Mammang Dai

Born on February 23, 1957, in Pasighat, East Siang district, Mamang Dai is a well-known figure in the Indian literary scene, especially recognized for her writings that vividly portray the essence of her home state. Growing up immersed in the cultural heritage of the Adi tribe, she completed her education at Pine Mount School in Shillong, Meghalaya, and later obtained a Bachelor’s degree in English literature from Gauhati University, Assam.

Despite achieving a milestone by being the first woman from Arunachal Pradesh to join the Indian Administrative Service in 1979, Dai opted to pursue her passion for writing and journalism instead. Her journalistic endeavors included contributions to respected publications such as The Telegraph, Hindustan Times, and The Sentinel, as well as roles as an anchor and interviewer at All India Radio and Doordarshan Kendra, Itanagar. Furthermore, she served as a program officer for the Eastern Himalayas Biodiversity Hotspots program at the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF).

Mamang Dai is a versatile writer, excelling in both fiction and non-fiction genres, with her novels and poetry collections receiving critical acclaim. Her debut novel, "The Legends of Pensam," released in 2006, was followed by other significant works like "Stupid Cupid" (2008) and "The Black Hill" (2014), which earned her the Sahitya Akademi Award. Notable poetry collections by Dai include "River Poems" (2004), "The Balm of Time" (2008), and "Midsummer Survival Lyrics" (2014). Her literary contributions have been acknowledged with prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri in 2011.

Through her writing, Mamang Dai beautifully captures the lyrical essence of Arunachal Pradesh and serves as a voice for the Northeast, sharing its diverse stories and traditions with the world. Her legacy as a cultural ambassador and influential figure in Indian literature continues to inspire writers both regionally and globally.

Image source: arunachalobserver.org