Tarun Kumar Sahu, a prominent academician, was born on 22nd July 1954 in Kharasuangada, a far-flung area of Jharkhand. Throughout his career, he worked diligently as a lecturer at Salipur College and Kendrapara College. He then served as Principal at Subhadra Mahatab College, Cuttack, from which he retired after a long and illustrious career in the education sector.
A versatile writer, Tarun Kumar Sahu has earned his literary voice writing short stories in both Odia and English. His stories are marked by depth of emotion, sensitivity to society, and linguistic flair. Besides his own writing, he has done valuable service in literary translation, successfully crossing linguistic and cultural boundaries by introducing moving stories to a wider audience.
His published Odia short story collections
include:
1. Adamya
2. Abyakta
3. Gandhibad o Anyanya Galpa
4. Bisthapana o Anyanya
5. Padan
6. Sekalara Luha
7. Maa, Jeje o Anyanya
8. Nirbachita Galpa
9. Makar
10. Parthana o Anyanya Galpa
He has also authored a children’s story collection titled:
• Asare Pila Gapa Suniba
In English, Dr. Sahu has published one collection:
• Inexpressible and Other Stories
As a distinguished translator, he has translated several important works:
1. Gan Majlish – From Odia to English, originally by Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab
2. Jainendra Kumaranka Kahani From Hindi to Odia
3. Maya (Poetry Collection) – From Odia to English
Prof.Sahu’s works have been published by several of Odisha’s leading publishing houses, including Vidyapuri, Bijayini, and the Sahitya Akademi, as well as nationally recognized institutions such as the National Book Trust (NBT) and Sanbun Publishers, New Delhi.
Prof. Tarun Kumar Sahu has been decorated by renowned literary bodies, including Utkal Sahitya Samaj and Punarnaba Sahitya Sansada. He had even served as the President of Utkal Sahitya Samaj, the oldest and most prestigious literary body of Odisha, once again a reflection of his immense contribution towards the literature and culture of the state. He is at present the Editor of Jhankar, which is Odisha’s best-known literary journal, and maintains his active contribution to the literary conversation in Odisha.
