Rajnath Singh pays tribute to Malyalam poetess Sugathakumari Navathy on 90th birth anniversary

ANI January 22, 2025 265 views

Rajnath Singh recently paid tribute to the remarkable Malayalam poetess Sugathakumari during her 90th birth anniversary celebrations in Pathanamthitta. He highlighted her extraordinary ability to transform poetic compassion into meaningful societal change, particularly in environmental conservation. Sugathakumari was not just a celebrated poet, but also a passionate activist who warned about ecological challenges decades ahead of her time. Her legacy continues to inspire through her literary works and dedicated environmental and social activism.

"Poets are inherently compassionate and empathetic." - Rajnath Singh
Pathanamthitta, January 22: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday attended the closing ceremony of Sugathakumari Navathy celebrations in Kerala's Pathanamthitta and paid tribute to the late Malyalam poetess on her 90th birth anniversary, saying that a poet channelises compassion beyond verse to effect real societal changes; a sensitive soul like Sugathakumari emerges.

Key Points

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Celebrated Malayalam poet remembered for environmental activism

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Highlighted her significant contributions to literature and social causes

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Recognized as a passionate advocate for nature and human rights

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Pioneering voice in Kerala's literary and environmental movements

"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... She had realised the power of poems to bring people together for a common good. I pay my deepest respect to Sugathakumari, a dedicated environmentalist and human rights advocate who lived selflessly for others," said Rajnath Singh.

Highlighting Sugathakumari's commitment to the environment, conservation and climate change, the Union Defence Minister said, "As her 90th birthday celebrations come to an end, it is important to reflect on her remarkable legacy and the relevance of her campaign for the environment, conservation and climate change. As we witness how Kerala is grappling with the severe impact of climate change and other issues, the devastating floods of 2018 and the recent Wayanad landslides act as a stark reminder of the ecological fragility... Sugathakumari warned about these changes many decades ago... Her call to action was not only poetic; it was a clarion call to maintain the delicate balance of nature for future generations..."

Malayalam poet and environmental activist Sugathakumari passed away while undergoing treatment for COVID-19 in December 2023.

One of the most noted poets of Malayalam, Sugathakumari was born in Aranmula on 3 January 1934. She is the recipient of many awards, including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award (1968), Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award (1978), Odakkuzhal Award (1982), and Vayalar Award (1984).

Her noted literary works include Pathirappookal (Flowers of Midnight), Raathrimazha (Night Rain), Manavahridayam (Heart of Humanity), Muthuchippi, Irulchirakukal and Swapnabhoomi.

Sugathakumari was the founder secretary of the Prakrithi Samrakshana Samithi, an organisation for the protection of nature and of Abhaya, a home for destitute women. During her lifetime, she actively participated in many environmental movements in Kerala and outside the state as well.

Tags:
Rajnath Singh Sugathakumari Malayalam Poetry Environmental Activism Kerala Literature Indian Poets
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