Kochi: “Words are sparks. Like a mantra, words can be used... Just as fire can burn, words too can cause destruction.” The person who wrote these words about the Gen Z protest at Jantar Mantar is now 99. Dr M. Leelavathy, who wrote the article titled ‘Words of Fire’ last week, turns 100 on Wednesday. Even on the eve of her 99th birthday, the veteran Malayalam writer continues to take up her pen.

Even as she enters her 100th year on Wednesday, there is no change in Dr Leelavathy’s world of writing. The light in her room still comes on at 4 a.m. as usual. She continues her routine of waking up early, taking a bath and sitting down to write. She is entering her 100th year with the satisfaction of having completed two books.

One of them, Aagolajaathiyam, contains her observations on the caste system in Kerala and around the world. She has also completed Mary Arundhatiyam, a work about Arundhati Roy’s book Mother Mary Comes to Me.

Asked about entering her 100th year on Wednesday, Leelavathy’s response, as usual, was brief and measured: “What should I say? A long life is often a great curse. I don’t see any particular significance in turning 100. I want to return as soon as possible without becoming a burden on the earth...”

According to the Malayalam calendar, Leelavathy Teacher was born under the Bharani star in the month of Chingam.

When asked whether there would be celebrations as she enters her 100th year according to the Gregorian calendar, her reply came quickly: “Is there really so much to celebrate about a birthday? There is still more to write. I want to continue doing that until my life comes to an end.”

Dr M. Leelavathy