Describing Sugathakumari as the conscience keeper of Kerala society, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has urged the people of Kerala to uphold the legacy of selfless service established by the late poet and human rights activist.

Speaking at the valedictory session of the Navati (90th birth anniversary) celebrations of Sugathakumari at Aranmula on Wednesday (January 22, 2025), Mr. Singh said that although she was no longer with us, her life continues to inspire generations. “An environmentalist and human rights activist, she understood the power of poetry in uniting people for a common cause,” he said.

Highlighting Kerala’s vulnerability to climate change, the Defence Minister noted how Sugathakumari had foreseen and warned of its impact decades ago. “Her call to action was a clarion call for preserving the delicate balance of our ecology for future generations,” he said.

Reflecting on her contributions to environmental conservation, Mr. Singh described the Silent Valley conservation movement as a defining moment in India’s ecological history.

Veteran communist leader Pannian Ravindran presided over the event, while West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose presented the Navati award to conservationist Sriman Narayanan. Indira Rajan, general secretary of the National Council for CBSE Schools, handed over a consent letter to Navati celebration committee chairman Kummanam Rajasekharan for implementing the Sugata Micro Forest Project in schools across Kerala.

The valedictory session was preceded by discussions on the poetic contributions of Sugathakumari and a music concert in her honour.