He became a part of Thrissur with his presence at every social or cultural debate in the district, often referred to as the state’s cultural capital.
Azhikode had made Thrissur his home since his retirement in 1986. His friends, G. Kumara Pillai, Pavanan and R.M. Manakkalath persuaded him to settle down there and he willingly agreed.
Initially he stayed in Viyyur, but later moved to Iravimangalam near the city and became a noteable presence at the meetings held at the Vidhyarthi Corner, the Sahitya Akademi or the Sangeetha Akademi, holding forth at length on any subject, be it philosophy or the Vedas or Gandhian thoughts.
His voice was heard and acknowledged, causing apprehension among those who wanted to be insulated from his sharp comments.
But whenever there was a social issue, Azhikode was the one everyone went to. He was forthright and candid and often in the spotlight.
The waste at Laloor in the city had captured his interest and he spent considerable time trying to find ways of dealing with it .
