Malayalam poet and writer Ashita has died at the age of 63 after a prolonged battle with cancer.
In a celebrated career, Ashita wrote 20 books, including poetry collections, translations and children's literature. Her best-known titles include Apoorna Viramangal, Vismaya Chhihnangal and Ashithayude Kathakal.
Ashita, who was born in Thrissur in 1956, won a series of prestigious literary awards, including the Padmarajan Award – Thathagatha (2000), Lalithambika Antharjanam Award (1994) and Edaserri Award (1986).
She is survived by her husband KV Ramankutty and daughter Uma Praseeda.
