Dr. Archana Nayak was born on 16th July, 1947 at Balugaon, near Chilka lake of Odisha. Her father late Kshetra Mohan Nayak was a government servant posted in Cuttack. So she could obtain her education from the renowned Ravenshaw Girl's High School, Sailabala Womens College and Ravenshaw College situated in the city of Cuttack. She was quite meritorious as a student and an academician par excellence during her school and college times.
She secured first class first position in M.A. Odia from the reputed Utkal University of Odisha. She started her career as a Lecturer of Odia literature. She earned the much deserving reputation as an outstanding teacher while serving at the different Govt. Colleges of the state.
She earned her Ph.D degree from Utkal University for her well researched thesis on 'Shiva in Odia Kavya' in the year 1984.
She has attended as participant and Chairperson in number of National Seminars organized by Central Sahitya Academy and University Grants Commission in New Delhi, Shanti Niketan and different places within the state.
Four research scholars have obtained Ph.D degree on Odia Literature from Utkal University under her guidance and supervision.
She is a revered short story writer, novelist, dramatist, essayist,Literary critic and lyricist in Oriya Language and also a prolific orator.She is admired by her readers and literary circle for her selection of sensitive humanistic themes, portrayal of characters, forceful language and lucid style of expression. The themes of her creativity range from real life experiences to history and mythology and from the rich world of imagination to spiritualism.
Her outstanding works are Sata Padmara Dipa(Novel), Rani Shyamabati (Novel) and story collection like Aranya Abhisar, Sramanar Prithvi, Kalpanika Satya, Swapna Godhuli, Sakshi Thakurani, Naxtrar Bhasa & Hansa Prahari etc. Her essay collections like Odia Kavyara Siva, Nirbachita Prabandh' and 'Sri Aurobindo O'Nutan Prithivi' are well recognized in academic circle of Odisha. Till now she has to her credit forty books including novel, short story, One-act plays, essay translation and lyric collections.
She is also a recognized dramatist. She has written a series of drama scripts, which were published in eminent literary magazines. To her credit she has four collections of drama and one-act play. Her much acclaimed three hour duration drama 'Ambapalli' was staged in Kala Vikas Kendra, Cuttack the renowned theatre of the state. Number of plays were telecasted by television and broadcasted by All India Radio. She was honoured many times for her significant and gifted contributions to the field of script writing.
Archana's literary works have been widely read and analysed by literary critics. Infact three research scholars have already been awarded Ph.D. degree working on different aspects of her short stories and other literary Works. Presently a number of scholars carrying out research work leading to Ph.D degree on her contribution to Odia literature under different Universities.
Archana's literary works have been widely read and analysed by literary critics. Infact three research scholars have already been awarded Ph.D. degree working on different aspects of her short stories and other literary Works. Presently a number of scholars carrying out research work leading to Ph.D degree on her contribution to Odia literature under different Universities.
She is an authorized lyricist of All India Radio, Cuttack, Odisha. A number of eminent singers have chosen her lyrics to sing in radio and television. Three lyric books have been published to her credit. Three music CDs are released and are much in demand, specially for her devotional lyrics of high order.
She is the editor of 'SAVITRI' a prestigious literary magazine and she is also the Chief Editor of 'Aspruha' a high standard spiritual magazine based on Sri Aurobindo's Vision.
She is an ardent follower of Yogi Sri Aurobindo and the Mother of Pondicherry. She is highly considered as a renowned scholar on Sri Aurobindo's philosophy, spiritualism, integral yoga and integral education. She has written number of articles and published books on the above said subjects.
Being an ardent follower of Sri Aurobindo and the mother she believes in the bright future of the mankind .Despite al the present crisis she hopes that one day man will surpass all the hurdles and aspise for a devine life.
Dr. Archana Nayak
Abhipsa, 102, Saheednagar,
Bhubaneswar-751007
