Mamoni Raisom Goswami

Indira Goswami (14 November 1942 – 29 November 2011), known by her pen name Mamoni Raisom Goswami and popularly as Mamoni Baideo, was an Indian writer, poet, professor, scholar and editor.

She was the winner of the Sahitya Akademi Award (1983), the Jnanpith Award (2000) and Principal Prince Claus Laureate (2008). A celebrated writer of contemporary Indian literature, many of her works have been translated into English from her native Assamese which include ''The Moth-Eaten Howdah of the Tusker'', ''Pages Stained With Blood'' and ''The Man from Chinnamasta''.

She was also well known for her attempts to structure social change, both through her writings and through her role as mediator between the armed militant group United Liberation Front of Asom and the Government of India. Her involvement led to the formation of the People's Consultative Group, a peace committee. She referred to herself as an "observer" of the peace process rather than as a mediator or initiator.

Her work has been performed on stage and in film. The 1996 film ''Adajya'' is based on her novel ''The Moth-Eaten Howdah of the Tusker'', and won international awards. ''Words from the Mist'' is a film made on her life directed by Jahnu Barua. Provided by Wikipedia