Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday presented the Priyadarshini Literary Award to eminent writer, educationist and literary critic M. Leelavathy, paying homage to a towering intellectual figure whose life and work have shaped generations of readers and scholars in Kerala and beyond. At 98 years of age, Leelavathy remains a powerful voice for secularism, critical thinking and moral courage, using the occasion not merely as a moment of personal recognition but as an opportunity to reflect on the values she believes must guide India’s future.

The award ceremony became a meeting point of literature and politics, of experience and contemporary challenges, as Gandhi and Leelavathy spoke candidly about silence, dissent, and the responsibility of citizens and leaders in a democracy. Rahul Gandhi described Leelavathy as an icon not only for Kerala but for the entire country, noting that her intellectual discipline and independence were rare qualities that deserved national recognition.

“It is truly inspiring that she wakes up at three in the morning and continues to read and write even at this age,” Gandhi said, drawing admiration from the audience. He described her routine as a testament to lifelong curiosity and commitment to learning, qualities that, he said, were essential for a healthy and questioning society.

M. Leelavathy, born in Guruvayur, has been a central figure in Malayalam literary criticism and education for decades. Over the course of her long career, she has authored influential works, mentored students and contributed to debates on literature, culture and social values. Her achievements have been recognised through numerous honours, including the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award. She currently resides in Thrikkakara in Ernakulam district, continuing to read, write and engage with ideas well into her late nineties.

Rahul Gandhi said he was particularly struck by Leelavathy’s observations on what she described as the “culture of silence” in contemporary India. Reflecting on her remarks, he said silence in the face of injustice was not a sign of restraint or neutrality, but a form of cowardice.

“Across the country, we see people who think something and believe something, but do not have the courage to say it,” he said. “Great nations are not built on silence. They are built on people expressing their opinions, questioning authority and speaking their minds.”

Expanding on this theme, Gandhi argued that the culture of silence often stems from self-interest and fear. He warned that when people prioritise personal comfort over collective responsibility, society begins to erode from within.

“It becomes a mindset where people say, ‘As long as I get what I need, everything is fine,’” he said. “They may watch others being humiliated, attacked or even killed, but choose to remain quiet because they feel safe themselves. That is the real danger of silence.”

According to Gandhi, such indifference weakens democratic institutions and moral values, allowing injustice to become normalised. He said voices like Leelavathy’s were vital reminders that speaking out was not optional but essential for preserving the soul of a nation.

Rahul Gandhi also spoke about Leelavathy’s personal qualities, describing her as simple, humble and fiercely self-reliant. “Like many great personalities, she is extremely unassuming,” he said. “I could see the spirit of Kerala in her. She does everything on her own and does not need anyone’s help. That independence of mind and action is remarkable.”

For Gandhi, Leelavathy represented a tradition of intellectual honesty that transcended political affiliations. He said her life demonstrated how scholarship and courage could coexist, and how age need not dull one’s engagement with the world.

Accepting the Priyadarshini Literary Award, M. Leelavathy thanked Rahul Gandhi for the honour and spoke with clarity and conviction about the principles she has upheld throughout her life. Central to her address was the importance of secularism, which she described as the foundation of India’s unity and diversity.

She recalled former prime minister Indira Gandhi with admiration, describing her as a leader of exceptional courage and strong personality. According to Leelavathy, Indira Gandhi’s willingness to take difficult decisions and stand by them left a lasting impression on the country and on her personally.

“She had courage and strength at a time when leadership demanded it,” Leelavathy said, reflecting on Indira Gandhi’s legacy. She also spoke about former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, remembering him as a leader with a vision for a modern and inclusive India.

Leelavathy said she saw many of Rajiv Gandhi’s qualities reflected in Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. In her view, their approach to public life carried forward the values of empathy, openness and commitment to democratic ideals that she associated with Rajiv Gandhi.

She expressed particular happiness that both Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi had represented the Wayanad constituency in Kerala at different times. For her, this connection symbolised a bond between Kerala and the Gandhi family that went beyond electoral politics.

“I see India safe in the hands of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi,” she said, expressing faith in their leadership and the values they represented. Her remarks drew applause and underscored the respect she commanded as a public intellectual whose opinions carried moral weight.

In a gesture consistent with her lifelong commitment to public causes, Leelavathy announced that she would donate the prize money associated with the award to the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation. The decision reflected her belief that recognition should ultimately serve a larger social purpose rather than remain a personal gain.

The ceremony, while centred on an award, evolved into a broader reflection on the relationship between literature, conscience and public life. It highlighted how writers and critics play a crucial role in questioning power, challenging complacency and preserving ethical values in society.

For many in attendance, the event was also a rare intergenerational moment. A 98-year-old scholar who has witnessed India’s journey from colonial rule through independence and into the present day shared the stage with a contemporary political leader grappling with the challenges of modern democracy. Their exchange brought together memory and aspiration, experience and urgency.

In honouring M. Leelavathy, the Priyadarshini Literary Award ceremony reaffirmed the enduring relevance of intellectual courage and moral clarity. It served as a reminder that silence, comfort and indifference can never substitute for truth, dissent and engagement. Through her life and words, Leelavathy once again demonstrated that literature is not merely an artistic pursuit, but a vital force in shaping society and safeguarding democratic values.