THRISSUR: Sukumar Azhikode, the legendary literary and social activist
of Kerala passed away on Tuesday morning. He was 85. Azhikkode was
admitted to the Amala hospital near here with symptoms of fast spreading
cancer
on December 10 last and he was on palliative treatment since then. His
condition had turned critical on Saturday night the end came around 6am.
Azhikode was a towering presence for about six decades in
Kerala's literary and social spheres through his interventions as a
powerful, erudite and charismatic orator and versatile writer. He had
remarkable command over Sanskrit, Malayalam, and English languages and
had deeply internalized the classical traditions of all the three
languages. He had acquired in depth knowledge of Indian philosophy,
ethics and mythology and had made extensive explorations into Western
philosophies, particularly into their humanistic sources. His scholarly
and inspiring orations had given him direct access to the masses at
levels which even the most popular politician of the state would envy
of. His incisive literary critical works occupy prime stature in
Kerala's literary lineage.
Azhikode's most famous work Tathvamasi (Malayalam) published in 1984, is an authoritative book on Indian Philosophy, Vedas and Upanishads. Thathvamasi has won twelve awards including the Central Sahithya Akademi Award, Kerala Sahithya Akademi Award and the Rajaji Award. He had won Ezhuthachan Puraskaram - the highest literary award instituted by the State Government in 2004.In Jan 2007, he refused to accept the Padma Shri conferred on him stating that Such honours are against the spirit of Constitution which insists on equality of all citizens and vehemently opposes any form of discrimination.
Azhikode who began his career as a teacher had later become the Pro Vice Chancellor of Calicut University. He was also the Chairman of the National Book Trust between 1993 and 1996.
The war of words between Malayalam film star Mohanlal and Azhikode had drawn attention even at the national level in the recent month. But curtains came down on this when both decided to patch up when Azhikode was in hospital bed.
Apart from Tatvamasi, the important works of Dr Sukumar Azhikode are Malayala sahitya patanangal, Vayanayude swargattil, Mahatmavinte margam, Aasante seetakavyam, Malayala sahityavimarsanam, Mahakavi ulloor, Pathakal Kazhchakal, Guruvinte dukham, and Azhikodinte prabhashanangal.
Azhikode who was moulded by the ethos Freedom Struggle and Gandhian values was a strong Congressman in his early days. But towards the end he was seen more close to the Left leaders. Numerous prominent personalities from various walks of life including Defence Minister A K Antony, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Leader of Opposition V S Achuthanandan, cine stars like Mamootty and Innocent, writers ONV Kurup and M T Vasudevan Nair and community leaders like Vellappilli Nateshan and Bishop Andrews Thanzhath had visited him at his hospital days earlier.
Azhikode was a towering presence for about six decades in
Kerala's literary and social spheres through his interventions as a
powerful, erudite and charismatic orator and versatile writer. He had
remarkable command over Sanskrit, Malayalam, and English languages and
had deeply internalized the classical traditions of all the three
languages. He had acquired in depth knowledge of Indian philosophy,
ethics and mythology and had made extensive explorations into Western
philosophies, particularly into their humanistic sources. His scholarly
and inspiring orations had given him direct access to the masses at
levels which even the most popular politician of the state would envy
of. His incisive literary critical works occupy prime stature in
Kerala's literary lineage. Azhikode's most famous work Tathvamasi (Malayalam) published in 1984, is an authoritative book on Indian Philosophy, Vedas and Upanishads. Thathvamasi has won twelve awards including the Central Sahithya Akademi Award, Kerala Sahithya Akademi Award and the Rajaji Award. He had won Ezhuthachan Puraskaram - the highest literary award instituted by the State Government in 2004.In Jan 2007, he refused to accept the Padma Shri conferred on him stating that Such honours are against the spirit of Constitution which insists on equality of all citizens and vehemently opposes any form of discrimination.
Azhikode who began his career as a teacher had later become the Pro Vice Chancellor of Calicut University. He was also the Chairman of the National Book Trust between 1993 and 1996.
The war of words between Malayalam film star Mohanlal and Azhikode had drawn attention even at the national level in the recent month. But curtains came down on this when both decided to patch up when Azhikode was in hospital bed.
Apart from Tatvamasi, the important works of Dr Sukumar Azhikode are Malayala sahitya patanangal, Vayanayude swargattil, Mahatmavinte margam, Aasante seetakavyam, Malayala sahityavimarsanam, Mahakavi ulloor, Pathakal Kazhchakal, Guruvinte dukham, and Azhikodinte prabhashanangal.
Azhikode who was moulded by the ethos Freedom Struggle and Gandhian values was a strong Congressman in his early days. But towards the end he was seen more close to the Left leaders. Numerous prominent personalities from various walks of life including Defence Minister A K Antony, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Leader of Opposition V S Achuthanandan, cine stars like Mamootty and Innocent, writers ONV Kurup and M T Vasudevan Nair and community leaders like Vellappilli Nateshan and Bishop Andrews Thanzhath had visited him at his hospital days earlier.
Courtesy - TOI
