S MOIN / KOLKATA
Eminent writer and social activist Mahasweta Devi passed away today after prolonged illness at a private hospital in Kolkata. For few day she was on ventilator.
The 90-year-old writer-activist, who is known for her dedicated service for the welfare of tribal in different parts of India, was suffering from kidney and lung ailments, besides blood and urinary tract infections.
She was winner of the Jnanpith, Padma Vibhushan and Magsaysay awards.
Influenced by the Communist movement of the 1940s, she chose to work among the poorest of the poor in the tribal areas of West Bengal and in other parts of the country.
Wife of one of Bengal’s most prolific playwrights and litterateurs, Bijon Bhattacharya, the activist-writer grew up in the family of Bengal’s leading writers, poets and filmmakers. Filmmaker Ritwick Ghatak was her uncle.
“And the people whom she came across in real life slowly made their place in her stories and novels,” said Joya Mitra, a prominent writer and a close associate of Devi.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted: “India has lost a great writer. Bengal has lost a glorious mother. I have lost a personal guide. Mahasweta Di rest in peace.”
Narendra ModiMahashweta Devi wonderfully illustrated the might of the pen. A voice of compassion, equality & justice, she leaves us deeply saddened. RIP.