Noted poet Dr M Leelavathy composes song for Priyanka Gandhi; calls her 'Kerala's adopted daughter'

Kochi: Dr M. Leelavathy, well-known Malayalam poet and teacher, has penned a tribute song for Priyanka Gandhi, who is contesting in the Wayanad constituency. In the song, Dr Leelavathy describes Priyanka as "Bharathathin Veeraputhri" (the brave daughter of India) and “Keralathin Dathuputhi” (Kerala's adopted daughter). She wishes Priyanka success in the upcoming election, hoping that she will become a "Janakshemadathri" (protector of the people) and a "Dhathri" (guardian) for orphans.

Dr. Leelavathy, who celebrated her 97th birthday last September, wrote the 16-line song in just five minutes. The poem, written in the traditional ‘Vanchipattu’ (traditional Malayalam songs sung during boat races) style, was handed over to MLA Uma Thomas.

"Though there is no direct relationship, I feel a strong connection to that family. No other family has sacrificed so much for the country. Two martyrs... In the book I wrote about Indira Gandhi, I also mention Rahul and Priyanka," said Dr Leelavathy.

When Uma Thomas asked Dr Leelavathy if she could sing a couple of lines from the song, the poet humbly responded that she doesn't sing, but to everyone's surprise, she sang two lines herself. 

The song’s audio was officially released at Dr Leelavathy’s residence in Kochi's Thrikkakara.

Wayanad, a traditional Congress bastion, will witness a contest between Priyanka Gandhi of the Congress, Navya Haridas from the BJP, and Sathyan Mokeri of the Left Front in the upcoming bypolls. The election was triggered after Rahul Gandhi vacated the seat, opting to hold on to Rae Bareli following his dual victories in both constituencies during the general elections earlier this year.

The by-election for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat is set to take place on November 20.