimony with Sonny Mehta, a renowned publisher and former steward of the venerable Alfred A. Knopf publishing house, who departed from this world in 2019. Their union was blessed with the gift of a son, Aditya Singh Mehta.

Gita Mehta was distinguished not only for her literary prowess but also for her candid and unapologetic perspectives on a spectrum of issues. Her principled stance manifested when she gracefully declined the Padma Shri award, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, bestowed upon her by the BJP government in 2019 for her exceptional contributions to literature and education. Her rationale behind this decision was rooted in her apprehension that the timing of the award could be misconstrued, given its proximity to a general election.

Her close bond with her brother, Naveen Patnaik, transcended familial ties as she lent her sage counsel on political matters. She lauded his governance acumen and transformative endeavors in Odisha.

The lamentation for Gita Mehta’s passing reverberated throughout the echelons of eminence, drawing heartfelt condolences from luminaries across diverse fields. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to her multifaceted persona, acknowledging her intellectual acumen, ardor for the written word, and cinematic artistry. He also celebrated her unwavering commitment to the preservation of nature and the stewardship of precious water resources.

Eminent figures, including Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal, Odisha ministers, BJP leader Baijayant Panda, and Congress leader Narasingha Mishra, added their voices to the chorus of tributes in her honor.

Gita Mehta’s final journey shall unfold in Delhi on the forthcoming Sunday—a moment reserved for personal reflection and reverence, as her family bids her adieu. She leaves behind a legacy adorned with brilliance, courage, and sagacity—a legacy destined to inspire generations yet unborn, embellishing India’s cultural and literary tapestry with the resplendence of her contributions.