Born :- 17-Sep-1937
Place of Birth :- Mahanga, Kendrapada
Shri Sitakant Mohapatra, a distinguished figure in Indian and Odia literature, was born to Shri Bhagwan Mohapatra and Smt. Indumati Mohapatra. A brilliant student and budding poet from his school days, he completed his matriculation at Korua High School and graduated with Honours in History from Ravenshaw College in 1957. He earned a postgraduate degree in Political Science from Allahabad University in 1959, where he also edited the university journal—marking the beginning of his literary journey.
In 1961, Mohapatra joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and served until his retirement in 1995. Between 1975 and 1977, he undertook a Homi Bhabha Fellowship to study tribal communities of Eastern India. His work in this area led to two significant books on social anthropology, published by Oxford University Press, examining the tension between traditional tribal societies and modern state-led development.
Fluent in the Santali language and deeply connected with tribal culture, he compiled and translated Santali oral poetry in Unending Rhythms. His own poetry—marked by lyrical richness and philosophical depth—draws on Odisha’s cultural heritage, mythology, and tribal traditions. Major Odia works like Samudra, Ashtapadi, and Shabda’ra Aakasha reflect a synthesis of modernist themes with traditional imagery, exploring identity, alienation, and the human condition.
Mohapatra's contributions have earned him both national and international acclaim. He is a Senior Fellow of Harvard University and an Honorary Fellow of the International Academy of Poets, Cambridge. His accolades include the prestigious Jnanpith Award, Odisha Sahitya Akademi Awards (twice), Kendra Sahitya Academi Award, SAARK Award, Tagore Peace Award, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Saarla Award, Sahitya Bharati Samman, and Utkal Ratna Samman, among others. Most of his works in Odia have been translated into different Indian Languages as well as into English.
Post-retirement, he served as President of the National Book Trust, Delhi, actively promoting literature and cultural discourse. His work extends beyond poetry into literary policymaking and fostering cross-cultural dialogue.
Sitakant Mohapatra’s legacy lies in his rare ability to bridge tradition and modernity, regional identity and global thought. A poet, administrator, scholar, and cultural ambassador, he remains a towering figure whose work continues to inspire generations across India and beyond.
Works :
Poetry– Samudra, Ashtapadi, Shabda’ra Aakasha, Dipti O Dyuti, Saarhul’ra Jahna, ChitraNadi, Kaahaku Puchhiba Kuha, Chadhei’re Tu Ki Jaanu, Barshaa Sakaala, Mrutyu’ra Asima Dhairjya, Kapata Paasa, Asaranti PilaaDina, Magadha O Anyanya Kabita,Swara O Swapna’ra Symphony, BhaarataBarsha, Aau Kebe Aasa, PheriAasibara Bela, RutuSamhaara, Etc.
Essays– Bhinna Aakasha Bhinna Dipti, Nisanga Manisha, Sabda, Swapna O Nirbhikata, Andhaara’ra JhotiChitra, Samayara AaraPaari.
