Bhubaneswar: Padma Shri awardee Gopinath Swain, one of the last gurus of the near-extinct folk dance tradition of ‘Krishna Leela’, passed away on Thursday in Odisha’s Ganjam district. He was 107.

According to family sources, Swain was suffering from old-age-related ailments and breathed his last at his home in Gobindpur under Sheragada block. ADVERTISEMENT

The noted singer was conferred with Padma Shri in 2024 and the Sangeet Natak Academy award in 2023 in recognition of his over nine decade-long dedication towards the practice of ‘Krishna Leela’ folk dance.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, state Transport minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena and several political leaders and artists expressed grief over his demise. Jena, who is also an MLA from Gopalp

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