Jagannath Prasad Das

Jagannath Prasad Das (J. P. Das) is a distinguished Indian Odia writer, poet, painter, playwright, art historian, and novelist, widely admired for his creativity and versatility. He began his career with a brief teaching assignment as an Assistant Professor at the University of Allahabad, before joining the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), where he held significant positions in the Government of Odisha as well as the Central Government. After taking premature retirement, he settled in Delhi, where he became actively engaged in the cultural and social life of the city.

Over the years, J. P. Das has been honoured with several prestigious awards, including the Odisha Sahitya Akademi Award, the Sarala Award, and the Saraswati Samman, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Odia literature and culture.

A prolific author, he has written many acclaimed works in Odia, such as Prathama Purusha, Asamaya, Bhavanatha O Anyamane, Abanabana, Navagunjara, Sacharachara, Sayan, Dinacharya, Icchhapatra, Subhadranka Aakhi, and his English collections Shot Takes Vol. I & II. His writings, blending modern sensibility with philosophical depth, reflect themes of tradition, change, and human life.

Beyond literature, he is also a respected painter and art historian, known for his research on Odishan art and culture, making him one of the most versatile cultural figures of contemporary India.