Dr Sukumar Azhikode ,the legendary literary and social activist of Kerala, malayalam orator,  Malayalam critic and writer passed away at the Thrissur Amala Hospital at 6.33 am Tuesday ( 24th Jan, 2012 ).Dr Azhikkode was admitted to hospital with symptoms of fast spreading cancer and he was on palliative treatment since then. His condition had turned critical on Saturday night.

He was 85 Year old. He was a recipient of several literary honours including the Kendra Sahitya Academy award. He was a true Gandian till the end of his life, He never hesitated in boldly expressing his views and concerns on various issues like social, political and cultural evils that was happening in day to day life. 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 in Azhikode village in Kannur district in 1926, 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.

A.K Antony Visits Dr Azhikode

He was 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 works are :
"Tatvamasi" - an intellectual exploration of the eternal wisdom of the Vedas and Upanishads
"Asante Seetha Kavyam" - a detailed textual study of poet Kumaran Asan's "Chinthavishtayaya Seetha"

Other works are 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(Kendra) 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.