The correct answer is: b) Fakir Mohan Senapati.
Fakir Mohan Senapati (1843-1918) was an Odia writer, novelist, short story writer, essayist, and journalist. He is considered the father of modern Odia prose and the pioneer of Odia short stories. He is best known for his novels Chha Mana Atha Guntha (Six Acres and a Half) and Kamalakanta.
Gangadhar Meher (1862-1924) was an Odia poet, playwright, and social reformer. He is considered one of the pioneers of modern Odia literature. He is best known for his poems “Bhagabata” and “Kuladharma”.
Gopinath Mohanty (1904-1974) was an Odia novelist, short story writer, essayist, and critic. He is considered one of the greatest Odia writers of the 20th century. He is best known for his novels Mrityunjay and Adya.
Manoj Das (1934-2019) was an Odia writer, novelist, short story writer, essayist, and critic. He is considered one of the greatest Odia writers of the 20th century. He is best known for his novels Pratibimb and Mrityunjay.
Fakir Mohan Senapati is considered the father of modern Odia prose because he was the first Odia writer to write in a simple and lucid style that was accessible to the common people. He was also the first Odia writer to write about the lives and struggles of the common people. His novels and short stories are full of realistic portrayals of the social and economic conditions of the time.
Fakir Mohan Senapati is also considered the pioneer of Odia short stories because he was the first Odia writer to write short stories in a modern style. His short stories are characterized by their realism, their psychological insight, and their social commentary.