The Legacy of Odia Literature
Odia literature has flourished for centuries through the tireless efforts of poets, novelists, scholars, and researchers who preserved its beauty and enriched its depth. From epics that echo ancient traditions to modern writings reflecting contemporary lives, many writers have contributed to this evolving tapestry. Among them, Nagendra Nath Mohanty—affectionately known as Nagen—stands out as a beacon, whose dedication to documentation and research gave Odia culture a permanent place in literary archives. His passing at the age of 95 marks the end of an era, leaving behind a treasure trove of knowledge for generations.
A Life Rooted in Knowledge
Born in 1930, Mohanty began his career as a schoolteacher at Ranihat High School in Cuttack in 1952. Teaching gave him an early connection to young minds, but his passion for preserving language and literature soon took him beyond the classroom. In 1955, he joined the Odia Department of the National Library in Kolkata, a step that would shape his lifelong pursuit of research and curation. Rising through the ranks, he eventually held the highest position there, and later carried his expertise abroad as a senior librarian at the U.S. Library of Congress.
The Monumental Work: Odia Charitkosha
Mohanty’s magnum opus, Odia Charitkosha, is a monumental compilation containing the biographies of over 12,000 individuals from Odisha spanning ancient times to the modern era. This vast collection not only serves as a reference book but also as a cultural mirror that reflects Odisha’s contributions across fields—literature, politics, science, spirituality, and the arts. Through painstaking research, Mohanty ensured that countless lives and their legacies would never fade into obscurity.
Beyond Charitkosha: Expanding the Literary Landscape
While Odia Charitkosha is his most celebrated work, Mohanty’s literary journey went far beyond. His books such as Odia Patrapatrikamananka Parichaya and Odia Lipi O Barna Parichaya explored Odia journalism, script, and language evolution. His role in preparing the National Bibliography of Indian Literature under the Sahitya Akademi further demonstrated his dedication to cataloguing India’s literary wealth.
Through his efforts, Mohanty not only preserved Odia identity but also connected it with the broader national and international literary world.
Building Communities and Bonds
Mohanty’s contribution was not confined to bookshelves. In Delhi, he founded the Sahrudaya Sabha, an organization for Odias living in the capital, creating a cultural bridge for the diaspora. Known for his humility and scholarly temperament, he nurtured a sense of belonging for fellow Odias away from home. He was also closely connected to Odia literary circles through family, being the brother-in-law of renowned writer Pratibha Ray, which further deepened his bond with the world of letters.
A Gentle Farewell
After a long life dedicated to literature, learning, and cultural preservation, Mohanty passed away at his residence in Noida following prolonged illness. His departure is not just a personal loss for his family but also a collective one for Odisha and India’s literary community.
A Legacy Carved in Words
Nagendra Nath Mohanty’s life reflects the essence of devotion to language and culture. By preserving the biographies of thousands and documenting Odia heritage in meticulous detail, he gave the community a timeless gift. His works will continue to guide students, researchers, and lovers of literature, ensuring that Odia identity thrives in the pages of history.
In his passing, Odisha loses a custodian of memory, but his spirit lives on in every word he penned—a reminder that while individuals may leave, their contributions endure as an eternal light.
(With agency inputs)
