Legendary writer and activist passes away

Legendary author, political activist and Magsaysay award winner Mahasweta Devi is no more. Mahasweta Devi, who was admitted to a private hospital for over two months, died of multiple organ failure today afternoon in Kolkata. She was 90. The celebrated author was on a ventilator support for the past two weeks at a private hospital in Kolkata. Doctors said that she had been responding to treatment last week but her condition worsened again on Monday, following which she had been continually kept on ventilation support. Known for her tireless work for upliftment of tribals across the country, Mahasweta Devi was also said to be suffering from blood-related diseases along urinary track infection.She had suffered a cardiac stroke late Wednesday night.

The author breathed her last on Thursday afternoon. The author's powerful writing fetched her numerous literary awards including the Jnanpith, Padma Vibhushan. Prime Minister paid respect to the legendary writer, he tweeted, "Mahashweta Devi wonderfully illustrated the might of the pen. A voice of compassion, equality & justice, she leaves us deeply saddened. RIP."