Satchidananda Rautroy (1916-2004) --- It was during the 1940s that modernity entered into Oriya poetry through the highly original works of Satchidananda Rautroy (Sochi Rautroy), especially with the publication of his collection of poems Pandulipi (Manuscript), which engendered a radical arousal of new sensibility in Oriya creativity. Satchidananda Rautroy was born in village Gurujanga near Khurdha of Puri district (now Khurda district) on 13 May 1916. He was drawn into the freedom struggle, Garjat Praja Andolan (struggle against Garjat potentates) and leftist movements right from his early years. He started writing poetry at the age of 11 and his first two books Patheya (1932) and Purnima (1933) were published when he was 16-17 years in age. He took the Oriya people by storm when he published Baji Rout ( first in Sahakar journal in 1938, later as a book in 1943), a long poem that celebrated the martyrdom of a boatman boy who succumbed to the bullets of the police. Baji Rout was translated into English by Harindranath Chattopadhyaya --- The Boatman Boy and Other Poems (Calcutta; Book Forum, 1942. 62 p.). The British rulers banned his books Rakta Shikha (1939) and Utha Jaga Bhoki Bandi (1943) for the poems invoked revolutionary fervour. Among his publications of poetry are Patheya (1932),  Purnima (1933), Baji Rout (1938/1943), Pallishree ((1940), Pandulipi (1947), Abhijan (1948), Hasant (1948), Bhanumatira Desh (1949), Swagat (1958), Asiara Swapna (1969), Kavita-1962, Kavita-1969, Kavita-1971, Kavita-1974, Kavita-1983, Kavita-1985, Kavita-1987 and Kavita-1990.   His collections of short stories include Mashanira Phula (1947), Matira Taj (1947), Chhai (1948), Mankada O Anyanya Galpa (1983) and Nutana Galpa (1990). He is the author of a memorable novel, Chitragriba (1935). He has also authored works of literary criticism, which  include Sahitya Bichar O Mulyabodh (1972) and Sahityare Mulyabodh (1974). His autobiography, Uttar Kaksha, was published in two volumes (1998 / 2000). Among the honours he received  are Sahitya Akademi award (1963), Soviet Land Nehru award (1965), D. Litt (honoris causa) from Andhra University and Berhampur University, Jnanpith award ((1986), Sahitya Bharati Samman (1997) and Shatabdi Saman (2003). The Sahitya Akademi ( National Academy of Letters, India ) conferred its highest honour of Fellowship on him in 1996. He died on August 21, 2004.  Sochi Rautroy is accordingly the harbinger of modernity and experimentalism into Oriya consciousness and, at the same time, he is one of the pioneers of progressivism. A rebel and a romantic, he is a humanist par excellence, a poet with macro world-vision and micro attention to details, having a wide range and a world-view. Rautroy's format is mostly sculpturesque, his architectonics neat and elegant. As Jayanta Mahapatra has put it, "no major Oriya poet remained wholly uninfluenced by Rautroy." Guruprasad Mohanty, Ramakanta Rath, Sitakant Mahapatra, Soubhagya Kumar Misra, Rajendra Kishore Panda and others acknowledge this master's lasting phenomenal presence.  Sochi Rautroy has rightly been called as the Mahakavi, "the principal idiom-maker of modern Oriya poetry" and the poets' poet.

Guruprasad Mohanty (1924-2004) --- Guruprasad Mohanty was born in Nagabali, Cuttack district, Orissa. He was a member of the Orissa Education Service and retired from service as Principal, B J B College, Bhubaneswar. He authored Nutan Kavita (1955), Samudra Snana (1970), Ascharya Abhisara (1988) and Kavita Samagra (1995). He received the Sahitya Akademi award (1973) for his Samudra Snana.

Ramakanta Rath (b. 1934) --- Ramakanta Rath was born in Cuttack, Orissa. He obtained a Master's degree in English. He joined the Indian Administrative Service, where he continued from 1957 to 1992. He held the office of the Vice President (1993-98) and President (1998-2003) of the Sahitya Akademi (National Academy of Letters, India). Among his publications (collections of poems) are Kete Dinara, 1962, Aneka Kothari, 1967, Sandigdha Mrigaya, 1971, Saptama Ritu, 1977, Sachitra Andhara, 1982, Sri Radha, 1984,  Sri Palataka, 1997, Seemantabasa and Shresthha Kabita. He has also published a collection of short stories (Megha O Anyanya Galpa) and a work of translation of selected poems of Kabir into Oriya.  He is a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi award, 1978, Saraswati Samman, 1992, Bishuva Samman (Prajatantra Prachar Samiti), 1990,  Governor's Plaque of Honour for Poetry (Orissa State Council of Culture), 1991, Kabir Samman, 1993 (Government of Madhya Pradesh) and Gangadhar Meher National Award for Poetry (Sambalpur University). Government of India have honoured him with Padma Bibhusan.

Jagannath Prasad Das (b. 1936) --- Jagannath Prasad Das was born in Cuttack, Orissa. He holds a Master's degree in Political Science from Allahabad University and a doctoral degree.  He took voluntary retirement from the Indian Administrative Service, to pursue his creative pursuits. He is associated with the Poetry Society, India, New Delhi. He has published many works including Prathama Purusha, 1971,  Anya Sabu Mrutyu, 1976, Je Jahara Nirjanata, 1979, Anya Desha Bhinna Samaya, 1982, Jatrara Prathama Pada, 1988,  Ahnika, 1990, Sthira Chitra, 1991, Sacharachara, 1994 and Smrutira Sahara, 1995. Jagannath Prasad is also a playwright and an art historian. He is the recipient of Sarala award and Sahitya Akademi award (1991) for Ahnika.

Sitakant Mahapatra (b. 1937) --- Sitakant Mahapatra was born in Mahanga, Cuttack district. He is a poet, scholar and critic. He holds a Master's degree in Political Science from Allahabad University and a doctoral degree. He was a member of the Indian Administrative Service (1961-1995). He has held several positions including those of Secretary, Culture, Government of India, President, UNESCO's World Decade for Cultural Development (1994-1996), Senior Fellow of Harvard University, Honorary Fellow of International Academy of Poets, Cambridge University and Chairman of National Book Trust, India. Among his works are  Dipti O Dyuti, 1963,  Ashtapadi, 1967, Shabdara Akasha, 1971, Samudra, Chitranadi, 1979,  Ara Drushya, 1981, Samayara Shesha Nama, 1984, Kahaku Puchchiba Kaha, 1987, Chadheire Tu Ki Janu, 1990, Pheri Asibara Bela, 1991, Barsha Sakala, 1993, Padachihna, 1996, Mrutyura Asima Dhairya, 1997, Kapata Pasha, Pradakshina, Sara Jiban Lokata,  Shrestha Kavita, 1994, (all poetry); Sabda, Svapna O Nirvikata, 1990 (essays) and  Aneka Sarata, 1981 (travelogue). He has edited many publications including compilation of folk songs of tribals. He is the recipient of many awards, which include the Jnanpith Award, 1993, Sarala Award, 1985, Orissa Sahitya Akademi Award, 1971 and 1984,  Sahitya Akademi Award, 1974, Kumaran Asan award, Governor's Plaque of Honour for Poetry (Orissa State Council of Culture), 1992, ‘Award of the Highest Honour' by Soka University of Tokyo, 2001 and Gangadhar Meher National Award for Poetry. Government of India have honoured him with Padma Bibhusan.

Sourindra Barik (b. 1938) --- Sourindra Barik was born in Baripada, Mayurbhanj district, Orissa. He acquired a Master's degree in English literature and taught in Government colleges. He retired from service as Chairman, Bureau of Textbook Preparation and Production. His publications include Samanya Kathan, 1975, Upabharat, 1984, Akasha Pari Nibida, 1985, Gunugunu Chitrapata, 1986, Luhathhu Bi Antaranga, 1989, Chahala Chhaire Ghadie,  Anubharat, 1990,  Ame Duhen, 1991, Padha Ba Napadha, 1997 and Haladi Basanta. He has also published several works of literary criticism. The awards and honours received by him include Orissa Sahitya Akademi award, Dharitri award and Sahitya Akademi award (1988) for Akasha Pari Nibida.

Dipak Mishra (b. 1939)--- Dipak Mishra was born in Kendrapara. He obtained a Master's degree in History from Allahabad University and joined the academic profession as a Lecturer in Kendrapara College. He retired as Principal, Paradip College. He held the office of President, Orissa Sahitya Akademi. He has many books to his credit, including Asamapika, 1961, Dipak Mishranka Ketoti Kavita, 1963, Anustup, 1969, Nisiddha Hrada, 1970, Nirjan Nakshatra, 1971, Madhyahnara Chhai, 1974, Brutta, 1975, Saptama Pruthibi, 1977, Arana Mainsi, 1979, Shunyatara Shosha, 1981, Kapata Suryasta, 1984, Dhulira Sinhasana, 1989, Nirabadhi Nabhishwasa,  Ruk, 1994, Nidagha Jatra, 1999, Dipak Mishranka Nirbachita Kavita, 2003 and Sukha Sanhita, 2006. He has translated the selected poems of Jibanananda Das (Timira Tirthara Tara, 2004) and has also published works of criticism, including Kavi : Kavita Kavyabhumi, 2002. The awards and honours received by Dipak include Orissa Sahitya Akademi award, Bisuba award and Gokarnika samman. He declined the Sarala award.

Soubhagya Kumar Misra (b. 1941) --- Soubhagya Kumar Misra was born in Berhampur, district Ganjam, Orissa. He holds the degrees of M.A. and Ph. D. in English. He taught English literature in Government colleges initially and,  later, as a Professor of English, Berhampur University. He participated in Kavi Bharati (Poetry Triennale) organised by Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal. Atmanepadi, 1965, Madhyapadalopi, 1971, Naipahanra, 1973, Andha Mahumachhi, 1977, Bajrajan, 1981, Dwa Suparna, 1984, Manikarnika, 1990, Anyatra, 1994 and Charachara are some of his collections of poems. The awards and honours received by him include Orissa Sahitya Akademi award, 1978, Bisuba award (Prajatantra Prachar Samiti), Governor's Plaque of Honour for Poetry (Orissa State Council of Culture), 1993, Sahitya Akademi award (1986) for Dwa Suparna.

Rajendra Kishore Panda (b. 1944) --- Rajendra Kishore Panda was born in village Batalaga (submerged in Hirakud dam waters in 1956-57) in Sambalpur (now Jharsuguda) district, Orissa. He holds a Master's degree from Allahabad University. He was in the civil service (1967-2004). He participated in Kavi Bharati (Poetry Triennale), Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal. Among his works of poetry are Gouna Devata (Minor Gods), 1975, Anavatar O Anya Anya (Non-Incarnation and Other Poems), 1976, Ghunakshara (Fortuitous Letters), 1977, Satadru Anek (Many Satadrus), 1977, Nija Pain Nanabaya (Lullaby For Self), 1980, Choukathhare Chirakala (Forever At Threshold), 1981, Shailakalpa (Mountainesque), 1982,  Anya (The Other One), Bahubreehi (The Syntax), 1991, Bodhinabha (The Bodhi-Sky), 1994, Ishakhela (Playing With God), 1999,  Drohavakya (Words of Subversion), 2003, Duja Nari (Second Woman), 2003, Vairagi Bhramar (The Ascetic Bumblebee), Satyottara (Beyond Truth), 2003 and Bahwarambhe (Many Beginnings), 2003. Sada Prusthha (The Blank Page), his 'Collected Poems' was published in 2003.  He has also published a meta-novel, Chidabhas (Mindscape), 1999. He is the Editor-in-chief of Varnamala. He has edited two Web Anthologies : (a) Indian English Poetry and (b) Indian Poetry in English Translation. He also edits The Cogitocrat as a web-journal. Awards and honours Rajendra has received include D. Litt degree for his contribution to literature ( Sambalpur University 2004), Sahitya Bharati Samman (2004-05), Sochi Rautroy Samman ( Bhubaneswar Book Fair, 2005 ), Bishuva Samman (2004), Bharat Chandra Nayak Samman (Sambalpur University 2001), Sarala award ( [Refused] 1995), Jhankar Poetry Award (1994), Governor's Plaque of Honour (Orissa State Council of Culture for 1993), Jibanaranga Samman (1991), Bharatiya Bhasha Parishad award (1989), Sahitya Akademi award (1985), Dharitri Samman (1977) and Padmacharan Patnaik award (Utkal University, 1964). He received the 'Senior Fellowship' awarded by Government of India, Department of Culture (1994-1996).

Haraprasad Das --- (b. 1945) --- Haraprasad Das was born in Gajarajapur, Cuttack district, Orissa. He holds a Master's degree from Utkal University. He was a member of the Indian Audit & Accounts Service. Currently he is Vice Chairman, Orissa Administrative Tribunal. He has authored Alokita Banabas, 1978, Mantrapathh, 1991, Garbhagruha, 1993, Duratvara Bhrama, 1994, Artha Sahita Shatruta, Aparthiba Prema Kavita, Desha, Khuni Apsara and Nirbachita Kavita (poetry collections), one novel (Lubdhakara Tini Prahara), a collection of short stories (Bargakar Bruttakar) and two critical works, Adhunikatara Parampara and Adhunikatara Samakala. The awards and honours received by him include Orissa Sahitya Akademi award and Sahitya Akademi award (1999) for Garbhagruha.

Pratibha Satpathy (b. 1945) --- Pratibha Satpathy was born in Satyabhamapur in Cuttack district, Orissa. She has a Master's degree and Ph. D in Oriya literature. She was a member of the Orissa Education Service till 2003. Among her works of poetry are Asta Jahnara Elegy,  Grasta Samaya, 1974; Sahada sundari, 1978; Niyata Basudha, 1980; Nimise Akshara, 1985; Mahamegha, 1988; Shabari, 1991, Tanmaya Dhuli, Adha Adha Nakshatra and Kahi Nahele, 2006. She has also published a few works of criticism and translation. The awards and honours received by her include Dharitri award,  Orissa Sahitya Akademi award, Sarala award and Sahitya Akademi award (2001) for Tanmaya Dhuli.

Devdas Chhotray (b. 1946) --- Devdas Chhotray was born in Cuttack. He holds a Master's degree in Political Science from Utkal University. He has been  a member of the Indian Administrative Service since1971. His publications include Nila Sarasvati, 1983, a collection of poems.

Mamata Dash  (b. 1947) --- Mamata Dash was born in  Cuttack district, Orissa. She has authored a number of poetry collections including Naimisharanya, 1981, Ekatra Chandra Surya, 1985, Abak Swarga, 1989, Ujjwala Upabana,1994 and Neela Nirbapana, 2000. She has also published collections of short stories and a novel. The awards and honours received by her include Jivanaranga Samman, Dharitri Samman for poetry and Orissa Sahitya Akademi award.

Aswini Kumar Mishra (b. 1953) --- Aswini Kumar Mishra was born in Sambalpur district, Orissa. He has a Master's degree in English from Sambalpur University. He is a member of the State civil service. Among his collections of poems are Nakha Darpana, 1979, Chandra Bandhani, 1987, Sakshatara Dina, 1989 and Banabasa O Anyanya Kavita, 1995, Aranya Sangita,1997 and Kathopakathana,1998. He was the Editor of Samas, an avant-garde literary magazine. He has edited a book on Dalit literature, Severed Tongues.

Haraprasad Paricha Patnaik (b. 1953) --- Haraprasad Paricha Patnaik was born in Bikrampur in Ganjam district, Orissa. He holds a Master's degree in English literature and a Ph. D. degree. He edited Probitas and Vortex (journals published in English). He has published several works of poetry including Eka Eka Sannyasi, 1982, Athaya Surya, 1990 and Ayusman Samaya, 1995. He has received Utkal Samman for poetry.

Rohinikanta Mukherjee (b. 1954) --- Rohinikanta Mukherjee has obtained a Master's degree in English literature. He has joined the academic profession and teaches English literature in Government colleges. He participated in Kavi Bharati (Poetry Triennale) organised by Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal. He co-edited Samas, an avant-garde literary magazine.

Amarendra Khatua (b. 1957) --- Amarendra Khatua has a Master's degree. He is a member of Indian Foreign Service and has held ambassadorial positions. His works of poetry include Shabdaja Nirapatta, 1984, Sammohita Swikruti and Samartha Biparyaya, 1988.

Bhagirathi Mishra (b. 1958) --- Bhagirathi Mishra was born in Bolangir district of Orissa. He holds a Master's degree in English literature. He is an officer in Prasar Bharati and currently he heads an Akashvani Kendra (All India Radio Station). Bhagirathi is the Associate Editor of Kavitayan Web-Anthology of Indian Poetry in English Translation. He is the author of Akasha Khoja, 2000, a collection of poems.

Ramakrushna Sahu --- Ramakrushna Sahu  was born in Sambalpur, Orissa. He did his Master's in Sambalpur University. He lives in Sambalpur and works in a local office of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. Some of his poems have been included in his collection, Marubhumire Mahotsav, 1988. He has also published a good number of short stories and essays in Oriya periodicals.

Swarup Mohapatra (b. 1959) --- Swarup Mohapatra was born in Balasore district, Orissa. He holds a Master's degree. He lives in Rourkela and works with the Steel Authority of India (Rourkela Steel Plant). He participated in Kavi Bharati (Poetry Triennale) organised by Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal. His works of poetry include Belalasen, 1982,  Ei Mun Heichhi Thhia,1989 and Khali Eimiti Eka Biswasaku Nei, 2000.

Soorya Mishra (b. 1960) --- Soorya Mishra was born in Delang in Puri district, Orissa. He has a Master's degree. He works as an officer of Orissa Information Service. He edits Anuroopa, a progressive literary periodical. Soorya has published several collections of poems, including Satabarnara Sakala, 1990, Eka Eka Sahabas, 1994, Shunyabasa, 2000 and Haya Shabda, 2001. He has received the Dharitri award, 1985 and Book fair award.

Sucheta Mishra (b. 1965) --- Sucheta Mishra was born in Puri district, Orissa. She works in a Central School under the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan. Sucheta has several collections of poetry to her credit, including Purbaraga, 1991 and Shilalipi. She has received the Poetry award of the Orissa State Council of Youth Welfare and the award for young writers given by Gangadhar Rath Foundation.

Basudev Sunani (*) --- Basudev Sunani was born in Kalahandi district, Orissa. He has a degree in veterinary science and works in the field service under the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department, Government of Orissa. Among his collections of poems are Anek Kichhi Kahibar Achhi, 1995 and Mahulabana, 1999.

Pabitra Mohan Dash (*) --- Pabitra Mohan Dash was born in Puri district, Orissa. He holds a Master's degree in English and works in a college in Puri. He has published two collections of poetry.

Manoj Kumar Meher (b. 1973) --- Manoj Kumar Meher was born in Kalahandi district, Orissa. He holds a Master's degree in Oriya. He works with the Samaja, a premier daily of Orissa. He has several collections of poems to his credit, including Pakshi, 1998, Khola Jharka, 2000 and Adwitiya Byaktibishesh, 2002..