QUOTE: ‘I can’t sleep if I don’t read. Ma Saraswati has been extremely kind to me. The society at large still considers me a daily wager. However, the learned today recognise me as a historian’
Born to Bhramarabara Sahoo and Rangabati Sahoo at Anda Banamalipur in Khurda, April 5, 1970, Shankar Sahoo was drawn to history books since childhood. The rich history of Gadajat particularly intrigued him. However, Shankar couldn’t pursue his studies after Class IX owing to his family’s weak financial condition. His father would earn a meagre Rs 4 a day as a daily wage earner.
That, however, didn’t demoralise Shankar. Instead, he started taking interest in books. Shankar would often flicker through the pages of various history books. Finally, one day he chanced upon Anwesana, a book on the forts of Odisha.
The book transported him to a whole new world and he soon fell in love with the rich history of Odisha. That was sometime in 2010. Shankar’s quest to learn more about the history of the state took him to different publishers. He would often collect books from them and would remain engrossed reading them.
Those were the days when Shankar was working as a daily wage earner, making Rs 350 a day. However, his busy work schedule didn’t stop him from collecting history books and reading them.
During those days, Shankar also got addicted to alcohol. He would often hide money and go on binge sessions without the knowledge of his family. However, he was soon to realise his mistake and decided to invest his hard-earned money to buy history books on different forts.
Shankar’s penchant for buying books has only grown since then. So much so, that one day his daughter, Mansi, asked him: “Father, why are you buying torn books?” Shankar nonchalantly replied: “There no harm so long Ma Saraswati willing comes to our house.”
Today, Shankar is the proud owner of around 2,500 history books, which he carefully preserves in multiple bags given that he can’t afford a bookshelf or almirah.
Interestingly, Shankar didn’t restrict himself to collecting history books only. He interest in history took him to writing and he has already completed writing a book History 1827 Tapanga Revolution, which is awaiting release. Besides, he has also written two volumes of poetry titled Tapanga Dalbehera’s MundaBali.
Shankar’s efforts towards collecting and preserving history books despite his weak financial background haven’t gone unrecognised. He has been felicitated with 15 certificates from across the state.
In 2017, Bankoi Bolagada Sahitya Sansada decided to give an award to Shankar. However, on arrival he was denied entry by a section of educationists and historians, who failed to recognise him. Luckily, Khurda-based prominent historian, Satyabadi Baliarsingh, came to his rescue.
That said, Shankar doesn’t hold any grudge against the organisers. He still cherishes the moment when he climbed the steps of the podium and received the award. Shankar was bestowed the title of BanaMali and was awarded the Prativa Sanmann.
Speaking to Orissa POST, Shankar said, “I plan to start a library for the children in my village. It will help them know about the history and culture of Odisha.”
Shankar’s wife Ranjulata Sahoo said, “He has gone through a lot of hardship in life but continues to love books. This has made me respect and love him more today.”
Khurda-based Gopal Krushna Das, a prominent historian and collector of Paika Bidroha products, said, “Today most people have all the comforts of life and maintain huge bank balance. But very few have the wealth of books. If we compare, Shankar Sahoo’s large collection of books makes him richer than the rest. People like Shankar are an asset to the society.”
Shankar has been continuously struggling to maintain his crumbling house but doesn’t fail to take the best care of his books. However, his primary concern is who will take the responsibility of preserving his book in the future.
His achievements
- Paika Sanmaan by Akshay Mohanty Foundation, Khurda (2017)
- Banamalli Prize by Ghumusar Sahitya Sansada (2017)
- Gabeshaka of the Year by Kabiraj Chintamani Bidyapitha, Tapanga (2018)
- Prakruti Bandhu Sanmaan by Aashirwad Parivar (2018)
- Certificate of Excellence from BhootNath Sahitya Sansad Banki (2017)
