Renowned writer and critic Dr M Leelavathi (98) has come under cyber attack over her remarks on the plight of children in Gaza. The trolling began after Leelavathi, fondly known as Leelavathi teacher, said she could not celebrate her birthday while children in Gaza were starving.

Several critics argued that children are being killed in other parts of the world as well, and accused the writer of remaining silent on those tragedies. At the same time, many others voiced support for her statement.

In response to the cyber attacks, the writer said, “I have come this far, facing criticisms from the beginning. I have no enmity towards people who are hating on me. Whether it is the kids in my country or in other countries, they are all children to me. I look at them with a mother’s eyes. There is no religion or caste in that. I have also never celebrated my birthdays. I don’t think ageing is something that needs to be celebrated; instead, I think it deserves condolences,” she said.