INTACH to move govt to convert Gopinath Mohanty’s house into interpretation centre

Koraput: The INTACH, Koraput chapter, has decided to send a proposal to the culture department to convert the house, where noted Odia writer Gopinath Mohanty once lived in Koraput, into an interpretation centre.

The house served as Mohanty’s residence during his posting as an OAS officer in the 1940s. It was here that he spent several years and penned some of his most celebrated novels. At present, the building lies in a dilapidated condition and is being used as a godown by BSNL authorities.

Ajit Patra, district convenor of INTACH Koraput, said, “We have taken stock of the house which once served as the official residence of the renowned writer. The interpretation centre will showcase photographs related to the writer, his works, and his association with the tribal-dominated district.”

Born in Cuttack, Mohanty drew deep inspiration from his time in Koraput. During his posting, he authored landmark novels such as “Dadi Budha”, “Paraja” and “Amrutara Santana”, all rooted in the lives of the Paraja and Kondh tribes of the region. A recipient of the Jnanpith award, he was also the first winner of the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1955 for “Amrutara Santana”.

The proposal has been widely welcomed by local poets and writers. Prafulla Mahapatra, director of COATS, said, Mohanty was a prolific writer of the mid-20th century, and his contribution to literature is immense. “Converting his residence into an interpretation centre would not only preserve his legacy but also serve as a valuable learning space and a fitting tribute to the legendary writer,” he said.

Gopinath Mohanty, who was born in 1914, died on Aug 20, 1991, at the age of 77.