Adikanda Mahanta

Who is Adikanda Mahanta?

Adikanda Mahanta is an Indian folklorist from Chitrada, in Odisha. He is one of the pioneer folklorists of Odisha and is well known for his research on folk culture of eastern India. He is awarded Doctoral degree from Ranchi university for his research work on the folk culture of Odisha for his research thesis "Odishara Kurmali Lokagita". Professionally Mohanta is an S.I. of School, an employee of the Odisha state government.

Mahanta was born on 8 May 1954 at the village Chitrada, in Mayurbhanj district. His father was Shri Shiva Prasad Mohanta and mother was Satyabhama Mohanta. Adikanda Mahanta stood first class first in M.A. in 1982 from Ranchi University. Under the able guidance of Prasanna Kumar Pradhan, he was conferred and awarded with Doctor of philosophy for his outstanding research on folk culture "Odishara Kurmali Loka gita" from Ranchi University in 1988.

He is also known in the state of Odisha for his contribution towards children's literature. His articles, prose and poetry get published in all Oriya monthly magazine and news papers. Poetry written by Dr. Mahanta is also part of school text books. Dr. Adikanda Mohanta has been working with Dr. Manindra Mohanty, Dr. Basanta Kishore Sahoo, with the organisation named "Research Institute for Oriya Children's Literature " founded by Dr. Manindra Mohanty.