About the Author

Jugal Kishore Sarangi is a distinguished Odia and Sambalpuri/Kosali children's literature scholar, writer and cultural researcher from Odisha. Born at Sindhekela village in Balangir district, he has made a significant contribution to children's literature through his creative works in both Odia and Kosali languages. He writes both prose and poetry and has remained closely associated with the literary and cultural traditions of western Odisha. His writings reflect his deep understanding of children's imagination, emotions and everyday experiences. He has composed numerous poems and served as a lyricist for All India Radio, thereby contributing to the dissemination of Odia and regional literary expression through broadcasting. He has authored several works of children's literature and is particularly recognised for his short-story collection Jejenka Gapa Ganthili. The work earned him the prestigious Kendriya Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2023 in Odia. His literary contribution was also recognised with the Shishu Gaurav Samman 2020, conferred at the Dhanu Yatra festival in Sindhekela, Balangir. He currently resides in Titilagarh, Odisha, and continues to remain associated with literary and cultural activities.

Major Creations

Jugal Kishore Sarangi's major contribution to children's literature includes Jejenka Gapa Ganthili, his acclaimed collection of children's stories, which brought him national recognition through the Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar. He has also produced poetry and prose in Odia and Kosali/Sambalpuri and has composed numerous songs and poems for All India Radio.

Awards Received

Jugal Kishore Sarangi received the Kendriya Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2023 for his children's short-story collection Jejenka Gapa Ganthili. He was also honoured with the Shishu Gaurav Samman 2020 at the Dhanu Yatra festival in Sindhekela, Balangir, in recognition of his contribution to children's literature.