Sugathakumari is a poet and activist, who has been at the forefront of environmental and feminist movements in Kerala. She played a big role in the Save Silent Valley protest. She formed Abhayagrama, aka Abhayagramam, a home for destitute women (Athani) and a day-care centre for the mentally ill. She was the former chairperson of the Kerala State Women's Commission. She was awarded Padmashri in 2006 and has received the Ezthuthachan award, Vayalar Award, Kerala and Kendra Sahitya Akademi Awards.