Famous poet-satirist Surendra Dubey dies in Raipur at 72; CM Sai expresses grief

Raipur: Well-known poet and Padma Shri awardee Dr Surendra Dubey, who was known for his humour and sharp satire, passed away following cardiac arrest at a government hospital here in Chhattisgarh, on Thursday, doctors of the medical facility said.

Dubey, 72, was admitted to the Advanced Cardiac Institute (ACI) after he suffered a heart attack in the wee hours of Wednesday. He died on Thursday afternoon, Dr Smit Shrivastav, a cardiologist at the state-run hospital, told reporters.

He successfully underwent an angioplasty, a medical procedure used to open blocked or narrowed arteries in the heart, on Wednesday and his condition was stable, he said.

However, he felt a little uncomfortable in the ICU and was shifted to the general ward in the morning to allow him to be in the company of his family members, said Shrivastav.

Dubey, however, continued to be anxious and in the afternoon he suffered cardiac arrest twice following which he died, informed the cardiologist.

The septuagenarian poet is survived by his wife Shashi, a son and daughter.

Born in 1953 in Bemetara district (then in Durg district), Dubey was awarded Padma Shri in 2010. Though an Ayurvedic physician by profession, he found his calling in poetry and his use of humour and comedy in poems made him popular among people.

As the news of his death spread, condolence poured in from various quarters.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed grief over Dubey's demise and described him as a litterateur who touched the pinnacle of Chhattisgarhi literature and humorous poetry.

"The demise of Padma Shri Dr Surendra Dubey, the pinnacle of Chhattisgarhi literature and humorous poetry, is an irreparable loss to the literary world. I am shocked by the news of his sudden demise. With his unique humour, sharp satire and unique creativity, he not only graced the stages of the country and abroad, but also played an important role in getting global recognition for the Chhattisgarhi language," Sai said in a statement.

Throughout his life, Dubey gave society the light of laughter, but today his departure has plunged his admirers into deep grief. His liveliness, energy and dedication to literature will always be a source of inspiration for others, the CM noted.

"I pray to God to rest the departed soul in peace and give strength to the bereaved family and his countless fans in this hour of grief. Om Shanti!," he added.