KERALA GANDHI AWARD FOR SUGATHAKUMARI
Kelappaji
had adopted Gandhi’s way of protest, his ideologies as well as affinity for
truth as a part of his lifestyle and fought against the injustices in the
society Sugathakumari has adopted some of those protests on her own clearly
inspired by Gandhi, said president of Socialist Janata (Democratic) party and
Managing Editor of Mathrubhumi Daily M.P.Veerendrakumar. Presenting the
citation of the Kerala Gandhi award to poet and activist Sugathakumari on the
occasion of the 44 death anniversary of Kerala Gandhi K.Kelappan here on
Tuesday, he said that she was an activist who kept reminding society about the
traps that it had walked into and one who upheld the slogan ‘Uthishtatha
Jagratha’ of Swami Vivekananda.
The
award instituted by the K.Kelappan Smaraka Samithi was presented to
Ms.Sugathakumari later by Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, for her
contribution to the protection of environment as well as upholding the rights
of the weaker sections of the society. Incidentally, Mr.Chennithala was the
recipient of the first Kerala Gandhi award in 2013 for his fight for the
downtrodden.Chairman of the Samithi N.Subrahmanian in his presidential address
said that Sugathakumari’s approach to the issues related to environment and
liquor ban were those that reflected public sentiments. Mr.Subrahmanian said
that the Samithi was planning to build a fitting memorial for Kelappaji in
Muchukunnu in a plot that belonged to his family and that works will be
completed in a year. Moreover, another memorial is being planned in Kozhikode,
he added.
Two
children Sreeram and Anunanda recited the poems ‘Mazhathulli’ and ‘Sandhya’ by
the renowned poet in her honour. Jury member Ramesh Kavil introduced the award
winner and also recited a poem that he had written in her honour in the form of
the citation. Novelist K.P.Sudheera, patron of the samithi and veteran freedom
fighter P.Vasu, jury member Suma Pallipram and Trustee of the Samithi Pappan
Moodadi were present on the occasion.The function was followed by a programme
by the students of MAMUP School, Parambilkkadavu.
Prof. John Kurakar
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