Eminent Malayalam poet-activist dies of Covid
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Eminent Malayalam poet, conservationist and women’s activist, Sugathakumari, who had tested positive for Covid-19 and was undergoing treatment, died at the government 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 due to old age difficulties.
Fondly being called as ‘Sugatha Teacher’ by her hundreds of admirers and followers, the activist-poet had been admitted to the intensive care unit of the medical college after being diagnosed with the viral infection on December 21.
Though she was first admitted to a private hospital, she was rushed to the government health facility after she tested positive. Besides the severe bronchial pneumonia, an after-effect of Covid-19, the condition of her vital organs also deteriorated and the end came at around 11 am. One of the most celebrated Malayalam poets of the contemporary era,
Sugathakumari was known for her unique poems filled with compassionate empathy, human sensitivity and philosophical quest. In her poetic career spanning over six decades, she, through her subtle and sublime lines, fought against the injustices in this world especially against the ruthless oppression of women and indiscriminate exploitation of nature. CM Pinarayi Vijayan, among others, recalled her contributions and mourned the loss.