About the Author

Manas Ranjan Samal is a veteran Odia writer, editor and distinguished contributor to children's literature. Born at Charigaon in the undivided Cuttack district of Odisha, he has devoted his literary career to enriching children's literature through creative writing and editorial work. He has written extensively for young readers, with his works reflecting imagination, simplicity, humour and an understanding of children's emotional world. He is particularly associated with Jhumuka, one of the oldest and well-known Odia children's magazines, and has served as its editor. He has also contributed to literary and film journalism and has been associated with publications such as Cine Samaya. His literary oeuvre includes children's stories, poetry and other educational and literary writings. Among his notable works are Gapa Kalika, Dura Akashare Udi Ja and Manachhuan Geeta. Gapa Kalika, a collection of ten short stories first published in 2020, was selected for the Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2024 in Odia. His earlier work Manachhuan Geeta also brought him the Odisha Sahitya Akademi Award in the children's literature category. Through his long-standing literary and editorial engagement, Samal has made a significant contribution to the development and popularisation of Odia children's literature.

Major Creations

Manas Ranjan Samal's major creations include Gapa Kalika, a collection of ten short stories first published in 2020; Dura Akashare Udi Ja, a children's literary work published by the National Book Trust; and Manachhuan Geeta, an important work of children's literature. His writings for young readers demonstrate his ability to combine imagination, entertainment and educational value in an accessible literary style. Gapa Kalika remains his most nationally recognised work, having been selected for the Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2024.

Awards Received

Manas Ranjan Samal received the Odisha Sahitya Akademi Award for Manachhuan Geeta in the children's literature category, recognising his contribution to Odia children's writing. He subsequently received the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2024 for his short-story collection Gapa Kalika, which was selected on the recommendation of the Odia-language jury.