Thanks Bjorn for starting this thread.
Mahasweta Devi is a prominent writer in India for last 3-4 decades. I have read few of her writings in my mother tongue, being translated and have fallen for them. Many of her works have been adapted into movies ( not the Bollywood type movies, but by those art-house directors ).
Of late, she has been quite active in Social issues in Kolkota (Calcutta) and in many issues around the country.
She was awarded the Jnanpith ( Indian equivalent of Nobel for Literature! ) in 1995.
Here is an interview with the writer :
Rediff On The NeT: The Rediff Interview/Mahasweta Devi
Some more reading:
proXsa: Inspiration: Mahasweta Devi
Mahasweta Devi | outlookindia.com ( you might have to register once)