MOHAPATRA RAJENDRA PRASAD
(1930-1994)

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       Mohapatra Rajendra Prasad (1930-1994), a leading literary luminary of Orissa, was born in 1930 in the village of Tirtol, now under Jagatsinghpur district. After completing his schooling, he went to Calcutta at the age of 17 to eke out a living there. His uncle Patiram Parija brought him to Calcutta, (Now Kolkata) where he was appointed as the Managing Editor of The Asantakali, a literary journal of repute. He spent long 20 years in that capacity. During that period he shot into limelight as a Novelist and Editor of the Magazine. At his inspiration, many literary talents contributed their write-ups to the magazine. That literary magazine was of superb quality. Under his able guidance many creative writers bloomed into prominence.

       During his stay in Calcutta, he was associated with many socio cultural organisation there. He authored many novels which included Interval, Underline, Interview, Beiman, Badnam, Anadi, Asamapta, Shubhalagna, Anurag, Shesha Parichaya, Priyatameshu, Asatya Sahara and Uansi Kanya  in Oriya language. He also wrote dramas like Nirmala Bhabamurty, Kuhanti Jete Nuhanti Sete, Chakrant, Samayara Chaka  besides collections of stories like Ajagara ku Bataram, Labanyamayee Barabanita and Sarala Shola Kosha Kahani. He was also a poet par excellence. His poetries like Prabhati Giti and Neelachala bear testimony to his lyrical skill.

      He rose into prominence during fifties and sixties of twentieth century. His writings were popular among the Oriya readers. A literary serial on popular science Pruthibira Bichitra Kahani written by him, which was published in The Asantakali  in between 1950 and 1970, brought him fame. He also wrote dialogues and stories for two Oriya films like Bhakta Dhruba and Mahasindhu Tire.  He was also a drama artiste with the All India Radio of Calcutta. He acted in an Oriya film "Nari". He edited two Oriya journals like The Shramika and The Cinema.  He was a question-setter and evaluator of examination papers in Oriya schools in Calcutta, appointed by the West Bengal Government. He was also a journalist and worked as correspondent of The Swarajya and The Ganatrantra, two Oriya dailies and a language news agency Hindustan Samachar.  He was also the proprietor of the Kalinga Gramaphone Company.

      His novels brought him fame far and wide as they were based on the typical lifestyle of Oriya households. His books depicts socio-cultural life of Orissa. Some of his writings are also based on the life cycles of animals and birds which greatly amuse and enthuse the children.

      This greatman, gifted with high literary talents, breathed his last on December 10, 1994. In order to enliven his sacred memory The Mohapatra Rajendra Prasad Smruti Sansad has been set up by his admirers. This Sansad is celebrating his death anniversary every year. An Award after him has also been instituted which has been christened as "Mohapatra Rajendra Prasad Puraskar". This Puraskar is conferred on a creative talent - who has contributed to the field of Journalism, Literature and Art.
 

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CONTACT ADDRESSES

Mr. Biswajit Mohapatra
D.I office Campus,
Court Square
Jagatsinghpur
(:06724 -20994

M/s Jayshree Prakasani
Plot No. 522, Sector-VI,
Markat Nagar,
Cuttack-753014
Orissa
(:0671 2334271 (Cuttack)

For ordering his books please contact on the above addresses
Email : mohaptrarajendraprasad@rediffmail.com