Mansingh Manjhi from Jamshedpur Wins Santali Bal Sahitya Akademi Award

Mansingh Manjhi, a Santali litterateur from Jamshedpur, has received the coveted Santali Bal Sahitya Akademi Award for his children’s short story, Nene-Pete.

JAMSHEDPUR – The Sahitya Akademi has announced its Children’s Literature Award, with the Santali Bal Sahitya Akademi Award being conferred on Jamshedpur-based writer Mansingh Manjhi. Manjhi, an employee of Tata Steel’s Equipment Maintenance Department, is known for his contributions to Santali literature under the pseudonym Olkhoba.

About Mansingh Manjhi

Born in 1963, Manjhi, a resident of Patakocha village, Rajnagar, in the Seraikela-Kharsawan district, spent his childhood in Ranidih Koketola village of Bagbeda. Currently, he resides in Baridih Jahertola with his wife Rani Mardi, a renowned playback singer for Santali films.

His Contributions to Santali Literature

Mansingh Manjhi has published five books to date. His first book, a poetry collection titled Rahla Rimil Danang Khon, was published in 2014. The award-winning children’s short story Nene Pete was published in 2018, following books like Are Kahani and Sakam Odage.

A Footprint in Santali Cinema

In addition to literature, Manjhi has also made significant contributions to Santali cinema, both as a producer and a lyricist. He has produced five films, including Mogod Dulad, Mulug Modhe Maha, and Lugu Lumang.

Manjhi’s Mission

Following the announcement of the award, Manjhi expressed his commitment to promoting Santali literature, folk art, culture, and cinema. He also highlighted the need for recognition of Olchiki, the universally accepted Santali script, in school textbooks across Jharkhand.