Sugathakumari

Sugathakumari is an Indian poet - activist, born in 1934, who has been at the forefront of environmental and feminist movements in Kerala, South India. She played a big role in the Save Silent Valley protest. She formed Abhayagrama, a home for destitute women (Athani) and a day-care centre for the mentally ill. She was the former chairperson of the Kerala State Women's Commission.

Works

*"Mutthuchippil" ("Pearl and Oyster") (1961)
*"Pathirappookkal" ("Midnight Flowers") (1967)
*"Paavam Maanavahridayam" ("Poor Human Heart") (1968)
*"Irul Chirakukal" ("The Wings of Darkness") (1969)
*"Raathrimazha" ("Night Rain") (1977)
*"Ambalamani" ("Temple Bell") (1981)
*"Kurinjippookkal" ("Kurinji Flowers") (1987)
*"Thulaavarshappacha" ("The Monsoon Green") (1990)
*"Radhayevide" ("Where is Radha?") (1995)

Awards

* 1978 Kendra Sahitya Academy Award for "Rathrimazha"
* 1982 Odakkuzhal Award for "Ambalamani"
* 1984 Vayalar Award for "Ambalamani"
* 2001 Lalithambika Antharjanam Award
* 2003 Vallathol Award
* 2004 Kerala Sahithya Akademi Fellowship
* 2004 Balamaniamma Award
* 2006 Padmashri

References

[http://www.keralatourism.org/index.php?zone=4&menu=19&issue=161&news=72&cat=7 "Leading Lights - Smt. Sugathakumari"]