Shukhalata Rao (1886âÂÂ1969) 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.
Shukhalata was the editor of Alok, a newspaper. Her writings include children's stories, and fairy tales.
Shukhalata Rao was given the Kaiser-e-Hind award by the colonial government for social service and received a literary award by the Government of India in 1956 for her book Nije Pora.