Ranchi, May 17: She has made the state proud by being the first Adivasi women writer to be honoured with the Indian Catholic Press Association Award.

Meet Pushpa Tete (picture right), a resident of Shamlong, who has taken up the task to write about the plight of Adivais and backward communities. The writer was awarded at a function in Bangalore on May 5.

Talking to The Telegraph, Pushpa said: “I couldn’t believe my ears when I received the news on April 23. For the past five years, I have been trying for the National Media Fellowship Programme. But I failed to get it as I had no political backing and therefore, this award is a dream for me. Moreover, I got the award from Vinod Mehta, one of the greatest journalists we have in recent times.”

Originally from Gumla, Pushpa has been staying in Ranchi for the past 40 years. She is the youngest of her six siblings and completed her postgraduation in political science from Ranchi University.

“From the beginning, writing was my passion. So, I joined a one-year diploma course in television journalism from Ranchi University. I did my internship from Prabhat Khabar and started writing about the rural life. Strangely, I never bothered to check if my articles are printed. But when I got a call from a resident of Gumla appreciating my article and congratulating me on my work. I knew I am on the right track,” she said.

Presently working with Tarang Bharati and Jurav, Pushpa said the condition of the Kharsawan tribes is really painful.

“Most tribals die of hung er and it is strange that the po liticians often talk about dev elopment, but do really little for these neglected sections. It is sad that when scientists reach the moon, we have so many people residing on the hills and using primitive methods of living. But des spite highlighting such issues, no action has been taken till now,” she added.