Gopinath Mohanty

Gopinath Mohanty was one of the most celebrated Odia writers of the 20th century, known for his deep humanism and vivid portrayal of tribal and rural life in Odisha. He was the first recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1955 for his novel Amrutara Santana and was later honoured with the Jnanpith Award, the highest literary recognition in India. Mohanty joined the Odisha Administrative Service in 1938 and served with dedication until his retirement in 1969. After retirement, he was invited by Professor Prabhat Nalini Das, then Head of the English Department at Utkal University, to serve as a UGC Distinguished Visiting Professor and Writer-in-Residence in the late 1970s, where he guided students and enriched the academic environment with his vast literary experience.

A prolific author, Gopinath Mohanty’s works explore themes of social justice, human struggle, tradition, and cultural transformation. His notable creations include Amrutara Santana, Paraja, Harijana, Dadi Budha (The Ancestor), Charlienka Paine, Prathana Sangeeta, Mana Gahirara Chasa, Laya Bilaya, Danapani, Kaa, Mati Deehe, Andha Diganta, and O’ Ananta Prem. His novels and stories present a realistic picture of the lives of common people, especially the tribal communities of Odisha, giving them a permanent place in Indian literature.

Through his literary genius, Gopinath Mohanty not only enriched Odia literature but also earned national and international recognition, making him a towering figure in modern Indian writing.