Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday expressed their deep condolences over the passing of Prof. Hermann Kulke, the German-born historian and Padma Shri recipient who was instrumental in bringing Odisha’s heritage and the Shree Jagannatha culture to the global stage.
In a post from his social media handles, Singh Deo said, “Deeply saddened by the passing of eminent historian and Padma Shri awardee Prof. Hermann Kulke. His pioneering research on Odisha’s history, culture, and politics has left an indelible mark on Indology and will continue to inspire generations of scholars. As a founding member of the Orissa Research Project, his contributions to the study of our state’s heritage remain unparalleled. May his soul rest in peace.”
Taking to X, Patnaik said, “Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of eminent historian and Padma Shri awardee Prof Hermann Kulke. His demise is a profound loss to the world of history and Indology. His leadership at Orissa Research Project; pioneering research on #Odisha’s culture, history and Shree Jagannatha tradition brought Odisha’s rich heritage into global academic discourse. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and admirers. May his soul rest in peace.”
Born in Berlin in 1938, Prof. Kulke’s lifelong dedication to Indian history earned him the Padma Shri in 2010. His academic excellence was further recognised with the Gold Medal of The Asiatic Society in 2005 and Germany’s Order of Merit in 2011.
Beyond his individual accolades, Kulke was a foundational figure in the South Asia Institute’s Orissa Research Project and later served as the coordinator for its second phase, cementing his legacy as a bridge between European academia and Odishan culture.
