Iti Samanta

Iti Samanta - A prolific writer, National award-winning producer, editor of the magazines ‘The Kadambini’ and ‘The Kunikatha,’ a social worker, and whatnot. She is a woman who excels on all grounds. Born in 1970 to Nilimarani Samanta and Anadi Charan Samanta in Kalarabank Village in Cuttack of Odisha, Iti Samanta is the youngest of seven children. One of her brothers, Achyuta Samanta Achyuta Samanta was born on 20th January in the ye >> Read More... , is an educationalist and founder of the institutes KITT and KISS. The death of her father pushed their family into poverty. Her mother single-handedly raised the seven kids amidst the hardships. Growing up, Iti Samanta found her peace and happiness through books.

She has been an avid reader since childhood and desired to become an author. Upon completing her primary school in the village, she continued her High schooling at Khan Nagar High School in Cuttack and higher Secondary schooling from Ramadevi Women’s college in Bhubaneshwar. Though she wanted to pursue literature, Iti Samanta chose engineering as her stream and graduated in Electronics and Tele-communication Engineering. After graduation, she started working in Bhubaneshwar. But the job never gave her satisfaction, and she realized writing is where she can find her true happiness. So, she quit the job, and, much to other’s surprise, did her post-graduation in Odia Literature. Also, she went on to complete her Master’s from Utkal University in Mass Communications and Advanced Journalism.

She didn’t stop there and further completed her Ph. D from Visva-Bharati University in Literature. With the help of her brother, Achyuta Samanta, Iti Samanta started the monthly Odia family magazine called ‘The Kadambini’ in 2000. From fashion, travel to addressing social issues, Kadambini has everything you look for. Iti Samanta has written features for the magazine on political, cultural, and literal affairs. Apart from Kadambini, she also runs another magazine for children called ‘The Kunikatha.’ Over two decades, It Samanta has been enjoying the success of both magazines.

As an acclaimed author, Iti Samanta has written several popular stories in novels and short stories. Some of them are Niraba Alapa, Sakuntala Ra Jhia, Jhada Parara Surya Okrantidhara, Iti Tora Lipsa, and Tathaapi. Most of her writings revolve around women’s empowerment. Iti Samanta debuted in the Odia Film industry with the movie ‘Kathantara’ as a producer. Based on the 1999 Super-Cyclone, the movie fetched Best Odia Feature Film at the 53rd National Film Awards The National Film Awards gets presented every year >> Read More... and eight awards at the Odisha Film Awards. Also, one of her stories, JhadaParara Surya O Krantidhara, got adapted as a film in the name ‘Krantidhra.’

Produced by Kadambini Media, the film won huge appreciations and awards. She has worked on some telefilms and educational films as well. Iti Samanta has served as a producer for few television programs like Bhinna Manisha Bhinna Katha, Kadambini Ama Patrika, Kahani Gita Pachhara, Glamour Lane, and more, each with a unique concept. She has been awarded numerous awards for her contribution to literature and art.