Fakir
Mohan Senapati (1843-1918)
A Master
in the art of writing short stories, he injected
a new life in Oriya literature in an environment
of gloom and despair. His sence of humour
remains unsurpassed in Oriya literature. Discarding
romantic themes, he wrote about the common
man and his problems. Senapati could rightly
be compared with the 20th Century great novelist
like Premchand and Bibhutibhusan Banerjee.
Eventhough he had no formaleducation, he proved
to be an enlightened teacher, painter and
a great administrator. In his writings, Oriya
Nationalism was the dominant theme. As a recognised
literary poet, Senapati has made his place
secure as a great prose writer in Oriya.