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| Fakir Mohan Senapati (1843-1918) |
One of the most revered literary figures in the cultural history of Odisha, Fakir Mohan Senapati was a pioneer in the renaissance of Odia literature. He was instrumental in preserving and fostering a distinct Odia identity in the face of the growing dominance of Bengali and western influences in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, with his unwavering and unabated efforts and so he is rightfully acknowledged as "the father of Modern Odia Literature”.
He was born on 14th January 1843 in a remote village of Mallikaspur near Balasore town. He lost both his parents even before he was three years old and was brought up by his grandmother. His grandmother usually took him to the fakirs (muslim mendicants) whenever he fell ill. Though originally named as Brajamohan, his grandmother changed his name to Fakir Mohan in gratitude to the Fakirs. In the face of abject poverty and ensuing circumstances, he was forced to give up his studies. But even though he had no formal education, he went on to become an acclaimed poet, story writer, novelist, essayist and a capable administrator. His first recognized Odia short story was 'Rebati'. His other notable works include 'Dak Munshi', '
Patent Medicine', 'Lachama', 'Randi Pua Ananta' and 'Adharma Bitta'. His much critically acclaimed novel "Cha Mana Atha Gunth" has been hailed as one of the most respected literary works in Odia literature. He established a press at Balasore in the year 1868 by the name “Utkal Press” and published various magazines from time to time such as “Bodhadayini”, “Nabasambad” and “Sambad Bahika”. He was also conferred the title of “Byasa Kabi” for having enriched and vitalized the modern Odia literature.
He was a true genius who brought realism to Odia literature through lively portrayal of the social scenario of those times and subtly depicted the prevalent ills such as poverty, feudalism, zamindari, debt, colonialism etc. At the same time though, his simple and unrivaled humorous style of writing could make even the gravest person smile. Avoiding the use of highly Sanskritised Odia, instead he always used the dialect of the common man. He passed away on 14th June 1981 after a prolonged illness. But he shall always be remembered as the harbinger of modernity in Odia literature and for his immense contribution towards the growth of Odia Language.
