Renowned author and social activist Mahasweta Devi passes away in Kolkata at the age of 90. She was born in 1926 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, to literary parents.

She had suffered a major heart attack on July 23. Press Trust Of India reported her condition had deteriorated due to a blood infection and kidney failure.

A recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award, Padma Vibhushan, Jnanpith and Magsaysay Award, among several others, she was an icon for many reasons, foremost of which was her dedicated service for the welfare of tribals in different parts of India

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

The woman who walked with the broken and refused to sit with the 'great' writer Mahasweta Devi passes away in Kolkata. What a life !!!!

— Mahesh Bhatt (@MaheshNBhatt) July 28, 2016