One of the widely known poets and feminism activists of today’s world, Sugathakumari was born on 3 January, 1934 at Aranmula. She is known for playing the key role behind the establishment of Prakrithi Samrakshana Samithi, an organisation that is solely dedicated for the cause of conservation of nature; Abhaya, a home for all the helpless women and a number of similar organisations for the help of the society. She had always found time to indulge in social activities like these and is a source of inspiration to every single person in this world. Through her works, which are highly noteworthy, she has already inspired millions and even continues to inspire more even today as well. She has also received a great number of awards for her poetic skills and also her social activities.
A Much Promising Early Life of Sugathakumari
The father of Sugathakumari was an active participant in the Indian freedom struggle and her mother was a Sanskrit scholar. So it was obvious that the girl was born with extraordinary skills. Her father was a stark follower of Gandhian principles and the same influenced Sugathakumari as well. She was deeply in love with her studies and after the completion of her graduation from University College in Thiruvananthapuram, she went on to achieve a Master’s degree in Philosophy subject. She was also engrossed in a research work in the same subject but could not complete the thesis due to some unforeseen circumstances. She fearlessly went on to complete her studies even in a scenario like the orthodox India which indeed makes her a source of inspiration.
Sugathakumari as a Poet
She has a number of fans all over the country owing to her amazing poetic skills and she has spread magic through her pen tip. She had gained expertise in educational psychology along with her Master’s subject philosophy which was clearly evident through her writings. She started grabbing attention right from her first poem which was published in 1957. Her work entitled Pathirappookal led her to win the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1968.
Some of her other masterpieces include Paavam Manavahridayam, Muthuchippi, Irulchirakukal and Swapnabhoomi. All her writings were packed with highly relevant content which was indicative of her knowledge and great writing skills. She often dealt with the social and environmental issues through her writings. She was one of the most sensible poets of the time and all her works won hearts. They also fetched Sugathakumari a huge number of honours and awards as well.
Sugathakumari Inspiring through her Social Activities
Sugathakumari was also equally known for her social activities as well. Most of her campaigns revolved around the central idea of conservation of nature and its inhabitants. She had played key roles behind the success of a number of missions for the purpose of saving the nature including Save Silent Valley which aimed at saving the forests of the country. She was also known for her social activities towards the empowerment of women. She worked hard for the benefits of the sexually abused and harassed women and also worked to prevent the occurrence of such incidents in the future. She reserves much more than respect from everyone due to all these activities that she actively took part in for the society and its betterment.
Awards and Honours for her Extraordinary Works
Sugathakumari has received a huge number of awards and honours for her poetic skills as well as the social activities. She was also awarded one of the most prestigious awards Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2006 for all her works. Other awards that she received include Asan Prize (1991), Vallathol Award (2003), Balamaniamma Award (2004) and many more.
Truly an Inspiration!
Sugathakumari serves as an inspiration for the current generation and all the future generations to come as well. She has left a mark on the Indian history through all her works and achievements making her an eminent figure.
Written By: Hetal Kabra