While still a seminarian, however, he launched a front in 1951 to fight the Communist Party of India that was then making inroads in Kerala.
When the Vimochana Samaram, an agitation against the first Communist ministry broke out in 1958, Vadakkan played a leading role.
He had also started other publications such as "Malayorasabdam" (voice from hills), "The Kerala Tempest" – to highlight the plight of farmers and workers.
In 1971, Father Vadakkan defied his bishop and conducted a public Holy Mass in Thekkinkadu Maidan, in Thrissur, which led to controversy.
A large number of farmers and Church leaders, led by Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil, and Archbishop Jacob Thoomkuzhy of Trichur, attended Father Vadakkan's funeral service on 30 December 2002.