Eminent Malayalam poet and social activist Sugathakumari passed away on Wednesday owing to complications related to COVID-19. Known fondly in Kerala as Sugathakumari 'teacher,' the 86-year old was a leading champion of the feminist, environmental, and human rights causes in southern India. The former chairperson of the Kerala State Women’s Commission, Sugathakumari was also the founder secretary of the environmental Prakrithi Samrakshana Samithi organisation and of Abhaya, a care centre for women and those with mental health issues.