Veteran Odia lyricist Gurukrushna Goswami passed away following prolonged illness this Monday at his residence at Shivaji Nager in Cuttak. He was 84 and is survived by wife Arati Goswami and two sons.

Goswami was a lyricist, scriptwriter, and music director. He was born on May 6, 1934, at Nuagaon in Baripada town of Mayurbhanj district.

He made his debut as the lyricist in Ollywood in the film Maa released in 1958.  Goswami was associated with Odia music industry over six decades.

Goswami had received the Best Lyricist award in 1996, Bhakta Kabi Salabeg award and Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in the year 2000 for his immense contribution to Odia music industry.

Artistes from the Odia music industry in large numbers bid him a tearful farewell.