Eminent author and social activist Mahasweta Devi, whose writings focused on the marginalised communities in the country and served as the voice of the oppressed, died here today after a multi-organ failure. She was 91.
Mahasweta Devi
She was suffering from multi-organ failure and died at Kolkata’s premier nursing home Belle Vue. She suffered a cardiac arrest following the multi-organ failure.
“Her condition deteriorated. We tried our level best, but suddenly her condition became very bad and at 3.16 PM (Thursday) she passed away,” said an official.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condoled her death and said the country has lost a great writer.
“India has lost a great writer. Bengal has lost a glorious mother. I have lost a personal guide. Mahasweta Di rest in peace”, Mamata tweeted.
Awarded the Sahitya Akademi and Jnanpith awards for literary excellence, Devi helped tribals and the rural dispossessed in organising themselves in groups so that they could take up development activities in their own areas.
She founded several grassroots level societies for the welfare of Sabar tribes.
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