"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
A passionate writer and a social activist, Mahasveta Devi was an inspiration to all Indians. Winner of prestigious awards, such as Ramon Magsaysay, Padma Vibhushan, Sahitya Akademi and Jnanpith, Mahasveta Devi used her creativity as a tool to improve the lives of the oppressed. Her famous works, including 'Aranyer Adhikar' (Right to the Forest, 'Jhansir Rani' (The Queen of Jhansi), 'Agnigarbha' 'Hajar Churashir Ma' (Mother of 1084), (The Fire Within) and 'Rudali', 'Sidhu Kanhur Daakey', brought to light the lives of the marginalized. Many of her famous works have been adapted on the celluloid.
Mahasveta Devi passed away yesterday in Kolkata, at the age of 91. Throughout her life, she served as the voice of the oppressed. She herself founded various grassroots-level societies for the welfare of the rural dispossessed and the tribals. Although, she is no more, her spirit will always be kept alive through her selfless work and acclaimed writings.
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