Damayanti Beshra

Born: February 1962
Ward No. 9, Madhuban Behind Ranisati Mandir, Baripada
Mayurbhanj, Odisha
Padma Shri: 2020

About

In 2020, Damayanti Beshra, a distinguished Santali author and Adivasi researcher, was honoured with the Padma Shri award for her remarkable contributions to Santali literature. The award was presented by President Shri Ram Nath Kovind, recognising her dedication to preserving and promoting the Santali language and culture.

Education

Born on 18 February 1962, in Bobeijoda, Mayurbhanj District, Odisha, Damayanti Beshra pursued her higher education focusing on the Odia language. She completed her Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Master of Arts (MA) degrees, followed by a PhD in Odia. Her academic journey included studies at Rama Devi Women’s College and Utkal University in Bhubaneswar.

Hardships Faced

Growing up in a village without a formal school, Beshra’s early education was unconventional. A resident taught children under a slight shade, where they learned to write letters on the ground with chalk. Recognising her interest in studies, her paternal uncle enrolled her in a government school in Deuli village, where she studied until third grade. Subsequently, she attended schools in Chandida and Rairangpur, often traveling significant distances to pursue her education. Despite these challenges, her determination led her to excel academically, culminating in advanced degrees in the Odia language.

Contributions that Brought About the Change

Damayanti Beshra’s contributions to Santali literature and culture are both pioneering and transformative:

First Female Santali Poet to Publish an Anthology: In 1994, she published “Jiwi Jharna,” becoming the first female writer in the Santali language to author and publish an anthology of poems. This work showcased her poetic talent and opened doors for future female writers in the Santali literary community.

Founder of ‘Karam Dar’: Beshra launched “Karam Dar,” the first women’s magasine in the Santali language. This publication provided a platform for Santali women to express their thoughts, share stories, and engage in literary discourse, empowering a marginalised section of society.

Academic Contributions: Beyond her literary works, Beshra has been an active academic, writing extensively on Santali literature, history, and culture. Her essays, criticisms, and research papers have enriched the understanding of Santali traditions and have been instrumental in preserving the language’s rich heritage.

Translation of Classical Works: In 2021, she translated Jayadeva’s “Gita Govinda” into Santali, making this classical Sanskrit work accessible to Santali-speaking communities. This endeavour bridged cultural and linguistic gaps, allowing Santali readers to connect with classical Indian literature.

Educational Leadership: Beshra was the Principal of MPC Autonomous College in Baripada, Odisha. In this role, she influenced and mentored countless students, advocating for the importance of education, especially among tribal communities. Her leadership in academia has been a source of inspiration for many.

Political Engagement: In 2024, Beshra entered the political arena by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Her involvement in politics signifies her commitment to advocating for the rights and development of tribal communities at a broader policy-making level.

Before and After

Before Beshra’s interventions, Santali literature was predominantly male-dominated, with limited platforms for female voices. The absence of dedicated publications for Santali women meant their stories, poems, and perspectives were largely unheard. The translation of classical works into Santali was also minimal, restricting the community’s access to broader Indian literary heritage.

After Beshra’s pioneering efforts, there was a significant shift:

Empowerment of Women Writers: The publication of “Jiwi Jharna” and the establishment of “Karam Dar” magasine provided much-needed platforms for Santali women. These initiatives encouraged many women to pursue writing, leading to a more inclusive and diverse literary community.

Cultural Preservation and Promotion: Her academic writings and translations played a crucial role in preserving Santali culture and making classical literature accessible to Santali readers. This enriched the community’s literary landscape and fostered a sense of pride and identity among Santali speakers.

Educational Advancement: Through her leadership in educational institutions, Beshra emphasised the importance of higher education among tribal communities, leading to increased enrollment and academic achievements among Santali youth.

Achievements and Accolades

Damayanti Beshra’s contributions have been widely recognised:

Sahitya Akademi Award (2009): She was honoured with this prestigious award for her outstanding contributions to Santali literature.

Padma Shri Award (2020): One of India’s highest civilian honours, the Padma Shri was bestowed upon her in recognition of her dedication to literature and education.

Leadership Roles: Her tenure as the Principal of MPC Autonomous College in Baripada highlights her commitment to academic excellence and leadership in the educational sector.

Political Involvement: Her decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2024 underscores her dedication to advocating for tribal rights and contributing to policy-making processes.

Damayanti Beshra