Manoj Das was born in a small coastal village named Shankari in Balasore district, Odisha in 1934. Manoj Das is a noted writer in both Odia and English literature. He is a philosopher, a thinker-writer whose works can be defined as quest for finding the eternal truth in everyday circumstances. His work includes great fantasy, humor and touches the high horizons of metaphysical aspects of life.

He received recognition in the form of the Sahitya Akademi award, 1972, in English, Orissa Sahitya Akademi award, 1965 and 1982, Sarala award, 1981, Vishuba award, 1986 and Sahitya Bharati award, 1995, Saraswati Samman, 2000, Padmashri, 2001. He wrote columns in India’s national dailies like The Times of India, The Hindustan Times, The Hindu and The Statesman. His writings, revealing the deeper truth and the untraced aspects behind current issues, have been highly appreciated.

Among the other important positions Das has held are Member, General Council, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi 1998-2002 and Author-consultant, Ministry of Education, Government of Singapore, 1983-85.