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The Seventh day Devi Kalratri is incarnated in the Janani SugathaKumari whose fierce poetry and feminist activism made her an inspiration for saving Indian forests and fighting for the destitute women.
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Born on 3rd January 1934 in Tharavadu, from childhood I was brought up in an atmosphere that had lot to do with the world of books and literature. My father Kesava Pillai also known by Bodheswaran was a famous Gandhian thinker and writer. He was an active participant in the Indian freedom struggle and my mother V. K. Karthiyayini, was a well known teacher and sanskrit scholar. It was a blessing in disguise that I was born as an extraordinary child due to my parents. My father’s thoughts had a deep influence on my childhood…
The environment around me made me fall deeply in love with education and after the completion of my graduation from University College in Thiruvananthapuram. The orthodox communities in India at that time made it difficult to complete my education, so I fearlessly went ahead and achieved my Master’s degree in Philosophy. Later I devoted myself to do research for three years on ‘Comparative Study of the Concept of Moksha in Indian Schools of Philosophy’, but did not complete the thesis due to some unforeseen circumstances.
While growing up poetry was my first and foremost passion. The words poured like magic and I was blessed with amazing poetic skills. My expertise of philosophy helped me create writings which were packed with highly relevant content of social and environmental issues. Since my words starter impacting the readers and winning hearts, I was regarded as one of the most sensible poets of my time. I started grabbing attention right from my first poem which was published in 1957. My poem Pathirappookal led me win the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1968.
As a poet, most of my poetry had a special place for Mother Nature and some of them dwelved on human relationships and emotional traverse of the mind and reflection of life in appalling and pathetic situation of the society. I always had a firm and clear vision and understanding of developments taking place in the society. Thus I never missed a chance to get my voice heard, which often forced authorities to take note of and pursue an acceptable course of action.
As a social activist, I was playing the key role behind the establishment of Prakrithi Samrakshana Samithi, an organisation that is solely dedicated for the cause of conservation of nature. Among my noted campaigns, the ones against Ganja cultivators in the Attappady tribal belt and my initiatives for eco-restoration programmes in and around that region including the Save Silent Valley have made a huge impact of saving the forests of the country.
I could not settle for any injustice and abuse done towards women. Hence I built Abhaya, a home for the helpless women. I worked hard for the benefits of the sexually abused and harassed women and to prevent the occurrence of such incidents in the future, inspite of my involvement in many things, I always found time to indulge with the destitute women and mentally ill. The venture later expanded and took responsibility for taking care of drug addicts, disowned children of socially rejected women and also free accommodation for women who have once again found their feet. Because of my milestone work, I was made the Chairperson of the Kerala State Women’s Commission in 2001.
I have received a huge number of awards and honours for my poetic skills as well as the social activities which have left an indelible stamp. My true moment of recognition came when I was honoured with the prestigious national honour, the Padmashri in 2006. I also received Asan Prize in 1991, Vallathol Award in 2003 and Balamaniamma Award in 2004.
My purpose got fulfilled when the Dalai Lama said while laying the foundation stone for Abhayagramam in Thiruvananthapuram in 1992. “I too am a refugee. Let this land be a refuge for the homeless and unfortunate.” This initiative was the result of sheer determination of my tireless crusade for the weaker sections of the society and being the celebrated poetess of Kerala.
My poetry and social campaigns would serves as an inspiration for the current generation and all the future generations to come. And it is honourable to leave a mark on the Indian history through the works and achievements made in the last 60 decades by the magic of my beautiful malayalam poetry.
Written by Anjusha Chaughule
@Thrumyeyes Entertainment