Ramanika Gupta (centre) at a book release in New Delhi. Telegraph picture

Ranchi, July 23: Ramanika Gupta, a former MLA and the champion of tribal cause, might have retired from active politics, but her other vocation — writing — is on song.

After politics became her second priority, the 78-year-old shifted her focus to writing, especially on issues related to tribal community.

About a couple of days back, Gupta added three more to the list of books written by her on tribal issues. The books — Adivasi: Vikas se Visthapan, Adivasi: Sahitya Yatra and Adivasi Kaun — were released at a function organised at Sahitya Akademi auditorium in Delhi on Sunday. “It was the yearning to work among the tribals of Jharkhand that brought me to this part of the country. During my stint here, I gained rich experience, which I want to pass on to the next generation,” said Gupta, who now resides in Delhi.

Born in Punjab, Gupta had come to Jharkhand (then Bihar) way back in 1960s. She chose to work among the tribals in Koylanchal for the rights of the local people there. She was elected to the Bihar Assembly during the 1970s. She was also nominated to the Bihar Vidhan Parishad from 1979 to 1985.

Gupta has 32 books to her credit — of which she authored 16 and edited the rest. Apart from books, she also has some collections of poetry. Her works include Vir Sattar me Chalne Lagi, Maen Ajad Huen, Aab Murakh Nahi Banenge Hum, Bhala Maen Kaise Marti, Aadmi Se Admi Tak, Prakriti Yuddh Rat Haen, Vigyapan Banta Kabi, Kaise Karenge Baatwara Itihas Ka, Purvanchal: Ek Kavita Yatra, Khunte, Aab Aur Tab, Git-Aagit (poetry collection) Mausi (novel) and Bahu Juthai (story collection) among others.

Gupta has also been making an effort to bring together the tribal literature of the Northeast and central India, including Jharkhand.