A powerful voice in Kolaya gatherings

KOZHIKODE: An outstanding literary critic and academic, Azhikode was a familiar face with ‘Kolaya’, a prominent cultural collective in Kozhikode that existed in the 1960s and 70s. Novelist P C Kuttikrishnan (Uroob), poet R Ramachandran, novelist N P Mohammed, journalist Venugopala Kurup, poet N N Kakkad, artist M V Devan and historian M G S Narayanan were also connected with this collective.“Though it was only an informal organisation, the meetings were often held at the residence of one of the members or hotel rooms in the city. Azhikode attended the meetings and echoed his views on all matters under the sun,” recalled MGS.A quintessential critic in speech and writing, he had been a powerful voice at the gatherings.At that time, Mathrubhumi and All India Radio (AIR) were the two centres of cultural thoughts in the city. N V Krishna Warrier, M T Vasudevan Nair and Venugopala Kurup were the eminent literary figures with Mathrubhumi while Thikodiyan, Uroob, Akkitham and K A Kodungalloor were associated with the AIR. All of them actively participated in the meetings held in the evenings which often continued till late at night.“Though there was an unwritten agreement among the members that the discussions in the ‘Kolaya’ forum should not be published, two-three volumes were later published in the name ‘Kolaya Pusthakangal’ by Poorna Publications,” said MGS.At that time there was no unhealthy competition for awards or disagreements among literery men. Azhikode maintained a good relationship with the family members and often visited the houses of the ‘Kolaya’ colleagues also.“Early 1970’s was a period of progressive literature and the writers had different opinions about this movement. But none of these differences was voiced openly. Azhikode was a man who boldly expressed his views and concerns on a wide range of topics including literary thoughts, Sanskrit and politics to the common people in an easily understandable and humorous way,” added MGS.