Mahasweta Devi, an Indian writer, social activist and recipient of the Jnanpith Award, passed away at the age of 90 on 28 July 2016. Born in 1926 in Dhaka, East Bengal, she was an author of over 100 novels and 20 collections of short stories. She was deeply engaged in the struggle for human rights and social justice in India and devoted her life to the upliftment of those living at the margins of society. Mahasweta was a recipient of awards including Padma Vibhushan, Sahitya Akademi Award, Ramon Magsaysay Award, and the Jnanpith Award. In 1996, she was also honored with the Right Livelihood Award and the International Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation Award in 1999. Her works featured a range of societal issues – from oppression and marginalization of the tribal people to women's identity and motherhood. Mahasweta was a prolific writer and often translated her works into other languages. Her works continue to inspire generations of activists, scholars and readers all over the world. The void left by her passing is irreplaceable.