Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan presented literary critic M. Leelavathi’s latest book, Bharathalokam, at her residence in Thrikkakara, Kochi, on Wednesday.
He expressed pride in releasing the work and praised the 98-year-old author for providing her own interpretation of characters and episodes from the Mahabharata.
Satheesan recalled reading her writings since his student days and noted the rarity of such critical studies of the epic. He mentioned earlier works by critics Kuttikrishna Marar and P.K. Balakrishnan but said Leelavathi’s book stands apart due to its extensive research.
Leelavathi stated that the Mahabharata delivers a strong message against war. She recalled Vedavyasa’s unheeded warning and observed that calls to end conflict still go unheard. She added that women and children, who have no role in wars, suffer the consequences, as conflict destroys everything.
The book was handed to literary critic N.E. Sudheer. Fisheries Minister V.E. Abdul Gafoor, MLA Uma Thomas, and Kalamassery municipality chairperson Jamal Manakkadan attended the event.
