Khagendranath Mitra

Khagendranath Mitra (1896–1978) was an Indian writer known for his Bengali language children's literature.

Early life Mitra was born in Calcutta (now Kolkata). He hailed from the Mitra family of Nilmani Mitra Street, Kolkata (West Bengal, India). His father Shailendranath Mitra was a Mukhtar of Tagore family estate in Shilaidaha, Bengal Presidency (now in Bangladesh). In school life at Kushtia District he became attracted with revolutionary politics and attached with Bagha Jatin. Mitra also joined in Non-cooperation movement in his youth and became imprisoned before the independence. The Russian translation of Bhombol Sardar was of immense popularity. Bhombol Sardar was one of the Rapid Text in Russian junior classes.

Mitra, besides writing more than 100 books, was an editor as well. Kishor [কিশোর] (The Preteens), the first child periodical in Asia was the brain child of his, though it was not published for a year. Notun Manush [নতুন মানুষ] (New Man), Chhotoder Mohol [ছোটদের মহল] (The Gallery for Children), Banshory [বাঁশরী] (The Flute), Sonar Kathi [সোনার কাঠি] (The Golden Stick), Shishusathi [শিশুসাথী] (The Children's Friend; Annual) were among the periodicals he edited. Pujoneeyo Dosyu [পূজনীয় দস্যু] (Adorable Dacoit)- Prohelika Series [প্রহেলিকা সিরিজ] of Deb Sahitya Kutir Dakait Omnibus - Stories of Bishe Dakait (Biswanath Sardar) and other decoits of rural Bengal

Adaptation Bhombol Sardar was turned into a verbal drama conducted by Akashbani, the governmental radio network in India. It was also adapted to a Bengali movie.

Awards Khagendranath Mitra received many awards such as Bhubaneshwasi Padak (Medal) and Mouchak Sahitya Purashkar from University of Calcutta for his works. He also awarded Girish Silver Medal. In 1975 his name was nominated for National award in literature but since the authority showed dishoner to the child literutre, he refused to receive it.