Mahadev Toppo (1954- ): Author Profile
From Jaipur Literature Festival bio: "Mahadev Toppo is a Kurukh poet whose noted works include Jungle Pahad Ka Paath and Sabhyon Ke Beech Adivasi. His poems have been translated into German and many Indian languages besides being published in different magazines. He has been honoured by Jharkhand Indigenous People Forumand is the recipient of Birsa Munda Samman among others.
Another bio (from Forward Press): "Born into an Oraon Adivasi family of Ranchi (then Bihar, now Jharkhand) in 1954, Mahadev Toppo is recognized as a leading litterateur. He has written poetry, novellas, short stories and plays in Hindi and in his mother tongue Kurukh. He has also tried his hands at acting – in the Nagpuria film Baha and two short films Pahada and Aidpa Kaana (While Going Home) in Kurukh. Jangal Pahad Ke Path (anthology of poems) is among his notable published works. His poems have been translated into German, Assamese, Sanskrit and Telugu."
Memorable quote: "For instance, Adivasis are often portrayed as anti-development. One should remember that the Adivasis also want development – but in keeping with their needs. They do not want development that gobbles up their land, that takes their life, that is solely focused on making money. In this respect, the world over, the Adivasis disagree with so-called developed and civilized society."
Learn More:
Interview with Forward Press: "Adivasis are not anti-Development, but Against Development that is Anti-Life"
https://newliteraria.com/articles/v03i2/v03i2-0R1.pdf
https://www.creativeflight.in/selected-poems-from-mahadev-toppos