Mayadhar Mansing

Mayadhar Mansingh (13 November 1905 – 11 October 1973) was an Indian poet and writer who wrote in Odia. He received the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in India, in 1967.

Mayadhar Mansingh, an eminent figure in Odia literature, is renowned for his poetic plays, essays, and narrative poems adorned with romantic metaphors, earning him the title "Prēmika kabi" (Lover poet). His scholarly feats encompass insightful research articles and leadership in the Jnankosh Project at Utkal University. Noteworthy translations of Shakespeare's Hamlet and Othello into Odia further showcase his linguistic finesse. Mansingh's legacy thrives through works like "The Saga of the Land of Jagannatha" and "Ōḍiā Sāhitẏara Itihāsa" (History of Odia language), encapsulating his enduring impact on Odisha's cultural and literary panorama.

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Sachi Routray

Sachidananda Routray (13 May 1916 – 21 August 2004) was an Indian poet, novelist and short-story writer who wrote in Odia. He received Jnanpith Award, the highest literary award of India, in 1986. He was popularly known as Biplabi Kabi (revolutionary poet) Sachi Routray. He received the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in India, in 1962.

Beginning his literary journey with "patheya," his debut poetry in 1932, Routray's legacy flourished. In 1943, his acclaimed work "Baji Rout" resonated deeply, commemorating a valiant boatman's martyrdom against British oppression. Routray's poetic prowess encompassed over twenty anthologies, where "Pallishri" captured Odisha's village essence, and "Pratima Nayak" poignantly depicted urban struggles. Aligned with the 'poets of the people,' he captivated hearts.

Religion too found its place in his verses. "Chhota Mora Gan Ti," authored by Routray, now stands as essential teaching in Odisha. Routray's words remain etched, a testament to his enduring impact on Odia literature and culture.

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Saheed Raghu and Dibakar

In the annals of India's freedom movement, the Ranapur Rebellion of 1938-39 shines as a beacon of courage and defiance. The protagonists of this valiant struggle, Dibakar Parida and Raghunath Mohanty, emerge as inspirational figures who dared to challenge oppressive rule. Fueled by the ideals of leaders like Bhagat Singh and Bagha Jatin, Dibakar and Raghunath rallied against the unjust Ranapur ruler. The rebellion echoed the cries of exploited subjects, who endured a life devoid of basic rights and suffered under cruel Jagir holders. The formation of Praja Mandals marked a turning point, giving voice to the people's grievances and laying the foundation for a mass movement.

Tragedy struck with the murder of Major Bazalgette, a turning point that ignited widespread outrage. Dibakar and Raghunath's unwavering commitment to justice and liberty resonated with the masses. Their sacrifice, though heartbreaking, became a rallying point for change. Today, their legacy lives on, inspiring a new generation to stand against injustice and tyranny, and upholding the spirit of freedom that continues to shape India's narrative.

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Kavichandra Kalicharan Patnaik

Kalicharan Pattnaik also known by his sobriquet Kabichandra was an eminent literary and artistic figure of Odisha. He had contributions in the field of Odissi music, Odissi dance and Odia theatre. He had significant contributions to development early Odia cinema as well. He was born on 23 December 1898 in the then princely state of Badamba. His compositions in various traditional ragas are widely sung in the field of Odissi music and dance.

Kalicharan, an accomplished figure, immersed himself in drama from a young age, producing plays inspired by Ramashankar Ray's "Kanchi Kaveri" and venturing into Odissi classical music training. After serving as a Sub-inspector of Schools, he joined Odia newspapers and embraced Mayurbhanj's Chhau dance, weaving Odissi elements into it. As a royal Odissi musician and advisor in Puri, he pioneered Rasa Lila performances and garnered acclaim for his social and historical plays, leaving an enduring legacy in Odishi music, literature, and theatre from the 1920s to 1950.

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Janaki Ballav Patnaik

Janaki Ballabh Patnaik (3 January 1927 – 21 April 2015) was an Indian politician who had been 25th Governor of Assam from 2009 to 2014. A leader of the Indian National Congress, he was Chief Minister of Odisha from 1980 to 1989 and again from 1995 to 1999, holding that post for the longest time on record before Naveen Patnaik. In 1950, he became the President of the Odisha state unit of the youth wing of the Congress. In 1980, he became the Union Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation and Labour from 16 January to 7 June.

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