Shukhalata Rao

Shukhalata Rao (1886–1969) was an Indian social worker, artist and children's book author. Born in Calcutta in the Bengal province of British India, she was the daughter of Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury, and sister of Sukumar Ray. She studied in Bethune College, and obtained a bachelor's degree.

Sukhalata Rao
Born	(1886-10-23)23 October 1886 Calcutta, Bengal, British India (present-day Kolkata, West Bengal, India)
Died	9 July 1969(1969-07-09) (aged 82) Cuttack, Odisha, India
Nationality	Indian
Education	Bethune College Visva-Bharati University
Occupation(s)	Writer, illustrator
Notable work	Behula, Nije Pora
Movement	Bengal School of Art
Father	Upendra Kishore Ray
Relatives	Sukumar Ray (brother) Satyajit Ray (nephew)
Awards	Kaiser-e-Hind in 1956 for her book Nije Pora

She married Dr. Jayanta Rao from Cuttack. After moving to Cuttack, Shukhalata founded the Shishu-o-Matri Mangal Kendro ('Centre for the Welfare of Children and Mothers'). She also established the Orissa Nari Seva Sangha.^[1]

Shukhalata was the editor of Alok, a newspaper.^[1] Her writings include children's stories, and fairy tales.

Selected works

Books

• Galpa-ar-Galpa
• Galper Boi (1912)
• Aro Galpa (1916)
• Khoka Elo Beriye (1916)
• Natun Para (1922)
• Shonar Mayur
• Natun Chhora (1952)
• Bideshi Chora (1962)
• Nanan Desher Rupkatha
• Pather Alo
• Aesoper Golpo
• Living Lights
• Nije Pora
• Behula

Bengali play

• Atar Muchir Goppo

Awards

Shukhalata Rao was given the Kaiser-e-Hind award by the Government of India in 1956 for her book Nije Pora.^[1]