Kugultinov, David Nikitich

Famous Kalmyk poet.

Born in 1922. In 1931, his family was ousted (raskulachena) and exiled to the Urals. Started to be published in 1936 and released his first poetry collection in 1940. The same year, was admitted into the USSR Writers' Union.

WWII participant. In 1945, at a false accusation, was arrested and sent to a camp. Rehabilitated in 1965.

Laureate of the State Prize in 1976 and many other prizes for literature, honorable professor of a number of universities. Was a people's deputy of the USSR and a member of the USSR Supreme Council. People's Poet (narodny poet) of Kalmykia. Presides the Council of the Elders of the Republic. Lives in Elista.