Who is Haldhar Nag? Odisha Padma Awardee poet was a class 3 dropout, and now his poems are analysed by PhD scholars

Haldhar Nag is a revered poet from Odisha who defied all expectations about the value of education and formal qualifications. Coming from a humble background, he dropped out of class three but went on to become one of India's most notable literary figures. Nag wrote in Kosli, or Sambalpuri, a language spoken in western Odisha, and his poetry is rich in folklore, nature, mythology, and everyday life experiences. He often highlighted social issues and injustice through his work.

Nag's early life was marked by hardship. After losing his father as a child, he was compelled to leave school and start working to support himself. He initially worked at a sweet shop and later held a teaching job at a school for 16 years. It was during this time that he began his literary journey by writing folk stories in Kosli. His first published poem, "Dhodo Bargachh" ("The Old Banyan Tree"), appeared in a local magazine in 1990.

Despite facing significant challenges in his early years, Nag's work has since gained academic attention. Five scholars are currently conducting PhD research on his poetry, and his writings have been compiled into a collection titled "Haldhar Granthabali-2" for academic use. His poetry provides a window into the language, cultural traditions, and social realities of western Odisha.

Born on March 31, 1950, in Odisha's Bargarh district, Nag lost his father at a young age. He had to discontinue his education after class three and began working to help his family. He worked at a sweet shop before taking up a teaching position at a school, where he stayed for 16 years. It is said he once borrowed Rs. 1,000 from a banker to start a small stationery shop for students.

In 1990, Nag published his first poem, "Dhodo Bargachh" ("The Old Banyan Tree"), in a local magazine. His writings focus on nature, religion, mythology, and social injustice, always emphasizing a connection with real-life issues and a message for the people. In 2016, he was honored with the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards, for his significant contribution to literature. He is known as Lok Kabi Ratna, or the National Poet of the People.

The Sahitya Akademi's records list him as a joint recipient of the 2017 Bhasha Samman for Koshali-Sambalpuri. His works have been translated into Odia, Hindi, and English. Despite his success, Nag leads a simple life and is often seen barefoot, dressing in traditional attire. He is also known for his commitment to education and social welfare. He runs a residential school, "Loka Kabi Haldhar Avasik Banavidyalaya," in Kudopali village, providing shelter and education to underprivileged, abandoned, and orphaned children.