Renowned Malayalam poet-activist Sugathakumari has passed away following Covid-19 complications. She was 86.

The Padma Shri awardee had been on ventilator support ever since she was admitted to the Medical College Hospital with severe pneumonia after testing positive for Covid-19.

Sugathakumari won numerous awards in her lifetime, including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi award, Kendra Sahitya Akademi award, Odakkuzhal award (1982) and Ezhuthachan award (2009).

Sugathakumar, whose first poem was published in 1957, was acclaimed for her works like 'Rathrimazha' (Night Rain), 'Ambalamani' (Temple Bell), 'Paavam Manavahridayam' (Poor Human Heart), Marathinu Sthuti (Hymn to a Tree) and 'Pathirapookal' (Midnight Flowers).