Leena was born in Edathua, a small village near Kuttanadu in Kerala, India and
spent most of her adult life and career in Minnesota, USA.
Raised amidst the lush greenery and vibrant traditions of God’s Own Country,
Leena draws inspiration from Kerala’s rich heritage, folklore, and natural beauty.
At the same time, she also had the opportunity to imbibe the cosmopolitan and
inclusive nature of her adopted Twin Cities community which guided some of her
unique perspective and hopes for a balanced view of the global society that we
live in. Leena’s writing embodies a distinct narrative voice and a deep
understanding of the socio-cultural fabric of Kerala while exploring themes of
identity, community, and the human connection to nature.
She was a food connoisseur and avid gardener. She was talented and creative,
passionate about meeting people and helped organize several successful
cultural and charity events within the local community where she lived. She was
progressive and radical in her thoughts and beliefs. She lived her life with
kindness and compassion and helped many along the way.
She always had an affinity for water and its ecosystems, whether it be the Pamba
River, which coursed through the banks of her ancestral home, or the Mississippi
River, which originates in Minnesota, where she spent most of her adult life. This
love of nature along with her belief in the inherent goodness of human nature is
vividly encapsulated in her first novella, Asclepieion, a tale of strength and
perseverance which embodies the hope, promises and vibrancy of life.
Leena passed away in 2024.