Tue Jul 01 14:07:50 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Writer Kalpetta Narayanan delivered a commemoration lecture for Sukumar Azhikode, comparing his speaking style to cricketer V.V.S. Laxman’s batting – starting slowly but building into captivating eloquence. Narayanan emphasized Azhikode’s powerful voice, courage in speaking for democracy, and his unique style influenced by Kumaran Asan. Two anthologies of Azhikode’s speeches were also released at the event.
**News Article:**
**Writer Compares Sukumar Azhikode’s Oratory to V.V.S. Laxman’s Batting**
**KOZHIKODE, July 1, 2025** – In a tribute to the late Sukumar Azhikode, writer Kalpetta Narayanan likened the celebrated orator’s speaking style to the elegant batting of cricketer V.V.S. Laxman. Narayanan made the comparison while delivering the Sukumar Azhikode commemoration lecture at the Chavara Cultural Centre as part of Azhikode’s birth centenary observation.
“He [Azhikode] often had a slow start, gradually building his thought process,” Narayanan explained, “but soon, his beautiful words would captivate us, leaving us in awe.”
Narayanan also highlighted Azhikode’s courage in speaking out for democracy, stating, “He spoke unpleasant truths, but his audiences would say, ‘You said it.’” He further noted that Azhikode’s unique style was inspired by the vocabulary of Kumaran Asan.
The event also saw the release of two anthologies of Azhikode’s speeches, titled “Nammil Avatharikkenda Gandhiji” and “Vargeeyathayum Lahari Samskaravum.”
Sukumar Azhikode Trust secretary Paul Manalil presided over the event, which was also attended by Chavara Cultural Centre director Father John Mannarathara and Secretary K.F. George.
First Piper 