Hundreds of people, her colleagues and readers bid adieu to eminent Malayalm writer P.K. Ashitha who died in the early hours of Wednesday.
The writer, who had been fighting cancer for some years, died at a private hospital here. She was 63. Her body was cremated at Paramekkavu Shanthighat by noon.
Known for her brutally open writings on inner feelings and struggles of women, Ashita was recipient of several awards, including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, Lalithambika Antharjanam Award, and Padmarajan Award.
In her simple but strong style, Ashitha touched the hearts of hundreds of readers.
She created her niche through a unique style and portrayed the pains and fears of women.
The versatile author of more than 20 books wrote short stories, poems and children’s books. She also translated many famous works.
During an interview with a Malayalam magazine recently she revealed the opposition and even brutal punishment she had to undergo from her dear ones to pursue her writings.
Condoling her death, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote on Facebook that “Ashitha used her stories for creating gender equality. Her stories reflected the strength of resistance. She protested against gender violence through her stories. Ashitha, who trekked the off-beaten path, took her readers through a difference experience. Her death created a void in the literary world.”
Born at Pazhyannur in Thrissur district on April 5, 1956, she completed her school education in Delhi and Mumbai. She took her postgraduation in English literature from Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam. She is survived by husband Ramankutty and daughter Uma.
Her famous works included Vismaya Chihnangal , Apoorna Viramangal , Óru Sthreeyum Parayathathu , Áshithayude Kadhakal, Mazha Meghangal , Vivaham Oru Sthreeyodu Cheyyunnathu , Ramayanam Kuttikalkku , and Guruvayuinte Vazhi .
