Activist and academic Ilina Sen dies at 69
Sen was known for her work with trade unions in Chhattisgarh, the underprivileged and Adivasis.
Social activist and academic Ilina Sen, known for her work in Chhattisgarh, died of cancer on Sunday, The Indian Express reported. She was 69 years old.
“She passed away around 7 pm,” Association for Democratic Rights office-bearer Ranjit Sur told the newspaper. “Binayak da [her husband Binayak Sen] and others are there. It is a great loss.”
Sen spent many years in Chhattisgarh to work with trade unions, the underprivileged and the Adivasi community. She also wrote two books – Inside Chhattisgarh: A Political Memoir and Sukhavasin: The Migrant Woman of Chhattisgarh. The activist taught at Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi University in Maharashtra.
Her husband Binayak Sen, a doctor and human rights activist, was in 2010 convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by a trial court in Chhattisgarh on charges of conspiring to commit sedition and for allegedly assisting Maoists. In 2011, the Supreme Court granted bail to him and said that no case of sedition was made out against the rights activist.
Also read: After being jailed: the nightmare for Binayak Sen’s family
Tributes
Deeply saddened to hear that Ilina Sen passed away - her book, The Space Within the Struggle, was a huge inspiration when I was a graduate student. She was brave, wise, had a keen sense of humour and multiple interests. What a loss.
— N S (@nandinisundar) August 9, 2020
Sad news coming of Ilina Sen ji passing away this evening. A brilliant scholar and dedicated activist who lived in Chhattisgarh for many years, working with mine worker trade unions, and then an academic at TISS.
— Anant Bhan (@AnantBhan) August 9, 2020
Survived by husband Dr Binayak Sen, daughters Aparajita & Pranhita pic.twitter.com/CCWhidbn8B