Basudev SunaniDr. Basudev Sunani (1962), an award-winning writer of Odisha, is well-known for his poems, novels, stories, essays, translations, science writings and documentaries. His major research work on marginalized Dalit culture, tradition of weaving communit and aboriginal Domb music has become inspiration to the young scholars and researchers of India. Published in Odia and English, his multi-facet writings cover the life and struggles of people of margin. Some of his prominent poem books are: 'Asprushya', 'Karadi Haata', 'Chhi', 'Kaaliaa Ubaacha', 'Bodha Hue Bhala Paaibaa Mote Janaa Naahin' and ''Mun Achhi Boli. His major novels are: 'Padaa Podi' and 'Mashanee Sahara Delhi'. His essays are collected in 'Dalit, Punjibaada O Bhumandalikaran', 'Dalit Sanskrutir Itihaas', 'Dalit Encounter', 'Ambedkarism: A Way of Life' and 'Brahmanbad O Bharatiya Nari'. His writings have been translated in English, German, Aboriginal-Australian, Arabic, Hindi, Gujarati, Bhojpuri, Punjabi, Tamil, Marathi, Malayalam, Urdu, etc. He has received seventeen national and regional awards for his writings which include Muthamizh Arignar Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi PORKIZHI AWARD, Sahitya Academy Award, Dalit Sahitya Kabitaa Puraskaar and Bhubaneswar Pustakmela Puraskaar. His poems have been included in the course syllabus of many Universities of India including Delhi University, University of Mumbai, Jamia-Milia University, Jain University, Bangalore, etc. Dr. Sunani has been invited to many major Universities of India for delivering lecture. He has also visited Germany, Australia and Nepal for presentation of his poetry. At least more than 10 scholars and researchers of various Universities have done their Ph.D and M.Phil degree on the writings of Dr. Sunani. He is presently working as a Deputy Commissioner, Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, New Delhi. Veterinarian by profession, Dr. Sunani is now involved in revival and popularizing of Domb language, a neglected language spoken by untouchable community in Odisha. Read More Read Less
