Haraprasad Das, one of the most successful poets, storytellers and literary critics of contemporary Odisha  was born on January 15, 1945 to father Krutibas Das in the village of Gajarajpur in the Jagatsinghpur district. His mother's name was Nilbala Das.

Starting his professional career as a lecturer in political science, Harprasad later became an Indian Finance Officer (Accountant General of India). He was also Vice-Chancellor of SAT, and Pro-Chancellor of KIIT University.

Mr. Das, is a versatile talent. He is one of the leading poets and storytellers. He is also a discerning literary critic, a researcher and an amazing translator. As a columnist and historian his research-based articles/essays are published in leading local newspapers.
 

Haraprasad’s published works include: Alokita Banabaasa (1980), Mantrapaatha, Garbhagruha, Duratwara Bhrama, Artha sahita Shatruta, Khuni Apsara, Desha, Nirbachita Kabita, Aparthiba Prema Kabita,  Sthalapurana, Harmonium’re Todi, Vansha (epic poem), Lubdhaka’ra Tiniprahar (novel), Adhunikata’ra Parampara, Adhunikata’ra Samakaala (literary criticism), Srimad Bhagwat Gita, Gitanjali (translations).

Harprasad's early poems are replete with intellectual excitement. The tangible challenges of localness are reflected in their iconic elements, paintings and symbols of modern personal life. Reading his poetry feels like two sunflowers blossoming in one circle - hope and possibility in one and delusion and depression in the other - a wonderful combination of form and emotion. Sometimes his poetry feels like versification of philosophy… the unravelling of mysteries, the portrayal of contemporary world history, geography, legends as well as contemporary life. Eka Aparthiba Prema Kabita (A Supra-mundane Love Poem) reflects the deep realisations in conjugal life. Localness is another hallmark of his poetry. It inspires one to feel one’s own culture and live a culture-centric life.

Adhunikata’ra Parampara and Adhunikata’ra SamaKaala, the two books on literary criticism, reflect the fact that Haraprasad is a versatile, insightful and highly discerning bibliophile. The two books are a wise and inescapable assessment of the poets of Odisha and the world. Odia Jaati’ra Jibana Gaatha is a wonderful example of how history of a nation can be rewritten and culture can be re-interpreted. The discussions in this work act like a gateway to experiencing Odia self-esteem. Whether it's a poem, a novel, a literary or cultural discussion, a committed reader can easily guess that it is Haraprasad’s work, even after erasing the author's name as their author.

Harprasad Das has been honoured with the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award in 1999, the Sharla Award and Gangadhar Meher Award in 2008, the Moortidevi Award in 2013 and the Kalinga Literary Festival Award in 2017 for his literary achievements.

Audio Poems