Birakishora Das was born in 1896, d.1973) was a famous lyricist, better known as ‘Jatiya Kabi’ (National poet) for his patriotic songs. He began to write patriotic poems, when he was serving as a clerk under the British. But subsequently he had to quit the job. His first collection of poems, Mohana Banshi (Mohan’s Flute, 1921) was based on the principles of non-co-operation movement launched by Gandhiji.

Bidrohabina (Rebellious Harp, 1930) depicted the events of salt satyagraha movement of 1930. His other collections like Ranabheri (War Trumpet, 1932) and Dundubhi (Drum, 1932) were also full of patriotic feelings. These books were banned during the British regime. But the poet did not submit to the British Government and suffered imprisonment in consequence. In the prison, he wrote lyrical poems, collected in Sabujd Sathi (Young Companion, 1934).

He was inspired to write poems on Gandhiji’s fasting for untouchability at Yerwada prison. The hero of his poem is Bandhua, a harijan friend of his childhood, who was denied the right to worship Goddess Saraswati. This type of poems indicates the social consciousness of the poet.

Gandhian ideals like non-violence, love, and sacrifice are the themes of his collection Smriti Kanika (Molecules of Memory). After independence the poet had turned his attention towards the development of children by starting a monthly magazine for children called Mo Desha (My Country). Recently Government of odisha has established a college at Cuttack and named it after the poet; it is a real tribute to Jatiya Kabi Birakishora. BIBLIOGRAPHY: Binode Kanungo, Jatiya Kabi Bira Kishora, Cuttack, 1977.

Mohana Banshi
Ranabheri
Dundubhi
Sabujd Sathi
Smriti Kanika