Dr Sukumar Azhikode ,the famous malayalam orator, critic and writer passed away at 6.33 am on Tuesday ( 24th Jan, 2012 ). Dr Azhikkode was admitted to Thrissur Amala hospital with symptoms of cancer. His condition had turned critical from Saturday night and death occured on Tuesday morning at 6:33 AM. He was a bachelor and 85 Year old. He recived several literary honours including the Kendra Sahithya Akademi Award, Kerala Sahithya Akademi Award and the Rajaji Award. He was a true Gandian through out his life who boldly expressed his views and concerns on various issues like social, political and cultural evils happening. He was a strong Congressman in his early days. But towards the end he was seen more close to the Left leaders.
He was born on 1926 in Azhikode village in Kannur district , he graduated in commerce and later did Masters in Malayalam literature. He taught literature in different colleges before joining as head in the Malayalam Department of Calicut University.
Prof. Azhikode was serving as pro-vice chancellor of Calicut University whe he retired.He was an expert in Sanskrit and classical literature and also in Western philosophy and literature. He was writing columns and articles in newspapers and magazines.
His well known literary works are Tatvamasi,Asante Seetha Kavyam,Malayala sahitya patanangal, Vayanayude swargattil, Mahatmavinte margam, Malayala sahityavimarsanam, Mahakavi ulloor, Pathakal Kazhchakal, Guruvinte dukham, and Azhikodinte prabhashanangal.
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.