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Eminent Malayalam writer Sukumar Azhikode passes away
Kochi, January 24, 2012
Sukumar Azhikode Photo: Kannan Shanmugham/Wikipedia Commons
Well-known Malayalam writer, critic and orator Sukumar Azhikode passed away at a private hospital in Thrissur this morning after a battle with bone cancer. He was 85.
Azhikode was admitted to the Amala Institute of Medical Sciences in Thrissur on December 7 and his condition had worsened in the past few days. The end came at 6.10 this morning, sources at the hospital told NetIndian.
Azhikode, who was a bachelor, had retired as pro-vice-chancellor of Calicut University in 1986. He was honoured with many awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award.
Azhikode took his B.Com. degree in 1946 and then took B.T. and Master of Arts in in Malayalam and Sanskrit. He went on to complete his doctorate in Malayalam.
After teaching stints at various colleges, he served as the principal of the S N M Training College at Moottakunnam and later as a professor at Calicut University. Following his retirement in 1986, he worked as Chief Editor in Varthamanam newspaper.
The writer's most famous work is Tatvamasi (1984), an authoritative book on Indian philosophy, Vedas and Upanishads. It won 12 awards, including the Central Sahitya Akademi Award and the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award.
Among his other well-known works are ''Asante Seetha Kavyam'', ''Ramananum Malayalakavithayum'', ''Vayanayude Swargattil'', 'Malayala Sahityavimarsanam'', ''Guruvinte Dukham'' and ''Aakasam Nashtapetunna India.''
In January 2007, he declined the Padma Shri award conferred on him the Union Government, saying that such honours were against the Constitution.
"The constitution says everyone should be treated as equal. Giving such honours at different levels, the state discriminates between people. I see the Padma Shri conferred on me as an opportunity to expose this discrimination," he had said at that time.
His body was taken later this morning to his home at Eravimangalam near Thrissur.
NNN
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