Nilotpal Mrinal (born 25 December 1984) is an Indian author, poet, socio-political activist and social media influencer. He is known for his books Dark Horse, Aughad and Yaar Jadugar. In 2016, he was awarded India's Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar.
Early life and education Mrinal was born on 25 December 1984 in Dumka district, Jharkhand. He attended high school in Nonihat and graduated from St. Xavier's College, Ranchi in 2005. He moved to New Delhi in 2008, where he began preparing to enter civil service and had given the Civil Services Examination (CSE) several times.
Career Mrinal's first novel, Dark Horse, was published in 2015. Written in Hindi, it depicts the difficulties of leaving village life for that of the city, and is set against the backdrop of Mukherjee Nagar, Delhi. It received the Sahitya Academy Yuva Puraskar in 2016.
Four years later he released a second novel, Aughad. Recently Mrinal released his third novel 'Yar Jadugar'.
He also writes poetry and folk songs, and has appeared as a motivational speaker for TED (conference) and Josh Talks.
Notable works Novels Dark Horse (2015) Aughad (2019) Yaar Jaadugar (2021) Vishwaguru (2026)
Audiobooks/series Jakhbaba (2019) for Storytel Originals Darling Democracy (2020) for Audible Railampel (2025) for Audible Astabal (2025) for Audible
Poetry and songs Duniya Esi Hua Karti Thi Chal Sadho Koi Desh Hum Bihar Hain Ab To Lagta Hai Desh Veerana Hum Hi To Kal Itihaas Likhenge Allahabad ke ladko O Maa Ye Duniya Jagat Mati Ka Dhela Re Ye Salli Dilli Hisab Karenge Booth Par
Bhojpuri poetry and songs Jagmag Kare i sansar Jata Mein Ganga
References