Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar

Indian writer and doctor

Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar

Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar is an Indian author and medical doctor known for his contributions to contemporary Indian literature. He writes primarily in English and has gained recognition for his works that explore the lives and struggles of the Santhal community, an indigenous group in India. His writing often delves into themes of identity, culture, and social issues.

Early Life and Education

Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar was born in Jharkhand, India, a region known for its rich tribal culture and history. He belongs to the Santhal tribe, one of the largest indigenous communities in India. Shekhar pursued his medical education at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences in Ranchi, where he earned his degree in medicine. His background in medicine and his tribal roots have significantly influenced his literary work.

Literary Career

Shekhar's debut novel, The Mysterious Ailment of Rupi Baskey, was published in 2014 and received critical acclaim. The novel is set in a fictional village in Jharkhand and explores the life of a Santhal woman, Rupi Baskey, who suffers from a mysterious illness. The book was shortlisted for the Hindu Literary Prize and won the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar in 2015.

In 2015, Shekhar published a collection of short stories titled The Adivasi Will Not Dance. The stories in this collection highlight the challenges faced by the Adivasi community in contemporary India. The book was shortlisted for the Hindu Literary Prize and the JCB Prize for Literature. However, it also faced controversy and was banned by the Jharkhand government for allegedly portraying the Santhal community in a negative light.

Controversies

Shekhar's work has not been without controversy. The Adivasi Will Not Dance was banned by the Jharkhand government, which accused the book of being "derogatory" to the Santhal community. The ban sparked a debate on freedom of expression and the representation of marginalized communities in literature. Shekhar defended his work, stating that it was a reflection of the realities faced by the Adivasi people.

Medical Career

In addition to his literary pursuits, Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar is a practicing medical doctor. He has worked in various government hospitals in Jharkhand, providing healthcare services to underserved communities. His dual career as a doctor and writer allows him to draw from his experiences in both fields, enriching his storytelling with authentic insights into the lives of the people he writes about.

Themes and Style

Shekhar's writing is characterized by its vivid portrayal of rural India and its focus on the lives of the Adivasi people. His works often address themes of identity, marginalization, and the clash between tradition and modernity. Shekhar's narrative style is noted for its simplicity and depth, capturing the complexities of his characters' lives with empathy and nuance.

Related Pages

• Santhal people
• Jharkhand
• Indian English literature
• Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar