Bhubaneswar: Eminent artist and art critic Jagadish Chandra Kanungo passed away at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday following a prolonged illness. Before serving as the president of the Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi, he had worked as its secretary for 16 years, contributing significantly to its growth and outreach. Widely respected as a distinguished art critic and scholar, Kanungo made lasting contributions to the fields of contemporary art, heritage conservation, and art education. He edited the Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi’s journal and was also the editor of the acclaimed art magazine ‘Ranga Rekha’, first published in 1986. He was instrumental in organising exhibitions, workshops, and cultural initiatives for promoting Odisha’s traditional Pattachitra painting and showcasing the works of contemporary artists.