Dr. Radhanath Rath started his distinguished career in journalism as Manager and Assistant Editor of the largest circulated Oriya Daily The Samaj in 1919. He became its Editor in 1961. He was a powerful writer and speaker and also an able journalist.

Responding to the call of Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das, he gave up a lucrative offer of employment by the British Government. He was a member of Orissa Legislative Assembly from 1946 to 1977. He was the Cabinet Minister in charge of Finance, Education, Forestry and Agriculture from 1952 to 1961. Endowed with a phenomenal memory, he was a great social reformer and fought for the upliftment of the downtrodden. He was also the President of the People Society (Lok Sevak Mandal) and Chairman of its Orissa Branch. 

He gave a new direction to Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology as its Pro-Chancellor. He was the Chief Commissioner of Orissa State Bharat Scouts and Guides and also, the Ex-President of Bharat Sewak Samaj. He was associated with a large number of public bodies like Red Cross, Panchayats, Divine Life Society, Indo-China Cultural Association, Indo-Soviet Friendship Society, and was the President of Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha. A distinguished writer, he was awarded Orissa Sahitya Academy Award in 1967 and Padmabhushan in 1968. He received the Critic Circle of India Award in 1987, All India Anubrata Award in 1988. Utkal Ratna Samman in 1993, and the degree of Doctor of Laws (Ll.D.) by Berhampur University in 1976.