Wilfred Topno

Wilfred is the Secretary of People's Action for Development.

Wilfred Topno is a respected community leader, author, social justice advocate, and former educator. He currently serves as the Secretary of People's Action for Development (PAD) and has been a founding member and advisor to numerous Adivasi rights and advocacy groups across Assam. As the founder and president of the Adivasi Sahitya Sabha, and publisher of the Adivasi Awaz news website, Wilfred has been a vocal champion of Adivasi identity, literature, and cultural preservation.

A passionate advocate for education, he established St. Don Bosco Lower Primary School in Ananda and initiated several Adivasiya schools to improve access to quality learning in remote communities. His leadership was pivotal in securing the Adivasi Peace Accord on 15 September 2022, serving as Chairman of the Coordination Committee that successfully brought eight armed Adivasi movement groups into a historic peace agreement—marking a major milestone in Assam’s journey toward inclusive development and reconciliation.

Wilfred was also among the original founders of PAD in 2001, and has remained deeply engaged with the organization since its inception. Under his stewardship, PAD has built a lasting legacy of grassroots initiatives that have uplifted marginalized communities for over two decades.

As President of the Adivasi Sahitya Sabha, Wilfred has played a crucial role in fostering the literary and artistic heritage of Adivasi communities. His body of work spans fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, often centered around the lived experiences of Adivasi people and their intimate connection with nature.

Over the years, Wilfred has been honored both nationally and internationally for his contributions to literature and activism. His tireless efforts have made a transformative impact on countless lives, and his unwavering commitment to equity continues to inspire others striving to build a more just and inclusive society.