Kalindicharan Panigrahi, the famous litterateur of Odisha, was born in Bishwanathpur village in the then Puri district. His father was Swapneshwar Panigrahi, a lawyer by profession. Kalindicharan completed his childhood education in Puri and then did his graduation at Ravenshawa College. Nandini Shatapathi, who became the first woman chief minister of Odisha and who was also a famed writer, was his daughter. His younger brother was Bhagwati Charan Panigrahi, also a writer, founded the Communist Party of India in the state. His famous story ‘Shikar’ has been adapted into a film by Mrinal Sen, the renowned cinema producer and director.

While studying at Ravenshaw College, Kalindcharan's unprecedented literary talent started taking shape. In college, he formed the ‘Nonsense Club’ which consisted of budding writers. Nine members of the club jointly authored a novel, titled ‘basanti’, which was serially published in the Utkal Sahitya magazine. At this time, Kalindicharan's writings were also published in Yugavina, the mouthpiece of the ‘Sabuja Gosthi’ (The Green Group) that comprised five poets who were famous as ‘Sabuja Kavi’ (Green Poets). He later edited an English language publication from Balasore and also his own Oriya magazine.

It was from poetry that Kalindi Charan’s mission of literary creation began. The main attraction of his writings with fascinating word-combination was their social, moral and revolutionary appeal. The rural environment of Odisha and the rules of ethics played a major role in his works including poetry. He spoke out against social injustice in his writings. In addition to poetry, Kalindicharan has authored novels, one-act plays, stories, critiques, biographies and autobiographies. His novel ‘Matira Manisha’ (Man of the Earth) and his famous story ‘Manshara Bilap’ (The Lamentation of Flesh) have been filmed.

In 1971, Kalindicharan got Fellowship of the Kendra Sahitya Akademi and, in the same year, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Central Government. In 1976, Sambalpur University awarded him the honorary D. Litt. degree.

Poetry

Poems

Novels

Autobiography

One act Play

Text Book

Short Stories Collection

Eassays

Audio Novels