Eminent Malayalam poet and Women activist Sugathakumari passes away

Eminent Malayalam poet, conservationist and women’s activist, Sugathakumari, who had tested positive for COVID-19 and was undergoing treatment, died at the govt medical college hospital here on Wednesday.

She was 86 and leaves behind daughter Lakshmi Devi, family sources here said.

The octogenarian poet rarely made any public appearance in recent days thanks to adulthood difficulties.

Fondly being called as ‘Sugatha Teacher’ by her many admirers and followers, the activist-poet had been admitted to the medical care unit of the medical college after being diagnosed with the virus infection on December 21.

Though she was first admitted to a personal hospital, she was rushed to the govt clinic after she tested positive.

As her condition remained critical with none change and her body did not answer medicines, the poet was on ventilator support, medical college authorities said.

Besides the severe bronchopneumonia , an after-effect of COVID-19, the condition of her vital organs also deteriorated and therefore the end came at around 11 am.

One of the foremost celebrated Malayalam poets of the contemporary era, Sugathakumari was known for her unique poems crammed with compassionate empathy, human sensitivity and philosophical quest.

In her poetic career spanning over six decades, she, through her subtle and stylish lines, fought against the injustices during this world especially against the ruthless oppression of girls and indiscriminate exploitation of nature.

A fearless and tireless fighter in real world , she led several agitations for the environmental cause and conservation of nature.

She had spearheaded the fiercest environmental campaign witnessed by Kerala–against a proposal to line up a hydel project within the Silent valley in Western Ghats three decades ago, and was also within the forefront of the recent agitation against construction of an airport at Aranmula.