Haldhar Nag, born in 1949 in Ganjam district, Odisha, is a revered poet, folk writer, and social thinker known for writing in Kosli (Sambalpuri), a regional dialect of western Odisha. Often referred to as “Lok Kabi Ratna”, his poetry reflects the soul of rural life, touching upon themes like poverty, injustice, folklore, nature, and spirituality.
Despite having formal education only up to Class 3, Haldhar's work resonates with deep wisdom, sensitivity, and a strong connection to the soil. He started out working as a cook and later opened a small eatery to sustain himself. However, his natural poetic flair and sharp observations of village life soon began to gain attention. His poems are widely recited, published, and even included in university curricula.