Kochi: After facing cyberattacks over her remarks empathising with children in Gaza, Professor M Leelavathy clarified that her words were born from deep human concern, not political intent. “Children are just children—seen through a mother’s eyes,” she later said, reiterating that her compassion transcends caste, religion or nationality.

“Let those who oppose do so freely. I hold no hostility towards them. My life has always faced opposition head-on from the very beginning,” she told Mathrubhumi.

The attacks were triggered by a question she raised on her 98th birthday: “How does one swallow food after seeing the children in Gaza?”

She clarified that her comments stemmed from compassion, not political allegiance. “Children—regardless of their country, caste, or religion—are all the same to me. I’ve said this before. There’s no specific political ideology behind it.”

Recalling a past instance, she added, “During Onam in 2019, I had only kanji (rice gruel). There was no one else around. Why? Because there was a news report about children in Wayanad going hungry. Whether they’re children from my own land or elsewhere, to me, children are just children. I see them through the eyes of a mother. There’s no context of religion, caste or colour in that.”

“Let those who oppose do so freely. I have no objection,” Leelavathy reiterated.