Former Vice-Chancellor of Thunchathezhuthachan Malayalam University K. Jayakumar called upon the public to take up the mantle left behind by Sukumar Azhikode and build up the courage to oppose falsehood.
Opening the year-long birth centenary celebrations of the late writer, critic, and orator organised under the aegis of Ramashramam Trust and Vagbhatananda Trust here on Monday (May 12), he highlighted the relevance of Azhikode in contemporary society against the backdrop of falsehood being propagated on social media and otherwise. “Had Azhikode been alive, he would have shouted aloud that it was all wrong,” he said, recalling that Azhikode always stood on the side of justice.
“Had Narayana Guru, Vagbhatananda Guru, and Mahatma Gandhi together raised a son, he would have been Azhikode,” Mr. Jayakumar said, highlighting the influence of the three stalwarts on Azhikode’s life. He pointed out that Azhikode was noted for his courage to speak out the truth, battle-readiness against untruth, sense of humour, innocence, a spirituality beyond religion, and his humanity.
Presiding over the function, writer M. Mukundan said Azhikode was timeless. “There are a lot of people who talk for political parties or religion, but rarely anyone to talk for the common man. Azhikode was the voice of the common man, and hence we felt orphaned after his demise,” Mr. Mukundan said.
Published – May 12, 2025 07:37 pm IST
