Manoj Das (ମନୋଜ ଦାସ) remains one of the most revered literary figures in Odia and Indian literature — a legendary storyteller, profound thinker, eloquent speaker, and spiritual practitioner whose works continue to inspire generations of readers. His life reflected a rare blend of literary brilliance and spiritual depth, making him a distinctive voice in modern Indian letters.
Born on February 27, 1934, in the coastal village of Shankhari in Balasore district, Manoj Das hailed from a respected zamindar family. His father was Madhusudan Das and his mother Kadambini Devi. His literary talent emerged early; at just 15 years of age, while still a school student, he published his first poetry collection “Shatabdira Arttanada.” His first short story collection, “Samudrara Kshudha,” was published in 1951, marking the beginning of a remarkable literary journey.
Das pursued his intermediate studies at Fakir Mohan College, after which he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from Ravenshaw College. He also studied law at Madhusudan Law College. During his formative years, he was influenced by Marxist ideology, reflecting the intellectual curiosity and socio-political engagement of his youth.
He began his professional career as a lecturer at Christ College, Cuttack, but a significant turning point came in 1963, when he moved to Puducherry and joined the Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education as a professor of English literature. The spiritual philosophy of Sri Aurobindo deeply transformed his outlook, leading him toward a life of introspection and spiritual exploration. Over time, Manoj Das emerged as an insightful interpreter of Indian culture and spirituality.
A bilingual writer, Das wrote extensively in both Odia and English, contributing across multiple literary genres — short stories, novels, poetry, essays, and columns. His writings were regularly published in leading newspapers and journals. What set him apart was his ability to captivate readers of all ages — from young learners to mature intellectuals — through thoughtful emotion, vivid narration, gentle humour, and a profound sense of optimism. His unique storytelling style earned him the title of the “Vishnu Sharma of Odia literature.”
Despite literary fame, Manoj Das led a simple, almost ascetic life, dedicating his creative energy to society and the enrichment of literature. His major short story collections include “Aranyaka,” “Shesha Basantara Chithi,” and “Manoj Dasanka Katha O Kahani.” Among his novels, “Prabhanjan,” “Godhulira Bagha,” “Tandralokara Prahari,” and “Amruta Phala” are widely celebrated. His poetry collections such as “Tuma Gaon O Anyanya Kabita,” “Biplabi Fakir Mohan,” and “Kabita Utkala” reflect his lyrical sensitivity. His memoir “Samudra Kulara Eka Gram” provides a nostalgic and reflective account of his early life.
In recognition of his immense contribution to literature, Manoj Das received numerous honours, including the Odisha Sahitya Akademi Award, Sahitya Akademi Award, Saraswati Samman, Atibadi Jagannath Das Samman, as well as national civilian honours Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan.
The literary world mourned deeply when this epoch-making writer passed away on April 27, 2021, in Puducherry. Yet, Manoj Das continues to live through his timeless works, which preserve the beauty of storytelling, the depth of spirituality, and the enduring values of human compassion.
His legacy stands not only as a pillar of Odia literature but also as a shining example of how literature can harmoniously blend imagination, philosophy, and cultural wisdom.
