J.P. Das
Jagannath Prasad Das was an IAS officer from
Odissa who held several prestigious positions in the state and the central
governments. He was the collector of Kalahandi in 1966, when the district was
affected by unprecedented famine and drought. He did an exemplary work to allay
the sufferings of the people during the catastrophe. His work was hailed by
all. He is a poet, playwright, painter, actor, and researcher on paintings, all
rolled into one. He writes both in Odiya and English. Many of his books have been
translated to English and several Indian languages. JP Das founded the Poetry
Society (India), and was its President for 14 years. He continues to be the
guiding spirit behind the Society. He chose to retire from the IAS at the
height of his career to pursue a goal closer to his heart, that of writing. His
books include Pratham Purush, the
cover for which was designed by Satyajit Ray; Anya Sabu Mrityu, Je Jahara
Nirjanata, and other poems); Desha
Kaala Paatra, Katha Jatra, Priya Bidushak, and other stories, and Puri Paintings: The Chitrakaar and His
Work (study).This inspiring book, written by one who has watched JP Das from
very close quarters, describes his life in great detail.