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Binod Kanungo

ビノード・カヌンゴ

Binod Kanungo

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1912-06-06 （Mallipur (Kishannagar), Cuttack district, Bihar and Orissa Province, British India）
Died
1990-06-22 （Cuttack, Odisha, India） age 78
Nationality
India
Languages
Odia, English
Residence History
Cuttack → Bhubaneswar

Career

Occupations
author, educator, social reformer, freedom fighter, journalist, encyclopedist
Active Years
1930-1990
Affiliations
The Samaja (assistant editor), Jnanmandal Foundation
Influenced By
Mahatma Gandhi, Gopabandhu Choudhury
Influenced
Deepak Kanungo (son, editor), Encyclopedists and reference workers in Odia

Education

Ranihat Highschool, Cuttack
Country: British India
One of the earliest students of the school
Ravenshaw Collegiate School
Country: British India
Admitted on scholarship but left studies in 1930 to join the independence movement

Awards

Odisha Sahitya Akademi Award
1984
Work: Runa Parishodha
Organization: Odisha Sahitya Akademi
Result: 受賞
Padma Shri
1986
Organization: Government of India
Result: 受賞

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Jnanmandal (Gyana Mandala)

1960 encyclopedia

A major Odia-language encyclopedia compiled by Binod Kanungo. Compilation began in 1954 and the first volume was published in 1960. Largely compiled and edited by Kanungo to popularize knowledge in Odia through lucid, accessible entries.

popularization of knowledgeencyclopaedia compilationeducation

Runa Parishodha

1983 travelogue / semi-autobiographical

A semi-autobiographical travelogue recounting the author's journeys, observations and personal experiences, reflecting on culture and society in Odisha.

memoirregional culturesocial observation

Children's booklets on science and technology (multiple titles)

children's literature / popular science

Numerous short booklets for children explaining science and technology topics in simple language, including human circulatory system and orthopaedics.

science popularizationchildren's education

Bibliography

  • Jnanmandal (Gyana Mandala)
  • Runa Parishodha
  • Duishaha Chha Khandi Kaaunri Kathi (children's booklet)
  • Chalanta Raajara Amuhaan Naee (booklet on blood circulation)

Adaptations

  • Museum planned in Bhubaneswar
  • Statue at Odisha State Archives

Style & Themes

Literary Style
plain, lucid proseencyclopedic, expository styleaccessible tone for children
Recurring Motifs
popularization of knowledgeeducation and self-improvementGandhian ideals and social reform

Legacy

Binod Kanungo was a pioneering compiler of encyclopaedic knowledge in Odia; his Jnanmandal is regarded as one of the most important reference works in the language. The Jnanmandal Foundation continues his work under his son Deepak Kanungo. His legacy is preserved through a statue, planned museum and continuing editorial and educational efforts.

Museums

  • Binod Kanungo Museum (planned) Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
  • Odisha State Archives (site of statue) Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India Opened in 2013

Academic Societies

  • Odisha Sahitya Akademi

Archives

  • Odisha State Archives holdings related to Binod Kanungo

In Popular Culture

  • The Jnanmandal encyclopedia remains a widely used regional reference
  • Statue installed at the Odisha State Archives (2013)

Trivia

  • Left formal studies in 1930 to join the Indian independence movement inspired by Mahatma Gandhi.
  • Compiled the large Odia encyclopedia Jnanmandal and edited much of its volumes.
  • Won the Odisha Sahitya Akademi Award in 1984 for the travelogue Runa Parishodha.
  • Awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India (listed in Padma records circa 1986).
  • A statue was unveiled at the Odisha State Archives in 2013.