Vandna Tete, born on September 13, 1969, in Simdega, Jharkhand, is a distinguished Adivasi writer, poet, publisher, and activist. She writes primarily in Hindi and Kharia, passionately advocating for Adivasi philosophy and literature.
Vandna emphasizes that Adivasi literature is not merely a literature of resistance but one of preservation and creation. She asserts that the Adivasi worldview is egalitarian, rejecting hierarchical power structures, and that their literature, rooted in oral traditions (‘Orature’), reflects this perspective.
She stands as India’s sole tribal publisher, dedicating over 23 years to the preservation and promotion of indigenous literature and culture. Through the Pyara Kerketta Foundation, she has spearheaded the publication of more than 250 books in Hindi, English, and over 20 tribal languages of India, showcasing the richness and diversity of Adivasi narratives. Additionally, she publishes and edits the prestigious quarterly literary journal Jharkhandi Bhasha Sahitya Sanskriti Akhra, an unparalleled platform featuring content in 16 tribal and regional languages. This journal, a testament to her commitment to linguistic and cultural heritage, has been published without interruption since its inception in 2004.
Her notable works include ‘Purakha Larake’ (2005), ‘Kiska Raj Hai’ (2009), ‘Jharkhand Ek Anthin Samargatha’ (2010), ‘Asur Siring’ (2010), ‘Adima Raag’ (2013), ‘Adivasi Sahitya: Parampara Aur Prayojan’ (2013), ‘Konjoga’ (2015), ‘Lokpriya Aadivasi Kahaniyan’ (2018), ‘Lokpriya Aadivasi Kavitayen’ (2019), ‘Vaachikata : Aadivasi Darshan, Sahitya Aur Saundaryabodh’ (2021), ‘Orature Aur Adivasiyat Ki Pathhalgari’ (2021), ‘Natural Federalism or Or Un-Natural Feminism’ (2022), ‘Kinir’ (2022) and ‘First Nations Voice’ (2023).
Her efforts have been acknowledged with several honors, including the Jharkhand Government’s State Award for Adivasi Journalism in 2012 and a Senior Fellowship from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in 2013.
Vandna Tete’s dedication to documenting and promoting Adivasi culture continues to inspire and influence contemporary discourse on indigenous rights and literature in India.
