Manoj Das, Writer
Writer

Manoj Das

Born 24 February 1934 · Odisha — Died 27 April 2021

Awarded the Saraswati Samman in 2000 for his literary works in Odia and English.

Manoj Das was an Indian author who wrote in Odia and English. In 2000, Manoj Das was awarded the Saraswati Samman. He was awarded Padma Shri in 2001, the fourth-highest Civilian Award in India, and Padma Bhusan in 2020, the third-highest Civilian Award in India for his contribution to the field of Literature & Education.

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A detail that
surprised us

“

In 1971, Manoj Das's historical research in UK archives revealed unknown facets of Sri Aurobindo’s early freedom struggle activities, a discovery that earned him the first Sri Aurobindo Puraskar.

The Story

1
🌊 In 1949, while still in high school in Balasore, Odisha, Manoj Das published his first book of poetry in Odia, Satavdira Artanada, marking an early start to his literary career.
2
🕵️‍♂️ In 1971, his archival research in London and Edinburgh unveiled lesser-known details of Sri Aurobindo’s role in India’s early 20th-century freedom struggle, earning him the inaugural Sri Aurobindo Puraskar in Kolkata.
3🎓 After graduating from Samanta Chandra Shekhar College, Puri in 1955, Das completed his post-graduate degree at Ravenshaw College and soon became a lecturer before joining Sri Aurobindo Ashram in 1963.
4🏛️ Between 1985 and 1989, Das edited The Heritage, a cultural magazine published in Chennai, influencing literary discourse beyond his own writing.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Sahitya Akademi Award

🔍 One thing most people don't know

“

Das published his first poetry collection, Satavdira Artanada, in 1949 while still a high school student in Odisha, illustrating precocious literary talent.

🖼️

Through the Years

4 photographs from the archives
Manoj Das at his book release event in Bhubaneswar with Saroj Bal and Ashish Gardnayak (2016)
Manoj Das at his book release event in Bhubaneswar with Saroj Bal and Ashish Gardnayak (2016)
2016
Manoj Das signing autographs for readers at his book launch event in Bhubaneswar (2016)
Odia writer Manoj Das posing for a portrait photograph (2019)
Manoj Das captured in a portrait as a prominent Indian writer (2021)

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born in Sankhari, Balasore, Odisha
Manoj Das was born in the coastal village of Sankhari in Balasore district, Odisha, marking the start of the life of a future bilingual literary figure.
1934
📖
Publication
Published first poetry book in Odia
While still in high school, Das published Satavdira Artanada, a book of poetry in Odia, showing early literary promise.
1949
🌟
Other
Delegate at Afro-Asian Students' Conference
Das represented India as a youth leader with radical views at the Afro-Asian Students' Conference held in Bandung, Indonesia.
1959
⚡
Career
Joined Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Puducherry
Das became a resident and professor at Sri Aurobindo Ashram, teaching English literature and Sri Aurobindo’s philosophy.
1963
🌟
Other
Uncovered Sri Aurobindo freedom struggle details
Through research in London and Edinburgh archives, Das revealed new facts about Sri Aurobindo’s role in early 20th-century Indian freedom movement.
1971
⚡
Career
Editor of The Heritage magazine
Das edited the cultural magazine The Heritage in Chennai between 1985 and 1989, influencing literary culture.
1985
🏅
Award
Awarded Saraswati Samman
Das received the prestigious Saraswati Samman for his literary contributions, highlighting his stature in Indian letters.
2000
🏅
Award
Received Padma Shri Award
Honored with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India, for his impact on literature and education.
2001
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
Received the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian award, recognizing his lifelong literary and educational contributions.
2020
🕊️
Death
Passed away in Puducherry
Manoj Das died at age 87 in Puducherry, where he had lived and taught for decades at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
2021
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 06
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

In 1959, Manoj Das attended the Afro-Asian Students' Conference in Bandung, Indonesia, representing Indian youth with radical political views.

02 / 06
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

From 1985 to 1989, Das edited The Heritage magazine in Chennai, a cultural publication now out of circulation.

03 / 06
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

His archival research in London and Edinburgh in 1971 unearthed hidden narratives about Sri Aurobindo’s freedom struggle role, a unique historical contribution.

No quote recorded for Manoj Das yet.

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
"On the Crest of the Horizon:Manoj Das" a film by Dr Prafulla Mohanty
·YouTube
More from this archive
"On the Crest of the Horizon:Manoj Das" a film by Dr Prafulla Mohanty
01
"On the Crest of the Horizon:Manoj Das" a film by Dr Prafulla Mohanty
YouTube
Interview Of Shri Manoj Das to GSTV
02
Interview Of Shri Manoj Das to GSTV
YouTube
Manoj Das Receives Mystic Kalinga Literary Award
03
Manoj Das Receives Mystic Kalinga Literary Award
YouTube
Exclusive Interview with Sri Manoj Das, Eminent Odia Writer
04
Exclusive Interview with Sri Manoj Das, Eminent Odia Writer
YouTube
Manoj Das on Shri Aurobindo & The Mother
05
Manoj Das on Shri Aurobindo & The Mother
YouTube

🌱 What changed because of them

Manoj Das bridged Odia and English literature, enriching both with his storytelling that blended mysticism and realism, influencing generations of readers and writers alike. His academic tenure at Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education helped propagate Sri Aurobindo’s philosophy through English literature studies. His columns in major Indian newspapers made philosophical reflections accessible to the general public, instilling cultural and ethical introspection.

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