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. 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. Writings Shukhalata was the editor of Alok, a newspaper. Her writings include children's stories, and fairy tales. Her books include: 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 Awards Shukhalata Rao was given the Kaiser-e-Hind award by the Government of India in 1956 for her book Nije Pora. References Bethune College alumni University of Calcutta alumni Bengali writers 1886 births 1969 deaths 20th-century women artists Indian writers Indian women artists Indian artists Indian children's writers 20th-century Indian women artists 20th-century Indian women writers Indian social workers Social workers Indian women children's writers Writers from Kolkata Indian illustrators Indian women illustrators Women artists from West Bengal