Haldhar Nag

He was born in a poor family of Ghens in Bargarh district of Odisha. At a very small age, he lost his only financially capable father due to which he had to do work for his family. He had to drop his school when he was studying in class 3.[6] He had to work as a local dishwasher in a sweetmeat shop to feed his family, realizing his condition village head took him to high-school and there he worked as a cook for more than 10 years. He also opened a small stationery shop nearby the school, that too by taking a loan of ₨ 1000.[5]

Though he is a awardee of Padma Shree which is of the highest award in India, he lives a simple life with just a shop and hawker, as his main source of income. He also sells chhana and ghuguni (Indian snacks, especially in Odisha) in street.[7]

He has been compared to Gangadhar Meher for his Sambalpuri style of writing.[8][5] The BBC made a documentary film about his life and works.[8][9] Dhodo Bargachh (The Old Banyan Tree) was published in a local magazine, which was one of his first Poem. His literary works mostly include a fighter in his own right, social reformation through protecting human dignity. According to thehindu he was very encouraged by the people who liked his literary work in Sambalpuri style, he said:-[5]

"I was felicitated and that encouraged me to write more," 
-Lok Kabi Ratna.

He is also known for his prolific memory, he can recall all his poems he had written till his last poetry known to people.

He again recalls us, what he believes that....
A man of simple needs, "Poetry must have real-life connection and a message for the people."

His poetry is now considered as a subject of research by five doctoral scholars.[10] Sambalpur University has also compiled his works in a book called Haldar Granthabali-2. In the year 2017, he also received the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award, from Pranab Mukherjee for his contribution to Odia and Kosli language.

His poetry is based on the issues of daily life such as social issues, nature, religion and fighting oppression.

Some of his works which is still most favoured are:-[8]

• Lokgeet
• Samparda
• Krushnaguru
• Mahasati Urmila
• Tara Mandodari
• Achhia
• Bacchhar
• Siri Somalai
• Veer Surendra Sai
• Karamsani
• Rasia Kavi (biography of Tulasidas)
• Prem Paechan
• 3rd volume of Kavyanjali (released on 22 November 2019)[3]

Advertising filmmaker and documentary director Bharatbala who aimed to produce 1,000 short films under the banner Virtual Bharat to chronicle the untold stories and where the famous litterateur and film director Sampooran Singh Kalra also known by Gulzar narrated Haldhar nag.

His narration in this short film begins with "I am writing a letter to you Haldhar. Son of the soil of Sambalpur, this Adivasi poet. His language is Kosli."

As part of the series, Gulzar narrated a brief summary about Nag in the appropriately 8 minute long story, in Virtual Bharat which is a collection of short stories about country India in various fields. Gulzar as a token of gift send him ₹50,000.[11]

Government of Odisha recently announced that Kosli dialect and literature research centre at Ghens village in Bargarh district will be established soon under his name.[12][13]

• Sambalpuri language