Ganjam, Oct 2: Padma Shri Gopinath Swain, the singer of a popular folk dance Krishna Leela, from Gobindapur village in Sheragada block, has passed away. He was 107.

Swain was a legendary figure in the realm of Krishna Leela, a traditional theatrical art form, through which he earned immense recognition across the district and the state.

His contributions to preserving and promoting Odisha’s folk heritage were honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri award.

His demise has cast a pall of sorrow over Gobindapur and the surrounding Sheragada region.

Tributes poured in from various quarters, including Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who expressed deep condolences.