Born in Puri, he compleyed his M.A. Degree in Philosophy from Calcutta University. He rejected a lucrative job by British Govt and preferred to serve as a Mead Master in Satyabadi High School. He became a legendary figure in his life time. He was a powerful speaker and his speaches in Central Legislative Assembly and Orissa Legislative Assembly have left an indelible impression on Legislative history. 

He was a writer, Editor, Politician, Social Reformer, Speaker and Author. He is the author of an excellent commentary of Geeta. His epics are considered as Master piece of Oriya Language. A distinguished freedom fighter and a revolutionary, he inspired the youth to fight against untouchability and other social evils. Led the  movement for amalgamation of outlying Oriya tracts and was a symbol of Oriya culture.

He inspired the youth to fight against the social evils. His oratory skill was seen in the powerful speeches he delivered when he served as a parliamentarian in the Central Legislative Assembly and Orissa Legislative Assembly.

Nilakantha Das’s major contribution to Oriya literature were the poetry works titled ‘Konarke' and ‘Mayadevi'. He is also known for his translations, noted among them are the ‘Dasa Naik’ and ‘Pranayini’, which are adaptations of the poems of Lord Tennyson. He received the Sahitya Academy Award for his autobiography titled ‘Atma Jivani’. His literary work, ‘Oriya Sahityar Kramaparinam’, is considered a landmark in Oriya literary criticism. He is also known for his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita.

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