Acclaimed writer and Padma Vibhushan awardee Mahasweta Devi passed away in Kolkata after prolonged illness at the age of 90. She was admitted at a local nursing home due to age-related ailments.
The eminent writer is author of titles such as The Mother of 1084, Breast Stories, Imaginary Maps and The Queen of Jhansi. Her work focused on raising awareness against social injustice, discrimination and poverty.
She was awarded the Sahitya Akademi award in 1979, the Padmashree award in 1986, the Jnanpith award in 1997 and the prestigious Magsaysay award in 1997 for her contributions to literature and society. She is survived by her son Nabarun Bhattacharya.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief:
Mahashweta Devi wonderfully illustrated the might of the pen. A voice of compassion, equality & justice, she leaves us deeply saddened. RIP.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 28, 2016
Mamata Banerjee too took to Twitter to mourn:
India has lost a great writer. Bengal has lost a glorious mother. I have lost a personal guide. Mahashweta Di rest in peace
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 28, 2016