Ramakrushna Nanda

Ramakrushna Nanda Biography

Ramakrushna Nanda was a noted Oriya writer known for Children literature. His song ‘Ahe Dayamaya Biswa Bihari’ was Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite and was frequently sung at Sabarmati Ashram. This particular song belongs to the book, Sahitya Sopana. His popular songs - Aahe Dayamaya Bishwa Bihari and Holi Holi Re Holi Ranga Rangeli Nali were used for the movie, Balidan in 1978.

He was born on 15 February 1906 in Bairoi, Cuttack as the son of Madhusudan Nanda. In 1925, Nanda married Soudamini Devi and the couple had 8 daughters and one son. Nanda's younger brother was Dinakrushna Nanda. His schooling was done at native school of Kantapada and later he attended Revenshwa collegiate school, Cuttack. Since a school student, he was drawn towards the world of words and literature and used to write for the school magazine, Chandrika. Nanda was inspired by a local leader, Gopobandhu during his studies and he joined freedom struggle movement. He became a Swecha Sebaka – a volunteer and stayed at Alkasrama. During this time he learnt Sanskrit. He continued his studies at Satybadi Jatiya Bidyalaya. He was matriculated from the English medium school and later completed graduation as well.

After studies he joined as a teacher at Banki school. During his 6 years’ experience as teacher, he also worked as head master at Bhingarpur high school. In 1933, Nanda became a social worker who began a local welfare organization called Narayan Samiti. Sahitya Sopana was his first published book in Oriya language. In 1946 he reached Cuttack where he started the printing press - Parijata press. He started Sansar magazine in 1952. After retirement, he completely concentrated on to children’s books.

Published: N/A

Updated: February 27, 2014