2025 Speakers

Aditi Maheshwari Goyal is an editor, publisher and educationist. She is Executive Director at Vani Prakashan Group and is the Managing Trustee at Vani Foundation. She designed the course structure and taught publishing and editing at the University of Delhi. She has been invited to the Editor’s exchange programmes organized by the German Book Office, the Swedish Book Office, Oslo Literature Festival, Polish Book Office and French Book Office. She is the recipient of the Chevalier of Arts and Letters, the honorary knighthood by the Government of France. She is nominated India’s most valuable CEOs by the Business World magazine and Young Achievers Award by the Zee Media group.

Contact: aditi@vaniprakashan.in

Anuja Chandramouli is a bestselling author and new-age Indian classicist widely regarded as one of the finest writers in mythology, historical fiction and fantasy. Her debut novel, ‘Arjuna: Saga of a Pandava Warrior-Prince’ was named one of the top 5 sellers by Amazon India for 2012. Her book ‘Mohini: The Enchantress’ won the JK Papers and Times of India Popular Choice Author Award, 2021. Her books are also available as audiobooks and have been translated into Hindi. Her latest book is ‘The Wife and the Dancing Girl’, a brave revisionist take on the Tamil classic ‘Silapathikaram’. She is also a trained Bharatanatyam dancer.

Contact: anujamouli@gmail.com

Apparaasu Krishna Rao is a senior journalist, poet and literary critic from Hyderabad now based as Associate Editor at Andhra Jyothy, Delhi, and popularly known as “Krishnudu” in literary circles with 15 books to his credit. The list includes a political biography of former Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao and a literary monograph of the former Prime Minister in Telugu for Sahitya Akademi. He has translated words of Dogri poet Padma Sachdev into Telugu which received the Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize. He was bestowed with honors such as Moruti Hanumtha Rao Award, N. R. Chendur Award, Tapti Dharma Rao Award, RottamakkU Ravi Award, Gora Sastri Award, and Aluri Bairagi Award.

Contact: kavikrishnudu@gmail.com.

Arupa Patangia Kalita is a noted Assamese writer. She taught English literature at Tangla College, Assam. She has five novels, twelve collections of short fiction, two novels for children, translations into Assamese (Toni Morrison’s ‘The Bluest Eye’ is the most recent) to her credit. Several of her books have been translated into English, Hindi, Bengali, Marathi and Bodo. She is a recipient of many prestigious awards and honours, some of the prominent ones being Bharatiya Bhasa Parishad Literary Award, Katha Award, Sahitya Akademi Award, Shailesh Chandra Dagupta Sahitya Setu Award, Assam Valley Literary Award, Bhubaneshwari Gogoi Sowarani Sahitya Saurav Bota and Fakir Mohan National Literary Award.

Contact: kparupa@yahoo.com

Binod Ghosal is a distinguished contemporary Bengali author and recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar. With over forty publications-including stories, novels, and essays-he has enriched Bengali literature for more than two decades. His accolades include the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar, West Bengal Bangla Academy Award, Mitra o Ghosh Memorial Award, Shailajananda Memorial Award, Bijon Bhattacharya Memorial Award, and Sanskriti Gaurav Samman. A Writers-in-Residence invitee at Rashtrapati Bhavan (2016), he was named Best Literary Personality of the Year (2020) by the Governor of West Bengal. Recipient of a Culture Ministry fellowship, his celebrated biographical novel Ke Bajay Banshi portrays Kazi Nazrul Islam.

Contact: bonod.ghosal@gmail.com

Garima Srivastava is Professor at Centre of Indian Languages, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Her specialization is women in conflict areas with special reference to eastern Europe. She has 23 publications to her credit, besides more than 70 research articles. Her book ‘Deh Hi Desh’, a diary based on war zone of Bosnia and Herzegovina has been translated in many regional languages. She was honoured with the Jaipur Sahitya Sangiti Award for Best Novel ‘Auschwitz: Ek Premkatha’.

Contact: drsgarima@gmail.com

Jagannath Panda is one of India’s foremost contemporary painters and sculptors, known for his lyrical fusion of myth and modernity, and his reflections on India’s rapid urban transformation. A Bhubaneswar-born artist with roots in traditional Odia culture, he trained at Baroda and later at the Royal College of Art, London. His signature style incorporates brocade textiles into painted and sculpted surfaces, humanising animals and imagining surreal worlds between reality and dream. Recipient of major national and international awards, Panda has exhibited across Tokyo, London, Berlin, San Francisco and Delhi. He is the founder of the Utsha Foundation for Contemporary Art.

Contact: jpanda08@gmail.com

Jai Prakash Kardam is a distinguished Hindi writer and thinker renowned for his powerful writings on dalit and marginalized voices. Author of over 60 books across diverse literary genres, his works are included in university syllabi in India and abroad with extensive research conducted on his contributions. Since 1999, he has been editing the annual journal Dalit Sahitya. A former Writer-in-Residence in Germany, he has received numerous prestigious honours including the Mahapandit Rahul Sankrityayan Award. He retired as Director of the Central Hindi Training Institute, New Delhi.

Contact: jpkardam@rediffmail.com

K. Sreenivasarao is a thinker, scholar, literary expert and administrator with the experience of over three decades in several positions of literary management and administration of national level literary institutions. He was the Secretary of Sahitya Akademi, India’s premier Institution of Letters for 12 years. His published books include ‘Myths, Plays & Girish Karnad’, ‘Bhartiya Sahitya evam Sanskriti’ and ‘Vitasta: Uniting Culture’ (ed.). He has received the honorary D.Litt. from Shaheed Mahendra Karma Vishwavidyalaya, Bastar, Nandi Puraskar, Hindi Academy Delhi Hindi Seva Samman and Hindi Sevi Puraskar from Bihar Government.

Contact: ksreenivasarao2025@gmail.com

Kanishka Gupta is a writer and publishing commentator best known for his acclaimed series for Scroll.in called Publishing and the Pandemic. He is the founder of Writer’s Side, the largest literary agency and consultancy in South Asia. He represents many accomplished debut authors and award-winning writers of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, including 2022 International Booker Prize winner Daisy Rockwell.

Contact: kanishka500@gmail.com

Kanji Patel is a prominent Gujarati poet, novelist, and Adivasi activist from Lunawada, Gujarat. He is serving as the Honorary Director of the Adivasi Academy, Tejgadh. His literary career spans over four decades. Deeply rooted in folk and Adivasi life, his works incorporate the Panchmahali Bhili Adivasi language. His notable works include ‘Kotar ni Dhar Par’, ‘Dahelu’, ‘Aadi’, and ‘Dero’. His poetry collections include ‘Janpad’, ‘Dungardev’, and ‘Dharti na Vachan’. Widely translated and honoured for his writings and activism, Patel has represented India at SAARC, Commonwealth, and international literary forums, including the Frankfurt Book Fair.

Contact: patelkanji27@gmail.com

Koral Dasgupta has published an eclectic range of books from academic non-fiction to relationship dramas. Her books are discussed from the context of gender studies, art, myth, and ecocritical literature. Other than India, Koral’s books are shelved in the libraries of the University of Harvard, Columbia University, University of Chicago, and many others. Her fourth book, Summer Holidays, has been optioned for screen adaptation. She is currently working with Pan Macmillan on the five-book Sati series — a retelling of the stories of the Pancha Kanya from Indian mythology.

Contact: dasguptakoral@gmail.com

Laxman Gaikwad is a noted writer and social activist. He is Founder-President of the Denotified & Nomadic Tribal Rights Action Group. His published works include ‘Uchlya’ (translated into 17 Indian languages and French), ‘Dubhang’, ‘Vakilya Pardhi’, and ‘Wadar Vedna’ (translated into three Indian languages). His other works include ‘He Swatantrya Konasati’, ‘Chini Matitil Divas’, ‘Samaj Sahitya Ani Swatantrey’, ‘Buddhachi Vippassanna’, ‘Dr.B.R. Ambedkaranchi Jeevan Ani Karya’, ‘Utav’, and ‘Gav Kusa Baherchi Manasan’. He is a recipient of the SAARC Literary Award, Sahitya Akademi Award, Maharashtra Gaurav Puraskar, and several other honours.

Contact: uchlyakar@rediffmail.com

Mahua Sen is an eminent author, poet, and editor. She has published one poetry collection, co-authored over 70 anthologies, and edited ‘Flock the Journey’, which appeared on the Amazon Bestseller list. She translated Rajkamal Chaudhary’s Hindi novella ‘Machhali Mari Hui’ into English. She is honoured with the Reuel International Poetry Prize and the Poesis Award, among others.

Contact: mahua.sen2020@gmail.com

Manjiri Prabhu is a filmmaker, cultural diplomat, and globally acclaimed author of 23 books. She is the founder of the Pune International Literary Festival and the International Festival of Spiritual India. Known as the “Indian Agatha Christie,” she pioneered Indian mystery fiction globally. Her unique storytelling and ingenious plots have earned her international acclaim. Her recent publication, ‘The Rampur Raza Mystery’, was launched by Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu.

Contact: manjiriprabhu@gmail.com

Milee Ashwarya is the Publisher of Adult Publishing at Penguin Random House India. During her career, she has published a range of bestsellers across genres. An award-winning publisher, her focus has been on championing diverse voices, discovering talented debut writers, and building an inclusive publishing programme at Penguin Random House India.

Contact: mashwarya@penguinrandomhouse.in

Pawan Shaw is a Ph.D. research scholar at the Centre of Indian Languages, School of Language, Literature and Culture Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. His areas of specialization include Subaltern Studies, Postcolonial, Neo-Postcolonial and De-Postcolonial Literature, Translation, and Literary Criticism. His notable works include the Hindi translation of ‘Deh Hi Desh’, published by Ravan Prakashan, Kolkata, and an upcoming work on folk literature with Vani Prakashan.

Contact: pawanshaw457@gmail.com

Prabha Varma, an eminent Malayalam writer and journalist, has published more than a dozen collections of poems, three novels in verse, six books on socio-political and literary topics, eight essay collections, a study on media, novels in English and Malayalam, two scripts, and a travelogue. He was Vice-President of Kerala Sahitya Academy and has written lyrics for award-winning films. He is a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award, Kerala Sangeet Natak Academy Award, and Film Award for Best Lyrics (three times), among others. He currently serves as Media Advisor to the Chief Minister of Kerala.

Contact: anivarma@yahoo.co.in | malayalam@satyam.net.in

Prashant V. Singh is Senior Editor at Times Network, leading ET NOW and ET NOW Swadesh Digital. With over 18 years of experience across magazine, radio, digital, video and television platforms. He brings a dynamic synergy to news and content creation. Firmly believing in the free exchange of ideas, he champions honest, fearless journalism guided by the principles of fairness and integrity. Known for his unbiased yet forthright views, he lives by “Two wrongs don’t make a right” and “Call a spade a spade.” For him, reading, writing, speaking, and listening form the core of both journalism and life.

Contact: prashant.singh1@timesgroup.com | prashantsingh0512@gmail.com

Raj Kumar is Professor in the Department of English, University of Delhi. His research interests include autobiographical studies, Dalit literature, Indian writing in English, Odia literature, and postcolonial studies. A former Fellow at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla, he has published widely in reputed national and international journals. His major works include ‘Dalit Personal Narratives: Reading Caste, Nation and Identity’ (Orient BlackSwan), ‘Dalit Literature and Criticism’ (Orient BlackSwan), and translations such as Akhila Naik’s ‘Bheda’ (Oxford University Press) and Basudev Sunani’s ‘Padapodi’ (Burnt: Beyond Return). His recent co-edited volume ‘Bama: Writer as Activist’ is published by Routledge (2025).

Contact: bedamatiraj@gmail.com

Rajathi Samsudeen, well-known by her pen name Salma, is an eminent Indian Tamil writer. Overcoming orthodoxy, marital violence and being confined to her own society, she has become an international literary figure and spokesperson for women’s rights. She has three volumes of poetry, two novels, two collections of short stories and a travelogue to her credit. Her books have been shortlisted for various national and international awards including Man Asia Prize, Crossword Book Prize, Dublin International Literary Award and many others. Presently, she is the Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, India.

Contact: tamilpoetsalma@gmail.com

Rohit Manchanda, who spent his childhood in the coalfields of Jharkhand and earned a doctorate from the University of Oxford, is a Professor at IIT Bombay specializing in computational neurophysiology. His debut novel In the Light of the Black Sun (Betty Trask Award) was republished in 2024 as A Speck of Coal Dust. His upcoming novel A Place in Mind won the Tibor Jones South Asia Prize, and The Enclave was published alongside A Speck of Coal Dust. He is also the author of Monastery, Sanctuary, Laboratory, and co-editor of Urinary Bladder Physiology: Computational Studies.

Contact: 3rohitm@gmail.com

Santwana Bhattacharya is the Editor of The New Indian Express (TNIE) Group, a 30-edition national media brand with a strong presence across southern India, Odisha and Delhi. With three decades in top-tier print journalism, she has seamlessly bridged the rigour of hard news with the intellectual depth of opinion writing. She earlier served as the Resident Editor of TNIE, Bangalore, Karnataka, before returning to Delhi to head the entire Group. A widely travelled political journalist, she has extensively reported on politics, political economy and elections, with a sharp lens on how they shape the life and conscience of the nation.

Contact: santwana@newindianexpress.com | officeofeditor@newindianexpress.com

Sikta Deo is a prominent Indian journalist and senior news anchor with NDTV, having over three decades of experience in broadcast journalism. She has reported on politics, social issues, arts, and culture with depth and empathy. Her exclusive coverage of Nepal’s Gen Z uprising (2025) and Mahakumbh Prayagraj documentary with Amish Tripathi gained nationwide acclaim. A seasoned field reporter, she has led NDTV’s major campaigns like Banega Swasth India, Save India’s Coast, and Aman Ka Pul. She began her career with AajTak (1995) and joined NDTV in 2003. Recipient of multiple national awards, Sikta remains a respected voice in ethical and impactful journalism.

Contact: mailtosiktadeo@gmail.com

Sudeep Sen is Professor of Practice, Department of English & Cultural Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh; Visiting Associate, CISA, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg; and Co-Chair, Asia-Pacific Writers & Translators, Australia. A globally acclaimed poet, his award-winning works include Postmarked India, Aria, Fractals, EroText, Kaifi Azmi: Poems, and Anthropocene. His edited anthologies—The HarperCollins Book of English Poetry and Modern English Poetry by Younger Indians—are landmarks in Indian English literature. A senior Government of India fellow, he is the first Asian to deliver the Derek Walcott Lecture. Also a noted photographer, his work is represented by ArtMbassy, Rome/Berlin.

Contact: sudeepsen.net@gmail.com

Sunita Pant Bansal is a renowned mythologist, storyteller and author with a career spanning over four decades. Former President of the Institute of Indology, she has led major publishing houses and collaborated with Walt Disney, Warner Bros., Pearson and leading Indian media groups. Author of over 50 books, including the bestselling ‘Everyday Gita’, she is celebrated for reinterpreting epics and scriptures for contemporary readers. Her children’s books rooted in folk and classical wisdom have been translated globally. Recipient of the AALEKH Women Achievers Award (2024) and Vagishwari Samman (2025), she currently serves as the Director of the Almora Literature Festival.

Contact: sunitapb@gmail.com

Suresh Rituparna is a writer, poet, playwright, photographer, and traveller. He has published over 20 books, including ‘Japan Ki Lok Kathayein’, ‘Japan Main Hindi Shikshan Ki Parampara’, ‘Ekkis Japani Lok-Kathayen’, and ‘Hiroshima Ki Yaad Evam Anya Kavitayen’. He has received the Father Kamil Bulke Samman, Hindi Bhushan Award by Bharatiya Vidya Sansthan (Trinidad and Tobago), and Sahitya Shiromani Samman, among others. He was also honoured with Vishwa Hindi Samman at the 11th World Hindi Conference, Mauritius. Currently, he is the Director of KK Birla Foundation and editor of Hindi Jagat magazine.

Contact: suresh.parna@gmail.com

Vani Tripathi Tikoo, an accomplished actor and producer, has a distinguished career deeply rooted in theater and cinema. Her extensive experience includes significant contributions as an actor and educator, working with youth globally. She has performed in approximately 50 plays, 40 television serials, and six films. Ms. Tripathi Tikoo is a regular contributor to Indian newspapers, offering insights on broadcasting and content creation, and she proudly represented India at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022. Her recently published debut book, “Why Can’t Elephants Be Red?”, has garnered international recognition.

Contact: vani.tripathi@gmail.com

Vasudhendra is an eminent Kannada
writer. He is the first openly out and proud gay author of Karnataka. He has to
his credit sixteen books. He is a recipient of Karnataka Sahitya Academy Book
Prize. His book ‘Mohanaswamy’, chronicles the life of a queer young man, and
has been translated into English, Spanish, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, and
Malayalam. He is a trained counsellor and provides free counselling to the gay
community. He also contributes a monthly column on gender discrimination in the
daily Deccan Herald.

Contact: me@vasudhendra.com

Yatindra Mishra is an eminent poet, writer, musician and cinema scholar. He has four collections of Hindi poetry to his credit. Besides, he has also written about the lives of the masters like Girija Devi, Sonal Mansingh and Ustad Bismilla Khan. He also translated the 12^th century Lingayat mystic poet Akka Mahadevi’’s poem Bhairavi. He has also written a book ‘Humsafar’ about hundred years of Hindi cinema. He is editor of Shahaernama Faizabad, and has also edited Sangeet Natak Akademi journal ‘Sangana’. His book ‘Lata Sur Gatha’ is a widely acclaimed book and has won 64^th National Film Award for Best Writing on Cinema, Dwarka Prasad Agarwal Puraskar, Maharana Mewar Award, among others.

Contact: yatindrapost@gmail.com | yatindrakidaak@gmail.com

Akhil Kumar Mishra is a career Civil Servant currently serving as Additional Director General, Press Information Bureau, Bhubaneswar. A 1999 batch officer of the Indian Information Service (Group A), he has served in various locations across India, including Delhi, Kohima, Cuttack, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati and Ranchi, in departments such as AIR News, DD News, the Film Censor Board and the Central Bureau of Communication. A popular Odia poet, his notable poetry collections include ‘Mahanadi’, ‘Anyamanaska Rutu’, ‘Smruti’, ‘Sei Sampark’, ‘Swapna Samaya’, ‘Mahajagya’, ‘Bishada Rasta’ and ‘Jibana Aaina’. He has also authored the Odia story collection Nishidhha Nayaka and the English poetry book A Painted Silence (2018).

Contact: adgakhilmishra@gmail.com

Amaresh Patnaik is a poet whose works have been widely translated and published in different Indian languages including Hindi, Bengali and English. His poems have featured in national and state level meets organised by Doordarshan and Akashvani. He has received Sahitya Akademi Award for Translation in 2000, Odisha Sahitya Akademi Award for poetry in 2005, Vishuva Award in 2021, Gangadhar Meher Kabita Samman in 1998, Bhanuji Rao Smaraki Puraskar in 2004, Gokarnika Puraskar in 2022 and Vishuva Milan Jhankar Award in 2002.

Contact: amareshpatnaikbadal@gmail.com

Amrit Ruturaj is an Indian Administrative Service officer currently serving as Collector, Khordha. A graduate in Political Science from Ravenshaw University (2009–12) and a postgraduate in International Relations from JNU (2012–14), he joined the IAS in 2015. Earlier he served as Collector of Kendrapara, Dhenkanal and Kandhamal districts and as Labour Commissioner, Odisha. A noted young poet, his debut collection ‘Abyakta Akhyara’ explores human sensibilities, philosophical reflections and subaltern realism. His second work, ‘Panchabhuta’, is a profound long poem on metaphysics, soul-migration and collective grief in the aftermath of the Bahanaga train tragedy.

Contact: amritruturaj@gmail.com

Anupam Patnaik is an Indian film producer, director, cinematographer and actor. A BBA-IT graduate from Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies and Research, he later earned a M.Sc. in International Marketing Management from Leeds University Business School, UK. He began his career in 2011 with the TV serial ‘Horror Zone’ on Tarang Channel, followed by short films ‘Ichha A Silent Urge’ and ‘Smruti Memories’. As owner of Techno Art Production, he has taken up various digital projects. His debut Odia film ‘Tulasi Apa’ portrayed activist ‘Tulasi Munda’. As an actor, he appeared in ‘Pratikshya’ and ‘Trikaanya’, winning a National Award for ‘Pratikshya’.

Contact: patnaik.anupam@hotmail.com

Aparna Mohanty is a strong feminist voice celebrating womanhood and pleading for women’s liberation. She is a pioneer poet in whose writing countless women readers discover their hidden ambitions, passions, sentiments and dreams. Sans pretentions, her poems have spontaneity with a lyrical undertone which flow straight from the heart. ‘Atithi’, ‘Purnatama’, ‘Nasta Nari’, ‘Jhia Pain Jharakatie’, ‘Maa’ra Kandana Gita’ and ‘Agni Kamalini’ are among her much read and admired collection of poems. Her poetry collections have also been translated into Hindi and Bengali languages.

Contact: aparna.mohanty55@gmail.com

Ashish Kumar Gadanayak is a noted Odia fiction writer and journalist. He has three collections of short stories to his credit. He regularly writes on world literature and has interviewed eminent Odia writers for newspapers. Currently, he is working with the Odia daily Sambad. He is a recipient of Katha Naba Pratibha Award, Bhubneshwar Book Fair Award, Chalapatha Award, Time Pass Best Seller Award, Pakshi Ghara Award and Gyanada Katha Samman.

Contact: ashishgadnayak@gmail.com.

Ashish Kumar Mishra is a poet and storyteller from Telanda village, Subarnapur district, Odisha. He holds a postgraduate degree in Odia and currently resides at Panchamahala, Ulunda Block, Subarnapur (PIN: 767062). His poetry beautifully blends emotion, culture, and the essence of rural life. Ashish has authored three poetry collections – ‘Geet Gaare Pakshi’ (2018), ‘Naiki Jiba Asa’ (2019) and ‘Ja Kahile Jibini’ (2023). He has received several literary honors, including the Katha Nabapratibha Puraskar, Kadambini Kabita Unmesha and Pratibha Satpathy Kabita Puraskaar.

Contact: ashishmishra.poet@gmail.com

Ashutosh Parida is a prominent name in contemporary Odia literature for his committed poetry. He has authored thirteen collections of poems and two books of essays. Two of his poetry collections have been translated into Hindi and one into English. He is recipient of several awards/honours which include Odisha Sahitya Academy Award (for the book of poems ‘Ipsita Krodha’), Central Sahitya Akademi Award (for his poetic work ‘Aprastuta Mrutyu’, Bhanuji Rao Memorial Award, Sachi Routray Kabita Samman, Gangadhar Meher Kabita Samman etc. He worked as a scientist in the CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar and is presently superannuated.

Contact: ashutoshparida46@gmail.com

Asit Mohanty, a renowned Odia writer, did his Post Graduation in Odia with specialisation in Modern Literature from Ravenshaw College in 1975. He started writing instinctinctively which was further honed after being influenced by the close companionship of an Odia litterateur and Sahitya Academy Awardee Akhil Mohan Patnaik. The practice of writing turned to serious efforts by means of writing essays and features on Literature and Culture. Those articles got published in prominent newspapers.

Contact: mohanty.asit@gmail.com

Aswini Kumar Mishra is a distinguished Odia poet and author from western Odisha. A postgraduate in English from Sambalpur University and a retired Additional Secretary to the State Government, he has authored 13 poetry collections which have been widely translated into English, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil and more. His English collections include ‘Native Trek’ and ‘Starry Sickle’. He also wrote the novel ‘Feet in the Valley’ (Rupa, 2016), which was translated into Hindi and Tamil. His works have appeared in leading journals like Indian Literature, Wasafiri, and Muse India. A recipient of many awards, he has presented papers at international seminars in Lund and Bonn.

Contact: mishra.aswini53@gmail.com

Badal Mohanty is an acclaimed Odia poet and novelist based in Bhubaneswar, who is celebrated for his lyrical expression and profound humanism. Author of six poetry collections including ‘Asta Atita’, ‘Marfat’, and ‘Smruti Sahabasa’ and six novels namely ‘Apuspita’, ‘Maichia’, and ‘Natu’. His works reflect emotional depth and cultural resonance. His memoirs, ‘Kalama Ra Kuhu’ and ‘Mo Mana Ra Jete Katha’ offer intimate glimpses into his creative and personal journey. Recipient of the Bijay Patra Smruti Samman, Basanta Muduli Kabita Puraskar and Time Pass Booker Award, Mohanty continues to enrich contemporary Odia literature with grace and insight.

Contact: badalmohanty76@gmail.com

Basanta Kumar Panda is the former Professor of Odia language at the Regional Institute of Education (NCERT) of Bhubaneswar. Honoured by Utkal Sammilani for his contribution towards Odia language obtaining classical status, he is presently functioning as Project Director of Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Odia, CIIL, Ministry of Education. His publications include ‘Kabya Jijnasa’, ‘Ratha Saptaka’, ‘Rabindranath Tagore’ and ‘Pilanka Pain Buddha’.

Contact: panda.bk@rediffmail.com

Basudev Sunani, an award-winning writer of Odisha, is well-known for his poems, novels, short stories, essays, translations, science writings, columns in Newspapers and documentaries. Published in Odia and English, his multi-facet writings cover the life and struggles of Dalits. His writings have been translated in English, German, Arabic, Indigenous-Australian, Hindi, Gujarati, Bhojpuri, Punjabi, Tamil, Marathi and Urdu. He has received more than seventeen national and regional awards for his writings which include Muthamizh Arignar Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi PORKIZHI AWARD, Sahitya Academy Award, Bhima Bhoi Samman and Bhubaneswar Pustakmela Puraskaar. Many Scholars of Central and State Universities have been awarded with Ph. D and M. Phil degree on his writings. Similarly many Universities have included his poetry in their Course Syllabus of under-Graduate MA and M. Phil.

Contact: sunanibasudev@gmail.com

Bedaprakash Nayak is a Research Assistant at the Indian Water Commission. He holds a B.Sc. from Utkal University and an MJMC from Sambalpur University. A versatile literary voice, he writes short stories, poetry, and is widely respected for his expertise in stage and cultural event management. He has worked with the Odisha Sahitya Akademi, Government of Odisha’s Culture Department, Kalinga Sahitya Mahotsav and various literary institutions. Recipient of honours such as the Kadambini Nava Unmesh, Time Pass, Udayara, Kavithara and Utkal Galpa Awards, he is also an accomplished stage anchor and cultural organiser.

Contact: vedbedaprakash@gmail.com

Bharat Bhushan Rath is a distinguished scholar in Sanskrit and Odia literature, currently serving as Professor of Sanskrit Literature and Deputy Director of the Directorate of Distance and Online Education at the National Sanskrit University, Tirupati. A recipient of the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Yuva Award and the Bala Sahitya Parishad Best Poet Award, he has authored six Sanskrit and three Odia books. His notable works include the Sanskrit poetry ‘Van Vaibhavam’, Odia research books ‘Shri Nilamadhav’ and ‘Shri Jagannath’, and the novel ‘Lalita’. A noted columnist and Rath Yatra commentator, he has guided ten Ph.D scholars.

Contact: paramatmabharat@gmail.com

Bijayananda Singh is an eminent essayist, scholar, fiction writer and editor with his writing career spanning over four decades. He has more than 60 publications to his credit. He has served on editorial boards of Odia journals Konark and Eshana, held the Gopabandhu Das Research Chair Professorship at KISS (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, and was Secretary of Odisha Sahitya Akademi, Convener of its Odia Advisory Board, and President of Utkal Sahitya Samaj, Cuttack.

Contact: dr.bijayanandasingh@gmail.com

Bijoy Kumar Satpathy is a distinguished Odia playwright, critic, and academic. Former Professor of Utkal University, he now serves as Visiting and Emeritus Professor at KISS Deemed University, Bhubaneswar. Author of 13 critical books and editor of 12 more, he has received the Odisha Sahitya Akademi Award, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, and a Senior Fellowship from the Government of India. His insightful works and theatrical contributions have earned him recognition from Utkal Sahitya Samaj, Prajatantra Prachar, Gokarnika Sahitya Samaj, and several other cultural institutions for his lifelong dedication to literature and theatre.

Contact: drbijoysatapathy@gmail.com

Biyot Projna Tripathy is an Indian director, producer and writer. A recognised author who writes novels, poems and short stories, she has six books to her credit. She has produced and directed more than 40 documentaries. Her films are screened worldwide including in the USA, UK, the Netherlands and other countries. She received the national award for a short film titled ‘Ladakh—The Land of Mystery’ in 2003. Her debut feature film ‘Yogini’ was released in 2021. She was also adjudged the best female director of a feature film at the London Independent Film Awards in 2021.

Contact: biyotprojna@gmail.com

Chandra Shekhar Hota is a noted Odia writer, essayist, critic, columnist and translator. He has 9 publications to his credit. He is the Managing Editor of Odisha Sahitya Academy’s Literary Magazine ‘Konark’ published in English and Odia. He is working as Secretary, Odisha Sahitya Academy and Odisha Sangeet Natak Academy, Bhubaneswar since 2025. He has participated in several state and national level literary programmes. He has worked as Deputy Superintendent of Police in Nabarangpur, Odisha. He is a recipient of Mathkhai Samman, Suchitra Prabandha Samman, Banasurabhi Sambardhana, Swatantra Saraswat Samman, among others.

Contact: chandrashekharhota@gmail.com

Chirashree Indrasingh is a versatile Odia writer with 11 short story collections and three poetry anthologies to her credit. Her poetry book Saree captures diverse shades of womanhood through the metaphor of the saree’s timeless grace. A gifted translator, she has rendered Bhalchandra Nemade’s Kosala, Namita Gokhale’s Things to Leave Behind, and Jayanta Mahapatra’s Sky without Sky into Odia. Known for her psychological depth, social realism, lucidity, and lyrical sensitivity, Chirashree brings a distinctive voice to contemporary Odia literature. She serves as Reader in Political Science and resides in Bhubaneswar.

Damayanti Beshra, renowned Santali and Odia writer, poet and translator, is a retired principal from M.P.C. Autonomous College, Mayurbhanj, Odisha. She has more than 35 published books to her credit in Santali and Odia, including translated and edited books, as well as over 100 research papers in Odia and Santali journals. Some of her prominent books include ‘Say Sahed’ (poetry), ‘Shree Geetgovind’ (translation) and ‘History of Santali Literature’, among others. She is the recipient of the Padma Shri Award, Sahitya Akademi Award, Sahitya Akademi Prize for Translation, Maheshwar Nayak Samman, etc.

Contact: damayantibeshra@gmail.com

Dileswar Rana is a young Odia writer acclaimed for his diverse literary contributions across poetry, short stories, novels, features and plays. Recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar 2023 for his short story collection ‘Senrra’, he was also selected under the PM’s Yuva Mentorship Scheme for his novel ‘Melibhuin’, published by National Book Trust. His forthcoming poetry collection ‘Chhenapoda Deshara Premika’ is to be released by Liferature. A telefilm scriptwriter-director and national theatre performer, he has been the sub-editor of Mahuri and presently comperes at Akashvani, Bhawanipatna.

Contact: writerdileswar@gmail.com

Dipun Puhan is a young poet and scholar known for his significant contributions to Odia literature. He has authored four acclaimed poetry collections: “Gaan Ru Vanibihar”, “Apada Premika”, “Phulamana” and “Tara Number Egara”. Dipun is a lecturer in Odia at Sahaspur College and holds MA from Utkal University and Ph.D from Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan.

Contact: dipunpuhan35@gmail.com

Fagu Baskey is a teacher by profession and a poet by passion, hailing from a village in the Mayurbhanj district. His love for literature blossomed early, and during his +2 studies, his first Santali poem was published in Panza magazine in 2010. Though a Science student, he deeply cherished reading and writing literary works. Over the years, his creative contributions earned him recognition and awards from various organisations. His dedication to Santali literature has culminated in a major milestone-being chosen for the prestigious Kendra Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar 2025.

Contact: baskeyfagu36@gmail.com

Gourahari Das writes in Odia. He is a journalist and an academician too. He has published more than 80 books in different genres. Many of his works have been translated into other Indian languages, televised and staged. The feature film ‘Pratikhya’ made on his story has won him both National and State awards. He is Convener of the Odia Advisory Board of Sahitya Akademi. He has been actively associated with the media house Sambad Group for more than 40 years. He is a recipient of Sahitya Akademi Award, Sahitya Akademi Prize for Translation, Odisha Sahitya Akademi Award, Sarala Award, and many others.

Contact: gourahari_das@rediffmail.com

Gouranga Charan Dash is a distinguished scholar and puppeteer. After retiring as Head of Odia Language and Literature at Ravenshaw University, he continued his pioneering work in puppetry, earning a Ph.D. from Utkal University for his research on Odisha’s puppet art. Initiated into shadow theatre by Kapila Vatsyayan, he founded institutions like Srirama Institute of Shadow Theatre and Puppet World. His acclaimed work includes ‘A Study of Shadow Theatre in India’. Honored by the Ministry of External Affairs and Sangeet Natak Akademi, he exemplifies modernizing tradition while preserving its essence.

Contact: gouranga.dash@gmail.com

Gourav Mohanty is gold medallist from Symbiosis Law School, Pune. He daylights as a lawyer, moonlights as a comic, and delights as a storyteller. A connoisseur of mythologies, momos, and Machiavelli, he is the author of the USA and Russia bestseller ‘Sons of Darkness’ – hailed as India’s first grimdark fantasy novel and described by the San Francisco Book Review as “a world where the Mahabharata meets A Game of Thrones.”

Contact: mohanty.gourav7@gmail.com

Ipsita Sarangi is a prominent contemporary Odia poet, critic, and translator known for her lucid expression and rhetorical grace. She has authored six poetry collections-Prakshi Pherini, Pheriba Katha, Punascha Buddha, Ketebele Kejani, Sabda Arapakha, and Drushya Darpan-and a critical work, Ebara Kabita. Her translations include Waiting for Manna, Childhood Days, Octavio Paz nka Kabita, Bagha, Obscure Goddess, and Manhattan Ru Munnar. Recipient of the State Youth Award for Poetry and Utkal Mani Yuva Pratibha Samman, she is also a registered translator with Odisha Sahitya Akademi, enriching Odia literature with global sensibility.

Contact: poetipsita@gmail.com

Jagannath Dash is an eminent scholar of tribal cultures, prehistoric art, and Jagannath tradition. Widely published and internationally recognized, he has presented his research work across Asia-Pacific countries. Former Head of Anthropology, Utkal University, he now serves as Emeritus Professor at the Department of Anthropology and Tribal Studies, SOA University.

Contact: jdash1955@gmail.com

Jatindra Kumar Nayak was educated at Ravenshaw College, Cuttack and Merton College, Oxford. A teacher, who retired as Professor of English from Utkal University in 2016, he is presently the Language Expert at New India Foundation, Bengaluru. He won KATHA Translation award in 1997 and Hutch-Crossword Book Award in 2004. His English translations of classic Odia novels have been published by University of California Press, Oxford University Press and Penguin Books. He was member, English Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi from 2018 to 2022. He is Editor-in-Chief, MargASIA, a journal devoted to exploring the literatures and cultures of Asia.

Contact: nayak.jatin@gmail.com

Kalidas Misra started his career as a Lecturer in English in 1977 and retired as Professor of the Department of English, Sambalpur University in 2015. He was a Post-Doctoral Fulbright Fellow at La Salle University, Philadelphia, USA and Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, USA, in 1992 and worked on the American literature of the Vietnam War. His doctoral dissertation on ‘The War Novel in America: A Study of Changing Response’ done at Utkal University received the Best Dissertation Award from the American Studies Research Centre, Hyderabad in 1989. His articles and poems have been appreciated widely.

Contact: kalidasmisra@yahoo.com

Kshirod Parida is a renowned poet, essayist, novelist, translator, and editor whose works enrich Odia mystic poetic heritage with philosophical depth and linguistic precision. Author of 35 books across genres, he has translated the works of Jnanpith and Saraswati Samman awardees. His acclaimed novels include ‘Abhinab Chaitanya’, ‘Amana Mandire Baas’ (a biography of Bhima Bhoi) and ‘Abadutika’, inspired by Aadi Charjyapada. Recipient of the Odisha Sahitya Akademi Award (2010) and the Government of India’s Senior Fellowship (2016-17), he has been honoured by Utkal Sahitya Samaj, Jhankar, Kadambini and many other literary organisations.

Contact: kshirodsahitya@gmail.com

Lipika Singh Darai is an Indian filmmaker, editor and sound recordist from Odisha. Lipika has received four National Film Awards for direction, sound recording, and narration in the non-feature section. Her documentary ‘Night and Fear’ (2023) premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in Ammodo Tiger Short competition. She is developing her debut fiction feature ‘Birdwoman’ which has received the Hubert Bals Development Fund 2023. She is one of the ten creative talents in BAFTA Breakthrough-India 2023.

Contact: lipika.ftii@gmail.com

Lopamudra Mishra is a Odia laureate. Her stories have been published in renowned Odia magazines and newspapers such as Katha, Kadambini, Satyabadi, Samaj Saptahika, Chandandhara, Abha, Mahak and in daily newspapers like Ravibar Samaj, Janabadi and Nitidin among others. She is well-known for her short stories and novels. ‘Golapi Jacket’, ‘Bhinna Jane Savitri’, ‘Mayajaal’, ‘Chitralipi’, ‘Shyamala Swapna’ and ‘Meghara Chhai’ (Two Novels in a Single Volume) etc. She has received the Akshaya Chandra Ray Novel Award – 2025 (Chitralipi), Fakir Mohan Young Writer Award – 2024 (from Fakir Mohan University), Time-Pass Prathama Puraskar – 2019, Time-Pass Best Seller Award (Golapi Jacket) – 2020 and Story Mirror Saraswat Galpa Samman – 2019.

Contact: writerlopamudramishra@gmail.com

Mahadeb Pradhan is a Lecturer in Odia at Banki Autonomous College, Banki, Cuttack, under the Department of Higher Education, Government of Odisha. He holds M.A. in Odia and has qualified NET from Utkal University. A poet, short story writer and critic, his literary interests are rooted in contemporary Odia literature. He has authored the poetry collection ‘Pahanti Akash’ and participated in the National Poet Symposium organised by All India Radio in 2024. He is proficient in Odia, Hindi and English.

Contact: mahadev.tapu9861@gmail.com

Maheswar Soren is a Santali writer, dramatist, poet, and Pharmacy Officer, presently serving at CHC Jagannathpur, Mahanga, Cuttack. He holds a B.Sc. degree and a Stenography qualification from the Government. ITI Cuttack and a Diploma in Pharmacy from SIPS Jharpokharia. His papers have been presented at national seminars organised by Sahitya Akademi, and his writings appear in journals such as Sandhyani, Fagun, Teteng, and Khobar Kagoj. An author of four books, he has received numerous honours, including the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award (2024) and several prestigious recognitions for his contributions to Santali literature and culture.

Meena Murmu, a distinguished Santali writer from Keonjhar, Odisha, holds a Bachelor’s degree and has made significant contributions to Santali literature. She is the author of several acclaimed works, including ‘Tawah Tarko’, ‘Arshal’ and ‘Janam Disom’. Her writings have been featured in reputed magazines such as The Sandhayni, Sarjam Baha, Tetang, Karam Dar and Khoda. Recognised for her literary talent, Smt. Murmu has received notable honours, including the Sandhayni Samman (2018), Saarawna Sarhaw (2018) and the Pandit Raghunath Murmu Literature Award (2024), establishing her as a prominent voice in Santali literature.

Contact: baskemeena@gmail.com

Mihir Kumar Sahoo is a bilingual writer, editor, translator and researcher with over 15 published books, including ‘Atipriya Dukhhasabu’, ‘Priyatamaku’ and ‘Badaluthiba Thikana’. His works span fiction, criticism, folklore and cultural studies. Recipient of numerous awards such as ‘Nupura Samman’ and ‘Odisha Sahitya Academy Award’, he has actively contributed to socio-cultural, literary and academic organizations. Currently Vice-President of Visva Bharati Praktanee and Executive Member of Bharatiya Bhasha Parishad, he continues promoting Odia language and literature.

Contact: mihirsahoo@gmail.com

Mitali Chinara is a University Gold Medalist in Analytical and Applied Economics from Utkal University, advanced her academic journey with an MPhil and PhD in Economics. She joined Utkal University as Associate Professor in 2010 and became Professor in 2013, also serving in key roles such as Director of Students’ Welfare and Chairperson of the Post Graduate Council. A trained Hindustani and Odissi vocalist, she is an A-grade artist of All India Radio and Doordarshan. Awarded Best Female Playback Singer (2004) and Sunanda Pattnaik Samman (2022), she has performed nationwide and abroad, contributing significantly to Odisha’s musical heritage.

Contact: mitalichinara@yahoo.co.in

Miyog Ranjan Patra is a contemporary Odia writer whose works span novels, short stories, essays and poetry. He is known for his philosophical depth and incisive narrative style. His writing delves into grief, memory, hunger, inner silence and the human condition through both experimental and realist modes. His major works include the novel ‘Andharara Itihasa’ (2022), poetry collection ‘Entropy of Thoughts’ (2021) and short story collection ‘Bandi’ (2024). His writings have appeared in Katha, Kadambini, Sambad and other leading journals. Recipient of the Pen in Books Young Author Award and Kadambini Unmesh Puraskar, he is deeply engaged with philosophy and language.

Contact: miyogranjanpatra@gmail.com

Narsingh Majhi has been serving as an Assistant Professor of Journalism and Mass Communication at Rama Devi Women’s University, Bhubaneswar, since 2018. His academic interests include regional film studies, development communication, rural journalism, and environmental communication. He holds an M.A. in English from Utkal University and an M.A. in Mass Communication from the University of Hyderabad. His Ph.D. research focused on Santali films from Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal. Before joining academia, he worked as a programming producer with Radio 93.5 FM in Hyderabad and Warangal and spent four years in the advertising industry, which helped shape his critical thinking.

Contact: narsinghmajhi@rdwu.ac.in

Nidhi Garg is a leading psychologist, passionate academician and dynamic entrepreneur. A senior consultant psychologist at Kalinga Hospital, Bhubaneswar, she is also a noted writer, poet and moderator admired for her eloquence and insight. As the Ehsaas Woman for the Prabha Khaitan Foundation, she gracefully advocates social and cultural causes. Actively involved with various NGOs, she works to promote mental health, women’s empowerment, and well-being. Recipient of several prestigious awards, Dr. Garg stands among the most respected and influential women in her field- her versatility, compassion and commitment making her a true inspiration in every sphere she touches.

Contact: gargniddhe@gmail.com

Nikhilesh Mishra is a poet, translator and filmmaker with three poetry collections, one non-fiction work, and several translations to his credit. He has also written and directed five short films that have been screened at various film festivals in India and abroad. His film ‘Autumn Flowers’, made in the Khotta dialect of West Bengal, won Best Film Award at three festivals, including IIT-Delhi and IIM-Rohtak. A recipient of the Katha Nabapratibha, Tapasya Sambhabana and Dr. Anamika Poetry Prizes, he represented India at the International Youth Poetry Festival 2024, a summit of poets from the BRICS countries held in China.

Contact: nikhileshmishra16@gmail.com

Pabitra Mohan Kar is a noted poet, short story writer, translator, columnist, and theatre enthusiast. Actively involved in various literary and cultural organisations, he has also acted in several plays and dramatized Bandhya Gandhari, staged at Rabindra Mandap by Uttar Purush. Presently, he is associated with Asim Basu Foundation and Uttar Purush theatre groups, contributing to Odia theatre’s creative growth. A member of the Odia Advisory Board of Sahitya Akademi, his literary and performative works reflect a deep engagement with society, art, and the evolving cultural consciousness of Odisha.

Contact: pmkar123@gmail.com

Panchami Manoo Ukil is the Vice-Chairperson of The DN Wisdom Tree Global School, Bhubaneswar, and Founder of The Bhubaneswar Bird Walks and Song of the Wild. An education innovator awarded by Education World and Education Today, she has introduced a transformative Finishing School Programme, Climate Curriculum and Culture Curriculum for K–12 learners, integrating the Indian Knowledge System with modern pedagogy. A gold medallist in Economics from Utkal University, she is also a noted birdwatcher, wildlife photographer and conservationist, honoured with the Sanctuary Wildlife Award 2022. She has authored acclaimed books on Jagannath culture and the Mangalajodi wetlands, and speaks widely on education and ecology.

Contact: panchami14@gmail.com

Paramita Satpathy is an influential voice in Indian literature. She has published 25 books including collection of short stories and poems, novels and novellas in Odia, English, Hindi and other Indian languages. Satpathy received the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 2016 for her collection of novellas titled ‘Prapti’ (A Boundless Moment in English translation). Her recent novel in Odia ‘Abhipret Kaal’ (A Time Desired) based on the last part of freedom struggle in Odisha received the Sarala Award in 2021. An officer of Indian Revenue Service, Satpathy is presently working as Chief Commissioner of Income Tax in New Delhi.

Contact: paramita_345@yahoo.co.in

Paresh Kumar Patnaik is an acclaimed Odia fiction writer. He has enriched literature for over thirty years with his insightful and humorous storytelling. A recipient of the Odisha Sahitya Academy Award, he is known for tackling issues of fanaticism and superstition through his vivid narratives marked by empathy and wit. Author of twenty short story collections and three novels-including ‘Shoka Divas’, ‘Katha Thila’ and ‘Seshara Arambha-Patnaik’s works like ‘Iswar Aniswar’, ‘Abasistansha’ and ‘Hrudayahin’ stand out for their depth and originality. Recently, he has penned five novels for young readers including ‘Musa O Musi’ and ‘Goindagiri’, widely translated across India.

Contact: pareshpatnaik@rediffmail.com

Pradipta Kumar Panda is a retired Professor of Odia from Rama Devi Women’s University (2018) who served over 35 years in Odisha’s higher education institutions including Ravenshaw and Khallikote College. A distinguished scholar and administrator, he guided numerous Ph.D. and M.Phil. scholars and authored acclaimed works like ‘Odishara Dharmadhara’, ‘Odia Rasa Parampara’, and ‘Sarala Sahitya Charchcha’. Renowned for editing medieval Odia saint literature, he co-edited Achyutananda Rachanabali and critical editions of Sarala Mahabharata. His extensive research and revival of rare Vaishnavite manuscripts have made him a leading authority on Odia devotional and saint literary traditions.

Contact: pkp2012rd@gmail.com

Pritidhara Samal has been writing poetry, short stories and literary criticism in Odia for the last 30 years. So far she has got 5 poetry collections to her credit. Her collection of poems ‘Diary’ is the first book in India to be published under Navodoya Scheme of Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi. Her second poetry collection ‘Khela’ has received the State Youth Award instituted by the Government of Odisha. She has done her Ph.D. on the poetry of Ramakanta Rath. Some of her poems have been translated into English and Hindi. She has received 70 state level awards so far.

Contact: pritidharasamal@gmail.com

Radha Madhab Dash is the former faculty of Sanskrit at Utkal University (33+ years) and former Vice-Chancellor of Shri Jagannath Sanskrit Vishvavidyalaya (2016–2019). He was also visiting Professor, ICCR Chair, Silpakorn University, Bangkok (2005–2008). He specializes in Sanskrit grammar, Vedic/Classical literature, linguistics, culture and Yoga. He has guided 15 Ph.D. and 59 M.Phil. scholars, published six books, 80 papers and received the Kalidas Award (2017). He now serves as Professor at the Department of Yoga, SOA University.

Contact: radhamadhab.dash@gmail.com

Ramakanta Samantaray is an eminent artist and writer from Bhubaneswar, holding degrees in Painting from B.K. College of Art and Craft and a Ph.D. in Odia Literature from Utkal University. His doctoral research explored contemporary theatre in Odisha, blending literature, language, and visual art into hybrid narratives. Author of twenty books and numerous articles on art and artists, he has received honors like the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar and fellowships from the Ministry of Culture and UGC. He has curated major exhibitions such as FAMINE (2016) and THEN & NOW (2023) and continues research in Odisha’s art history and education.

Contact: ramakanta.samantaray@gmail.com

Ranjan Kumar Das is a retired bureaucrat who is committed to Odia literature for over last 40 years. He has been writing Odia poetry, short stories, columns in Odia newspapers along with lyrics for Odia albums and movies and has so far published 31 books in different genres. Few of his short stories have been made into movies and has won for him state film awards. After retirement Das is still active in literature and social work and lives in Bhubaneswar.

Contact: ranjank.das.rkd@gmail.com

Radhu Mishra, an Executive in the Official Language Department at Rourkela Steel Plant, holds a Master’s in Hindi Literature. He is renowned for his work in organizing, editing, original writings and translation. His satirical books, notably ‘Radhu Mishranka Trishuliya Byanga’ have earned him recognition, though he has also published two poetry collections. Over the past eight years, he has translated selected Odia poems into Hindi, with twelve of his twenty-two translation books being published. He pioneered the ‘Mahakumbha Hasyamela’ in Odisha and established the popular ‘Byangakabi Sammelan’. He conceptualized and edited three literary journals: Haribol, Superhit Padabali, and Shamuka. His honors include the Kantakabi Puraskar, Odia Sahitya Academy Samman and Souhard Samman from Uttar Pradesh Hindi Sansthan.

Contact: radhu.mishra7@gmail.com

Rudranarayan Mohapatra presently served as Assistant Professor and Coordinator to P.G. Department of Odia, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar. Dr. Mohapatra has MA, M.Phil, Ph.D (Odia) with 22 years of academic and research experience in the field of Odia language technology and language computing. Before joining Utkal University, he was the Senior Technical Officer at CDAC, Pune and Odia Linguist at Webdunia.com (I) Pvt. Ltd, Indore. He is recipient of Young Researcher Award 2020 (InSc) and Editor of Pratyaya Journal, the first ever e-journal in Odia Language and Literature. He has guided more than 100 students in P.G and 13 scholars in M.Phil. Ten Ph.D scholars have been either successfully awarded or submitted their Ph.D Thesis under his supervision. He has Published 57 research papers in National and International Journals. He has also written 12 books, and 14 e-learning materials in Odia Language and in Computational Linguistics. He has presented papers in 60 conferences, organized 6 seminars, contributed 9 research projects in different capacity. Dr. Mohapatra has also one patent and seven co-author copyrights.

Contact: rudrautkal@gmail.com

Sabyasachi Bissoyi, born in Kantamal under the Papadahandi block of the tribal-dominated Nabarangpur district, has emerged as a prominent young voice in Odia literature. Deeply rooted in tribal culture and tradition, he infuses his writings with the essence of his lived experiences. After contributing to various journals, his first book, ‘Geetmara’ (2019), garnered widespread appreciation for its distinctive and rare voice. His Odia translation of the National Book Trust title ‘Kaye Hela’ (2022) is considered a milestone for the Desia language. He later published the Odia poetry collection, ‘Premika’ (2023) and the modern poetry book, ‘Baliphull’ (2024), in Desia. He has been honoured by several reputed institutions.

Contact: sabyasachibissoyi143@gimal.com

Sanghamitra Bhutia is a voice from Jajpur, Odisha, who was born on July 17, 2000. With an academic foundation in MA, B.Sc, and B.Ed, her creative oeuvre includes two poetry books, ‘Ulka’ and ‘Asmantara’. She is the recipient of the Tapasya Sambhabana Puraskar (2020), Udayarag Puraskar (2020), Kadambini Nabaunmesha Puraskar (2021) and the esteemed Anusaya Mahapatra Smriti Lekhika Puraskar (2025). In addition to writing, she is interested in painting.

contact: sanghamitra2337@gmail.com

Sangram Jena is an eminent bilingual poet, translator and editor with over sixty published books, including nine Odia poetry collections, three English poetry books and numerous works of fiction, essays, and edited volumes. His writings, translated into English, have appeared in the USA, UK, Canada, and Bangladesh. Recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award (New Delhi) for Translation and the Punyaprabha Devi Memorial Award for Poetry, he has served in various governmental, academic and literary institutions. A noted trade unionist, environmentalist and social activist, he is currently the Literary Editor of Musing Asia. He resides in Bhubaneswar.

Contact: sangram.jena5@gmail.com

Santosh Kumar Ratha is a linguist and literary critic with a teaching career spanning 36 years spent which he spent at 3 different colleges of Odisha. He has published 15 books and more than 50 papers in national and state level journals on language, literature and culture of Odisha. He has attended and presented paper in more than 40 national and state/university level seminars and symposia as resource person. He retired on 31 March 2018 as Reader in Odia and worked as Senior Academic consultant at Odisha State open University, Bhubaneswar. After that, he worked as Bhima Bhoi Research Chair Professor at Gangadhar Meher University, for nearly 4 years. He is presently working on Language of Sarala Mahabharata at Shiksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University as Adjunct Professor.

Contact: skrathbgr@gmail.com

Saqti Mohanty is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics of a Bhubaneswar-based engineering college but is focused on creative writing and drama. He has several collection of poems to his credit including ‘Pooni Barsha’ (2004), ‘Seemaheena’ (2008), ‘Laghuchapa’ (2010) and ‘Ethar Boli Kichhi Nahin’ (2014). He has also published a collection of short stories titled ‘Casino’ (2018). Mohanty has been honoured for his poetry book ‘Laghuchapa’ in 2011 and won the Konark Sahitya Samman in 2012 and Basanta Muduli Kabita Samman in 2016.

Contact: saqti.m@gmail.com

Saroj is a renowned poet, writer, editor, and social activist. Editor of Anwesha, a socio-political megazine. He has to his credit two odia collections of odia poems. ‘Phulara jatra’ (The journey of flower), ‘Gotie Mandia Ra Dakare’ (call of millets). He has other books to his credit like ‘Ladhei Ra Bichar, Bichar Ra Ladhei’ (idea of fighting and fighting between idea). ‘Hindu Rajya’ Re Hindutwa O Ananya Prabandha’ (Hindutwa in a hindu state and other essay), ‘Ame Adibasi’ (we are tribal) and ‘Nari O Chasa’ (women and farming). Convenor of Deshi Bihan Surakshya Mancha, Odisha, he is the spokesperson of Western Odisha Farmers Union.

Contact: sarojemohanty@gmail.com

Satyabrata Rout is an Indian theatre director, scenographer, author and theatre academic. He is a former faculty member of the National School of Drama. At present, he is a professor and head of the Department of Theatre at University of Hyderabad, India. He is known for his contribution toward visual theatre in India. In 2016, he received the Sangeet Natak Akademi award for Theatre Direction from the then President, Ram Nath Kovind in New Delhi.

Contact: satya00191@yahoo.co.in

Shakuntala Baliarsingh is an eminent educationist and researcher who has authored around 35 books including novels, essays and travelogue. She was honoured with the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Puraskar in 2015 for her book ‘Kaberi  Bhali Jhiatie’. Her other books are ‘Angyata Basara Itikatha’, ‘Swayamsidha’ and ‘Bipanna Nabika’. She also received the Odisha Sahitya Akademi Puraskar besides several other prestigious awards.

Shyama Prasad Choudhury published his first story in 1974 and has spent nearly five decades shaping Odia literature. Author of five short story collections and one experimental novel written in 12 days in 1986, his writings flourished alongside a distinguished career in the Indian Revenue Service where he once headed the Income Tax Department of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana simultaneously. He later retired as Acting Head of the Income Tax Settlement Commission, New Delhi. A postgraduate in English from Ravenshaw College, he taught there and at Fakir Mohan College, Balasore.

Contact: espicee@gmail.com

Snehaprava Das, a former Professor of English, is an eminent fictionist, poet, translator and reviewer from Bhubaneswar, Odisha. With three collections of stories, five of English poems, and thirteen translations (Texts from Odia to English), Dr. Das is a widely published and read writer. Her works are published by Oxford University Press, Soeaking Tiger Books, Kendriya Sahitya Akademi, Odisha Sahitya Academi, Penguine  R C, Black Eagle Books and other noted publishing houses. She has received a number of accolades and awards for her contributions to literature like the Prabashi Bhasha Sahitya Samman, the Jivanananda Das Award, Fakir Mohan Translation Award, Lakshmi Narayan Mohanty Literature Award, and Prapti Foundation Translation Award. At present she is working as an on-panel translator for Borderless International Journal, Singapore.

Contact: dassnehaprava@gmail.com

Soumya Saraswata Dash is a software engineer whose true calling lies in the realms of words, rhythms and poetry. Hailing from Champua in Keonjhar district, he carries within him the twin worlds of technology and verse — bridging the precision of code with the fluency of poetic thought. As a poet-author he has published three collections of verse: ‘Jharaphula’, ‘Malajahnara Jyotsna’ and ‘Shunyapaada’. In these works he explores the subtle interplay of nature, silence, absence, longing and human reflection — the flutter of the flower, the moonlight of hidden moments and the footprints of stillness. Alongside poetry, he also crafts stories that flow from the symbolic pauses between words, the unseen spaces of voice and the quiet cadence of the heart.

Contact: soumyasaraswata@gmail.com

Sourav Gupta is a playwright, theatrician and academic with over 25 years of active engagement in theatre. A student of masters like Badal Sircar, Peter Brook, K. N. Panikkar and Rudraprasad Sengupta, he emerged as a prominent figure in Kolkata’s group theatre. Founder of Dumdum Spandan and later Nandanik in Koraput, he pioneered alternative space theatre in Odisha, adapting classics and staging Odia literary works. A Professor of Mass Communication at the Central University of Odisha, he has authored four books including Theatre and Communication and edits Theatre Street Journal, an international journal on theatre arts.

Contact: souravkoraputgupta@gmail.com

Srisikta Suvadarsini Nayak is a renowned Poet and storyteller. She did her Post-graduation in Sociology from Utkal University, Bhubaneswar. Her hobbies include poem and short story writing and cooking. Her other special attributes: she is former Internal Complaint Committee Member, Utkal University.

Contact: srisikta123@gmail.com

Subhashree Tanima Nayak is a poet, short story writer and educator. She holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry and an M.Ed. and currently serves as a Teacher Educator at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Balasore. Her writings have appeared in leading Odia newspapers and literary magazines such as Sambad, Nitidin, Samaja, Amrutayan, Pahacha, Paschima, Satyabadi, Jhankara, Katha, Chaturanga and Shailaja. Her published poetry collection is ‘Bindue Swapnara Chhai’ (2020). She has received several awards, including Udaya Raag (2018), Kabitara (2019), Geetijhara (2018), Sambad’s “Writer of the Month”, and the KATHA Navapratibha Award (2021).

Contact: s.tanima96@gmail.com

Subrat Kumar Senapati is a distinguished young voice in modern Odia literature and an Assistant Professor in Floriculture and Landscaping at Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar. He holds a Ph.D. from the College of Agriculture, OUAT. His acclaimed works- ‘Nisidha Bana’, ‘Kadamba Bana’ and ‘Bimohi Padma Bana’- explore themes of gender, identity and marginalized lives, especially transgenders and homosexual individuals. Recipient of multiple honours including Yuva Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award,  Katha Naba Pratibha Award and Ganesh Parija First Youth Storyteller Award, he is celebrated for redefining contemporary Odia storytelling.

Contact: subratsenapati.ouat@gmail.com

Sujit Mahapatra studied English Literature in Bhubaneswar, Hyderabad and Delhi. After completing his PhD research at the University of Delhi, he chose not to submit his dissertation and instead founded the Bakul Foundation, a pioneering volunteer movement in Odisha. A former English Literature faculty at Ravenshaw University and multiple-time TEDx speaker, Sujit calls himself an academic by hobby and a volunteer by profession. Under his leadership, Bakul has inspired thousands of young volunteers, led a major library movement with over 25 libraries, popularised public art, promoted tree-gifting, and revived storytelling culture through BhuFeSto and its acclaimed online festivals.

Contact: sujit15@gmail.com

Suresh Chandra Murmu is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Anthropology at Utkal University, Bhubaneswar. He holds an M.A., M.Phil. and Ph.D. in Anthropology from Utkal University, where he secured First Class First with a Gold Medal in 2007. After qualifying UGC-JRF, he pursued doctoral research in the same department. He teaches Anthropological Theories, Tribal Studies, and Social Exclusion and Inclusion. Dr Murmu also coordinates the Centre of Excellence in Studies of Tribal and Marginalised Communities, funded by the Government of Odisha. He has published two books, twenty research articles, and book chapters, with interests in tribal identity, indigenous knowledge, and cultural studies.

Contact: smurmu10@gmail.com

Surya Deo is a noted figure in Odia cine-journalism and cultural research. He holds a post graduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. Founder Secretary of the Film Journalists Forum (FJF), Bhubaneswar, he has led initiatives in film documentation, archival preservation and criticism for over three decades. Author of acclaimed works such as ‘Kaali Paine Kalira Cinema’ and the Odia Cinema Geeta series, Surya’s contributions have earned state and national recognition. A recipient of the NFAI Research Fellowship, he continues to promote Odia film heritage through writing, research and cultural activism.

Contact: sooryadeo@gmail.com

Surya Mishra is an accomplished writer and translator and holds a background in English Language and Literature. Currently serving as Senior Information Officer under the Government of Odisha in Bhubaneswar, he has dedicated over three decades to literature. His acclaimed poetry collections include ‘Satabarnara Sakala’, ‘Eka Eka Sahabasa’, ‘Sunyabasa’, ‘Mrudu Mrudu Mrityu’ and ‘Likhita Nirabata’. Mishra has translated works by Shahriyar, K. Sachidanandan, Sunil Gangopadhyay, Bishram Bedekar, and Ruskin Bond for the Sahitya Akademi. A respected reviewer, editor, and literary activist, he has received numerous honors, including the Junior Fellowship from the Ministry of Culture and the Prananatha Foundation Fellowship.

Contact: suryanoo.mishra @gmail.com

Suryasnata Tripathy is an Odia poet, writer and playwright, currently serving as Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at IIT Ropar. Author of seven Odia poetry anthologies, a short story collection, and the Odia translation of Dharamvir Bharati’s ‘Kanupriya’, he received the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar in 2017. Actively involved in theatre, he has written acclaimed plays for Hyderabad-based groups such as KASH, Kissa Go and Play of Shiva. His debut as a cine-producer and screenwriter is the Odia film Indradhanu. He has also produced the short films ‘Maatimuhan’ (Odia) and ‘Khidkiyaan’ (Hindi).

Contact: suryasnata.tripathy@gmail.com

Susanta Kumar Nayak is an eminent Odia poet and writer. His poetry collections include ‘Sesha Thikana’, ‘Samaya Nirab Drasta’, ‘Deha Bideha’, ‘Sesha-drushya’ and ‘Iswaranka Dolikhela’. Besides this, he has authored some monographs such as Jibanabandhu Gantayat Shibaprasad. He has been the editor of Aama Panchabati, Aabega and Odisha Sahitya Akademi Samachar (all magazines). He has served on the Odia Advisory Board of Sahitya Akademi. Nayak is a recipient of Subrat Rath Kavita Samman, Rajdhani Pustak Mela Samman, Teerataranga Kavita Samman, Gokarnika Kavita Samman and many more.

Contact: susantakumarnayak2@gmail.com

Suvash Satapathy is an accomplished editor with an M.A. in English Literature, who has made significant contributions to Odia literature. With around nine titles to his credit, he has translated over 40 short story collections, novels and poetry anthologies for prestigious institutions such as the Odisha Sahitya Akademi, Central Sahitya Akademi and the National Book Trust. His literary excellence has earned him numerous awards, including the Odisha Sahitya Akademi Award (2014), Central Sahitya Akademi Award (2024), Teerataranga Award, Kadambini Award, Baruneswar Sahitya Sansad Award, Utkal Sahitya Samaj Award, Prabasi Odia Association (Jamshedpur) Award, and the Manthan Award for creative writing and journalism.

Contact: suvashsatpathy@yahoo.com