Eminent writer Mahasweta Devi passes away in Kolkata

Eminent litterateur and social activist Mahasweta Devi, on Thursday passed away after prolonged illness. She was 90.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted condolences.

Yesterday, doctors at the Belle Vue Clinic hospital where she was under treatment for old-age related illness for the last two months said, "She has shown slight signs of improvement but the crisis has not yet gone away."

The 90-year-old writer-activist, who is known for her dedicated service for the welfare of tribals in different parts of India, is suffering from kidney and lung ailments, besides blood and urinary tract infections.

She was a Jnanpith, Padma Vibhushan and Magsaysay awardee. Mahasweta Devi devoted her life to using her writings for expressing her varied concerns, especially those surrounding women. Fearless, outspoken, and prolific, she was a true icon for women across the world, for providing a voice to the voiceless.

Tweets poured in expressing grief