Rajnath Singh lauded Sugathakumari as a poet whose compassion transcended verse to bring about real societal change…reports Asian Lite News
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday attended the closing ceremony of Sugathakumari Navathy celebrations in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, paying tribute to the late Malayalam poetess on her 90th birth anniversary. Sugathakumari, an acclaimed poet, environmentalist, and human rights advocate, passed away in December 2023 while undergoing treatment for COVID-19.
Rajnath Singh lauded Sugathakumari as a poet whose compassion transcended verse to bring about real societal change. “Poets are inherently compassionate and empathetic. When a poet channels this compassion beyond verse to effect real societal changes, a sensitive soul like Sugathakumari emerges,” he said. Singh highlighted her ability to unite people for a common good through her poetry, describing her as a selfless advocate for humanity and nature.
Reflecting on her contributions to environmental conservation, Singh noted the relevance of her warnings about ecological fragility in light of Kerala’s recent challenges, such as the 2018 floods and Wayanad landslides. “Her call to action was not only poetic; it was a clarion call to maintain the delicate balance of nature for future generations,” he added.
Born on 3 January 1934 in Aranmula, Sugathakumari was one of the most celebrated poets in Malayalam literature. Her works, including Pathirappookal (Flowers of Midnight), Raathrimazha (Night Rain), and Manavahridayam (Heart of Humanity), earned her numerous accolades, such as the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award (1968), Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award (1978), and Vayalar Award (1984).
Sugathakumari’s activism extended beyond her poetry. She founded the Prakrithi Samrakshana Samithi for environmental protection and Abhaya, a home for destitute women. Her involvement in various environmental movements in Kerala and beyond cemented her legacy as a dedicated guardian of nature.
As the Navathy celebrations conclude, Rajnath Singh urged reflection on Sugathakumari’s remarkable legacy and the enduring importance of her message for environmental conservation and societal harmony.
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