Bhupen Mahapatra
| Bhupen Mahapatra | |
|---|---|
| Born |
3 August 1935 Jaleswar, Odisha |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | M.A. |
| Alma mater | Utkal University |
| Occupation | Novelist, Translator |
| Parent(s) | Krittibas Das Mahapatra (father) |
| Awards | Sarala Samman, Fakir Mohan Samman, Mayadhar Samman |
Bhupen Mahapatra (Odia: ଭୂପେନ୍ ମହାପାତ୍ର) (1935) is a well-known Odia novelist, columnist, and short story writer of the later twentieth century.
Early life and career
Mahapatra was born on 3 August 1935 in village Kotasahi of Jaleswar in Odisha. His father was Krittibas Das Mahapatra and mother's name was Kshemankari. He started writing short stories in Odia during his young days and graduated to novels and travelogues.[1] After studies he worked with the Central Industrial Security Force, from where he retired as a Deputy Commandant.
Literary career
Mahapatra has written four novels, 11 collections of short stories, two travelogues, three collections of essays, besides numerous works of translation.
Journalism
Mahapatra has been active in journalism throughout his literary career. He has written regularly in various Odia journals like The Samaja, Sambad, Samaya and The Pragativadi etc. Three collections of his journalistic writings have been published.
Literary administration
Despite his considerable literary output, Mahapatra is better known as an organiser of literary events and administrator of literary societies. He has been a President of Odisha Cultural Academy and vice president of Odisha Research Circle. He was the founding general secretary of the Madras Utkal Association.
Bhupen Mahapatra in Translation
Mahapatra's short stories have been translated into English, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Assamese, Kannada, Bengali, Malayalam and Rajasthani languages. His critically acclaimed short story M. K. Gandhi[2] has been included in the English syallbus of North Maharashtra University and other Indian universities.[3]
Awards
Mahapatra has been conferred with:
- Saurabhashree Samman, Odisha
- Kalashree Award for Theatre
- Adikavi Sarala Samman, Odisha
- Fakir Mohan Sahitya Parishad Award
- Mayadhar Mansingh Samman
- Durmukha Award for Satirical Writing
- Pratibha Samman, Odisha
- Sulekha Special Literary Award, Puri, Odisha
Bibliography
- Prithivi O Pruthivi (World & the World), published by Odisha Book Store, Cuttack (1986)
- Gotie Mendhapala (A Flock of Sheep), published by Parijat Press, Rourkela (1991)
- Upatyakaara Upakatha (Story of the Valley), published by Writers Workshop (1996)
- Bharata Bhagya Vidhata (Dispenser of India's Destiny), published by Swasti (1997)
- Lu Tatha Anya Kahaaniyan (Loo & Other Stories), Nirmana Prakashan, Delhi (2001)
- Fossil (Novel), published by Paschima, Bhubaneswar (2007)