THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:The late Sukumar Azhikode was a ‘unique orator’ and he was indeed the ‘guru’ of Kerala, said PSC chairman K S Radhakrishnan.
He was delivering the inaugural address of the 89th birth anniversary celebrations organised by Azhikode Trust held at Press Cub hall on Tuesday.
“Azhikode who pioneered renaissance in Malayalam literary criticism had inspired many especially people living in rural parts of the state. Most of his audiences comprised common people rather than intellectuals and they stood to gain from his speeches,” Radhakrishnan said.
He said that Azhikode had opposed modern style of poetry. “Azhikode used to counter criticisms with constructive criticisms rather than involve in verbal duels,’’ Radhakrishnan said.
Senior CPI leader Panniyan Ravindran said that Azhikode had a great fan following. “If he was designated as a key speaker in a public function, there will always be a packed audience. His oratorical skills were unparalleled. Moreover, his straightforwardness and trait of outspokenness were well received,’’ he said.
After the function, a book named ‘Thathwamasi Prabhashanangal’ comprising four public speeches of Azhikode, was released by poet Prabha Varma by handing over a copy to K S Radhakrishnan.
Prabha Varma, Paul Manalil, secretary of Sukumar Azhikode Trust, and Jose Parakkadavil also spoke at the function.