Eminent Malayalam writer Sukumar Azhikode, who dominated Kerala's cultural scene as a literary critic, orator, academic and journalist for over five decades, died at a private hospital in Thrissur today.Kendra Sahitya Akademi award winner Azikode was a powerful voice in the intellectual discourse in Kerala.An outstanding academic and teacher, Azhikode had served as chairman of the National Book Trust (NBT) and as member ofthe executive councils of Kerala and Kendra Sahitya academy.