‘Mother transferred house to my name asking to sell it in case of need’, Sugathakumari’s daughter Lakshmi Devi responds to controversy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Sugathakumari’s daughter Lakshmi Devi has responded to the controversy regarding the sale of late poet’s house ‘Varada’. “The house ‘Varada’ where my mother lived was built by my father. No individuals or organizations have approached me so far requesting to build a memorial”, she clarified.

Lakshmi Devi said that after the death of Sugathakumari, the house had been closed for the last two and a half years and it started decaying. She stated that as the sole heir of the mother, she had the right to sell the house.

“The path to enter ‘Varada’ was in front of Sugathakumari's sister's house. After the poet’s death, that road was closed by the heirs of the other property. ‘Varada’ was sold to those who assured that the house would not be destroyed and that the trees would not be cut.”, clarified Lakshmi Devi through her note.

Lakshmi Devi mentioned that after the sale of ‘Varada’, she faced several threats. She added that if the house itself wants to be turned into a memorial, then the house called ‘Abhaya’, built by grandfather Bodheswaran and grandmother Karthyayani, is a better option.

Lakshmi had told 'Kerala Kaumudi' the other day that people who were not concerned about her mother’s death are now making a fuss regarding the sale. Cultural Affairs Minister’s office has informed that minister V Sivankutty and Chief secretary VP Joy has been given the charge to acquire land for Smriti Vanam.

“There is no way for a car or any other vehicle to reach the house. I decided to sell the house as I was convinced that life will not move forward by staying in that house. I have kept my mother’s book, clothes and bed. I am willing to hand over them, to the Department of Cultural Affairs if an appropriate memorial comes up.”, she said. Lakshmi also said that her father and mother didn’t believe in material possessions.