Dr. M.L. Verma, popularly known as Nikunj in the literary world, is known for his publications that detail the trials and tribulations of Indian tribals. Born on 3 October 1945, he did his MA in Hindi and Sociology and also completed his PhD in the sociology. When he is not writing, Dr Verma teaches sociology in various colleges in tribal areas. This educational background along with his teaching experiences show in his publications about tribals. He has published ten books so far. Dr Verma has also published around 75 research articles in various magazines and journals. His expertise in the field has also seen him being invited as a special guest in conferences on social science in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. He has been honored and awarded by the Dalit Sahitya Academy in Ujjain and was also awarded the National Fellowship in 2004 by M.P. Swaraj Sansthan in Bhopal.