Giri Dandasena

Giri Dandasena (29 December 1949 – 24 August 2026) was an Indian writer in the Odia language. He wrote fiction, columns and works dealing with the history and cultural heritage of Sundargarh district in Odisha. He served as vice-president of the Odisha Sahitya Akademi from 18 May 2011 to 8 February 2015.

Dandasena was particularly associated with western Odisha's literary and cultural life. His historical work Sundargarh Itihasa dealt with the history, heritage and cultural traditions of the Sundargarh region. His other published works included Kalasūtra, Bhumigarbha, Odishi Odishi and Rasta Kadare Jibana.

Literary career Dandasena was a writer and columnist whose work appeared in Odia newspapers and literary publications. The Sundargarh District Gazetteer describes him as a notable columnist in daily newspapers and identifies Kama and Rasta Kade Jiban and Kalasutra among his works.

His literary output included short-story collections as well as prose dealing with society, culture and regional history. Contemporary accounts of his work have particularly highlighted Sundargarh Itihasa for its documentation of the history and heritage of the Sundargarh region.

His fiction included the short story Darubhuta, published in the Odia literary journal Odia Sahitya.

Odisha Sahitya Akademi Dandasena served as vice-president of the Odisha Sahitya Akademi from 18 May 2011 until 8 February 2015.

In this capacity, he participated in literary programmes organised by the Akademi. In 2014, he was among the dignitaries attending a memorial lecture marking the birth centenary of the Odia novelist Gopinath Mohanty. At the event, Dandasena delivered the vote of thanks as vice-president of the Odisha Sahitya Akademi.

His tenure also included participation in programmes concerned with Odia literary journals and literary publishing. In 2013, he participated in a conference and discussion organised by the Odisha Sahitya Akademi for editors of Odia literary magazines.

Death Dandasena died at a private hospital in Burla, Odisha, on 24 August 2026, at the age of 76. He had been suffering from prolonged illness and had been undergoing treatment shortly before his death.

Selected works Kalasūtra Bhumigarbha Odishi Odishi Rasta Kadare Jibana Anarya Dasa Sundargarh Itihasa

Contemporary reports following his death also identified Kalasūtra, Odishi Odishi, Bhumigarbha, Rasta Kadare Jibana and Sundargarh Itihasa among his published works.