Ramakrushna Nanda
Ramakrushna Nanda was an Indian writer, educator and author of children's literature. He composed the song Ahe Dayamaya Biswa Bihari, a favourite of Mahatma Gandhi when Gandhi was at Sabarmati Ashram. This song was included in his Odia-language textbook Sahitya Sopana.
Biography
Family
Nanda's father was Madhusudan Nanda. His mother died in 1951. In 1925, Nanda married Soudamini Devi. They had eight daughters and one son. Nanda's elder brother was Balakrushna Nanda and younger brothers were Radhakrushna Nanda and Dinakrushna Nanda.
His son is Er Prabhat Kumar Nanda, a retired Chief Engineer and was also Member OPSC. His daughter-in-law is Smt Anasuya Nanda, who is an eminent writer and singer. She is the editor of the Odia Children's magazine Sansar.
Education
Nanda was born at Bairoi village of Cuttack District in Odisha and educated in the village of Kantapada, and at the Ravenshaw collegiate school, Cuttack. He wrote for a school magazine, Chandrika. At the time of Independence of India, Nanda was inspired by a local leader, Gopobandhu and became a Swecha Sebaka, a volunteer. He stayed in Alkasrama,until continuing his studies at Satybadi Jatiya Bidyalaya, where he learnt Devnagiri, a type of Indian alphabet. Nanda also matriculated from the English medium school and later received a bachelor of education.
Career
Nanda began his career as a teacher at Banki school. He was then, for six years, an assistant teacher at Baripada high school. In 1933, Nanda became a social worker. He began a local welfare organization called Narayan Samiti. He was also a headmaster at Bhingarpur high school.
Writing
Nanda's first textbook in the Odia language was Sahitya Sopana. In 1946, he left his job and came back to Cuttack. On 21 July 1947, Nanda opened Parijata press. In August 1952, he began the Sansar magazine. The press closed in 1961. In retirement, Nanda wrote children's books and songs. Of the form nanabaya,, Nanda said,"
Lyricist
Nanda's lyrics for Aahe Dayamaya Bishwa Bihari and Holi Holi Re Holi Ranga Rangeli Nali. were used in the 1978 film, Balidaan.