Writer Kalpetta Narayanan has said that the speeches of Sukumar Azhikode are like the batting of cricketer V.V.S. Laxman. Delivering the Sukumar Azhikode commemoration lecture as part of his birth centenary observation at Chavara Cultural Centre here on Tuesday (July 1), he said, “He [Azhikode] always has some starting trouble, and his thought process builds up slowly. But after some time, we are mesmerised by his beautiful words and keep wondering where they came from.”
Mr. Narayanan said that it was too difficult not to be like Sukumar Azhikode, whom he looked up to, during his growing-up years. “But then, he was too difficult to imitate as well due to his unique style,” he said, recalling Azhikode’s voice. “At a time when every singer wanted to be [K.J.] Yesudas, anyone with the slightest oratorical skills wanted to be Azhikode as well. Such was the power and beauty of his voice,” Mr. Narayanan added.
Azhikode always spoke out for democracy and did not fear anyone. He spoke unpleasant truths, but his audiences would say, ‘You said it.’ Though brought up in Kannur, Azhikode did not follow the native dialect. Instead, he followed the vocabulary of Kumaran Asan, Mr. Narayanan said.
He also released two anthologies of speeches by Azhikode titled Nammil Avatharikkenda Gandhiji and Vargeeyathayum Lahari Samskaravum.
Sukumar Azhikode Trust secretary Paul Manalil presided over the event. Chavara Cultural Centre director Father John Mannarathara and Secretary K.F. George were present.
Published – July 01, 2025 07:37 pm IST
