Sitakanta Mohapatra

Sitakant Mahapatra is a renowned Indian poet, literary critic, and scholar who has made significant contributions to literature in both Odia and English. Widely regarded as one of the foremost literary figures of modern India, his writing reflects a deep engagement with Indian cultural traditions while also drawing from a broad understanding of world literature. Alongside his literary career, Mahapatra served with distinction in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) from 1961 until his retirement in 1995. Following his administrative service, he held several prestigious ex officio positions, including that of Chairman of the National Book Trust, New Delhi, where he played an important role in promoting literature and reading culture across the country.

A highly prolific author, Mahapatra has published numerous poetry collections, essays, a travelogue, over thirty contemplative and critical works, and many translations. His poetry has been translated into several Indian languages, greatly expanding his readership. Some of his most notable works include Sabdara Akasha (The Sky of Words), Samudra, Anek Sharat, and The Song of Kubja and Other Poems, which are celebrated for their philosophical depth, lyrical beauty, and rootedness in Indian ethos.

Mahapatra’s literary excellence has been widely recognised through numerous national and international honours. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1974 for his poetry collection Sabdara Akasha. In 1993, he was awarded the Jnanpith Award for his outstanding contribution to Indian literature, with the citation observing that while his work is deeply influenced by Western literature, it carries “the rare rapturous fragrance of native soil.” He was further honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2002 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2011, along with other prestigious awards such as the Soviet Land Nehru Award and the Kabir Samman.