Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan released literary critic M. Leelavathi’s new work Bharathalokam at her residence in Thrikkakara, Kochi, on Wednesday.

Stating that he is proud to have released the book, Mr. Satheesan praised her for presenting her own interpretation of the characters and moments in the Mahabharata at the age of 98.

“I am lucky to have released the book after having read her various works from my student days. Though there have been numerous works based on the Mahabharata in various languages, a work like this that takes a critical look at the characters and episodes in the epic is rare. Critics like Kuttikrishna Marar and P.K. Balakrishnan had penned such books. But Leelvathi teacher’s work is different. She has carried out extensive research for her new book,” he said in a communication.

Ms. Leelavathi said that the Mahabharata intended to convey a strong message against war. She recalled how Vedavyasa had stated that he cried out with his arms raised, though no one listened to him. “That feeling of nobody listening to the call for an end to war still remains. Women and children, who are never connected to wars, are forced to bear the brunt of it. War destroys everything,” she was quoted as saying in the release.

The Chief Minister released the book by handing over a copy to literary critic N.E. Sudheer. Minister for Fisheries V.E. Abdul Gafoor, Uma Thomas, MLA, and Jamal Manakkadan, chairperson of Kalamassery municipality, were present.