Kerala Governor H R Bhardwaj, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, leaders of various political parties and writers and artists paid glowing tributes to eminent writer and scholar Dr Sukumar Azhikode, who passed away today.
In a message, the Governor said Azhikode's departure will be an irreparable loss to Malayalam literature.
"His magnum opus <i>Tatvamasi</I>, a philosophical work of the highest order and other titles, I am told, have earned him wide acclaim", Bhardwaj said.
Chandy said Kerala lost a multi-faceted personality and powerful voice at the death of Azhikode.
Azhikode had left a deep impression in cultural and social domians as writer, literary critic, teacher, academic and journalist and his contributions would be remembered for ever, Chandy said.
Expressing deep sorrow at the death of Azhikode, CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat said that apart from being an iullustrious writer, he had also left an indelible mark as a social critic and intellectual belonging to the Left and his progressive vision would always inspire the people.
Former Chief Minister and Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan said Azhikode was an institution rather than an individual. "His life was a ceaseless battle against injustices and social evils," he said.