Sridhar Das Compilation

Professor Sridhar Das was a children’s writer, essayist, educationist, poet, dramatist, translator, grammarian, all in one person. But he was primarily a teacher at heart. His life was full of struggle, but it never got him down.

Sridhar was born on October 4, 1901 at Nausira village of Kakatpur, Puri district. Syamacharan Das was his father and his mother was Sradhamani Devi. Syamacharan was a lower primary teacher. Sridhar at the age of 5, started his education at his father’s school. The he went to Puri Zilla school and completed matriculation in 1922. He got admitted to Patna engineering school and got a scholarship of 20 rupees per month. Once he was fined ten rupees for an unpleasant incident. But he refused to pay the fine and left engineering studies. Then he finished his Intermediate college education in 1924 with an I.A. degree.

With lot of struggle he passed B.A. and took teacher’s training. He joined a school at Boudh and then moved to Olasingh High school. In 1948 he joined Ravenshaw college as a lecturer. But he left the government service and joined Christ college. After teaching for 44 years, he retired in 1968. He retired from his job, but his teaching was continued till his death.

Sridhar Das’s writing includes grammar to dictionary, textbook to editing of various ancient writing, huge number of translation. His biggest contribution is the translation of world classics for adolescents. He has written 11 grammar books, 3 dictionaries and 24 textbooks. A total of 76 books have been translated by him. These include 22 from Sanskrit and 54 from English. He has also edited books like Chilika, Darabar, Chandrabhaga, Ushabhilasa, Rasakallola etc. to be used as college textbooks.

His autobiography is ‘Sua Muhanra Patara’ (A Leaf in the Stream). Although he wrote the book at an advanced age, the writing of this, his recollection of events appear sharp and he describes many incidents very lucidly. Whether his autobiography, translated works, edited books or other writings, all were very readable and popular. Such a great teacher-writer passed away on 24 April 1988. But he will live forever through his writings.

Unfortunately many books (about 70 titles) of Sridhar Das could not be found. These can be added in the compilation if anyone can provide the copies.

Digital versions of Sridhar Das’s available writings can be accessed via the table below. Complete books in pdf format can be opened/downloaded by clicking on the ‘download’ links.