Mahasweta Devi was India’s conscience keeper: Sonia

New Delhi, July 28 (IANS) Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Thursday condoled the death of eminent writer and social activist Mahasweta Devi, describing her as "India's conscience keeper, whose words echoed her inner voice, representing the voiceless and faceless countrymen".

"India has lost a conscience keeper and one of the greatest Indian women writers of our times. We stand in this hour of grief with her family and everyone who loved her," the Congress leader said.

Remembering Mahasweta Devi as a writer who addressed the issues and conscience of the subaltern, the middle class and women, Gandhi said: "Through her writings, Mahasweta Devi incessantly fought against injustice, oppression, inequality and bias."

"She deeply loved and celebrated Indian tribal life. She was brutally honest and her words echoed her inner voice, representing voiceless and faceless countrymen," she added.

Gandhi also extended condolences to millions of her readers and admirers.

Mahasweta Devi passed away at a Kolkata nursing home on Thursday following prolonged illness. She was 90.