'Nilakyatha symphony', Leela Menon passes away

Veteran woman Journalist and Chief Editor of the Janmabhumi, Leela Menon (86), passed away at 8:30 pm on June 3rd. She was at the Signature Old age home in Kochi during her last moments. Leela Menon was one of the earliest women Journalists in Kerala. She was under treatment for cancer.

She was born on November 10, 1932, at Vengolla in Ernakulam district to Neelakantan Karthav and Thummarukutty Janakiyamma. She did her education at Vengola Primary School, Perumbavoor Boys High School and college at Naisam, Hyderabad.

Before becoming a Journalist, she worked as a clerk in a post office and also worked as a telegraphist. In 1978 she was working with the Indian Express where she started her journalism career.  

Subsequently, she worked as a Sub-Editor in the Delhi and Kochi editions of the Indian Express and later became the Kottayam Bureau Chief.

In 2000, she retired from the Indian Express while she was the Principal correspondent. In Outlook, The Hindu, Madhumam, and Malayalam she worked as a columnist.

Her autobiography is 'Nilakyatha symphony'. The book which was published in Malayalam is considered as a brave memoir detailing all the significant events in her life, from her childhood to marriage to journalism and finally her fight with cancer. 

Her body will be kept at Ernakulam Townhall from 10 am to 12 pm for the public to pay homage. Her funeral will be done at 1 pm today(June 4) at Ravipuram graveyard. 

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condoled the death of Leela Menon.

He also added that Leela is a woman journalist who tried to bring attention to the issues of violence and exploitation of the society.