RADHAKRISHNAN.C. Born on February 15, 1939. Father: Madhavan Nair.PM. Mother: Janaky Amma.C. C.Radhakrishnan is an illustrious novelist, well-known scientist, eminent journalist and a publisher. He completed his education from the Guruvayoorappan College at Kozhikode and Victoria College at Palakkad. After obtaining M.Sc. in Physics, he joined as a Scientific Assistant in the Meteorological Observatory at Kodaikkanal. Later he became the Director of Seismology Centre at Pune. He was the editor of Science Today, Assistant Editor of Link and Patriot, editor of Bhashaposhini. He served as a member in the Film Award Committee constituted by the Government of Kerala and in the Director Board of Kerala State Film Development Corporation. Radhakrishnan has written 38 novels, 9 collections of short stories, 4 dramas and 2 collections of poems, so far. He established a publishing company also. Agni, Amritham, Brihatharanyakam, Ellam Maykkuna Kadal,Iniyoru Nirakanchiri, Ivide Ellavarkum Sukham, Kaivazhikal, Kalikalavasthakal,Kalippattangal, Kanalthullikal, Kangalikal, Karal Pilarum Kalam, Kurekkoodi,  Madangivarathavar, Maranashiksha, Marichika, Munpe Parakkuna Pakshikal, Nizhalppadukal, Oodum Pavum, Ottayadippathakal, Pin Nilavu, Poojyam, Pullippulikalum Vellinakshathrangalum, Puzha Muthal Puzha Vare, Spandhamapinikale Nandi, Theekadal Kadanhu Thirumadhuram, Ullil Ullathu, Ulppirivukal,  Verpadukalude Viralpadugal, Verukal Padarunna Vazhikal, Veshangal, Yudham are some of his novels. Aakashathil Oru Vidavu, Avilpothi, Kudiyozhikkal,   Ghoshayathra,  Karadi,Thachanar Therenjedutha Cherukathakal,Unarum Vare, are his collection of short stories. Dweepu , Ithikkannikal, Nayattu, Valiya Lokangal are his dramas. Otayan Alarunnu, Sdarshanam are his poems.

RAGHAVAN PILLAI, IDAPPALLI. Born in 1908. Idappalli Raghavan Pillai was a great poet who created one and only form of verse in simple and beautiful Dravidian style. His poems rise strong criticism against the injustice and hypocrisy that prevailing in the society. He transformed his painful experiences agony as his poems. Wonderful expression of romanticism can be found in his poems. Edapalli belonged to a poor family. He was unlucky in love. He committed suicide on account of the failure of his love at the age of 27 years. His important works are Thushaarahaaram, Navasaurabham, Hridayasmitham, Maninaadam, Idappalli Raghavan Pillayude Kritikal.

RAJA KESAVADAS Raja Kesavadas (Kesava Pillai) was born in 919 (ME).  Kesava Pillai and his mother were put to a very poor situation to the non-returning of his father who went on pilgrimage. Knowing his abilities in mathematics, Puthukkada Chettiyar, a wealthy merchant, appointed Kesava Pillai as his accountant. Later he was appointed as the accountant of Pokku Moosa, a leading merchant and exporter.  The Maharaja of Travancore came to understand the abilities of Kesava Pillai and appointed him in the palace. Kesava Pillai was given promotion as Rayasam Pillai and then to Sambrathy.  When Tippu Sultan of Mysore attached Travancore, Kesava Pillai was the commandant of the state army.  Travancore army fought against the Mysore force under the leadership of Kesava Pillai and Tippu forced to retreat.  Recognising his victory over the Mysore, the Karthika Thirunal Maharaja of Travancore appointed Kesava Pillai as Diwan of Travancore.  Then he was known as Raja Kesavadas.  Raja Kesavadas was an efficient administrator and an able diplomat. It was he who laid strong foundation to the political ties with the British Government.  He introduced several developmental programmes in the field of irrigation, industry, transportation, etc.  He developed seaports of Travancore at Kolachal, Vizhinjam and Alappuzha. Sri. Balaramavarma, the successor of Karthika Thirunal Maharaja, sentenced to keep Raja Kesavadas under house arrest succumbed to the inducement of one of his ministers, who was maintaining envy with Kesavadas. Raja Kesavadas was found dead in his prison unexpectedly.  It is widely believed that his enemies within the court poisoned him to death.

RAJAGOPAL O. Born on September 20, 1929. Father: O.Madhavan Nair. Mother: O.Kunhikavamma. Sri.Rajagopal is a fighter for the cause of Kerala for all times.  He is a national leader who evaluated issues beyond narrow limits of politics.  He is one of the national leaders of Bharathiya Janatha Party (BJP). Being a staunch supporter of Deen Dayal Upadhya , he joined Jan Sangh party in 1956.  Later he was elected as the Secretary and then President of the Jan Sangh. When Jan Sangh party merged with Janatha Party, he became the General Secretary of the state unit. He was the Minister for Railways and later Minister for Urban Development of the Government of India in the Atal Bihary Vajpay’s ministry.

RAJALEKSHMY Born in 1931. Rajalekshmy was a blessed writer who contributed much to the short story and novel fields. Her stories reflected the miseries and despairs experienced by women of the society.  She won award of Sahithya Academy for her very first novel, Oru vazhiyum kure nizhalukalum. Njanenna Bhavam is her another famous novel. Her last days were really painful.  She committed suicide on 18 January 1965.

RAJMOHAN G. Father:V.Gangadharan. Mother:Thankamma. G.Rajmohan is the Chairman of the Kerala State Pollution Control Broad. After completing higher studies in Mechanical Engineering and training in Quality and Reliability Project Management he joined Hindustan Latex. Finally he became Managing Director and continued to hold office till January 2005. He is a fellow in the Institute of Engineers and All India Management Association and is also a member in various other professional Bodies. He won the Management Leadership Award, M.K.K. Nayar Memorial Management Leadership Award, Sevana Ratna Award of Indian Red Cross Society etc. He is active in the socio-cultural activities of the capital city of Kerala.

RAJASEKHARAN NAIR. Born in November 1955. Father: P.Gopinathan Nair. Mother: K.Seethamma. Professor Rajasekharan Nair is an eminent teacher, orator and an efficient organiser. On completion of his Masters’ degree programme in Law, he started his career as a teacher in the Government Law College. He was an enthusiastic campaigner of the Kerala Students Union (KSU), the student wing of the Indian National Congress. Later he joined Democratic Students Union and served as its State President and General Secretary of the National Democratic Youth Federation. He is the member of Board of Studies (Law Faculty) of the University of Kerala.  Prof. Rajasekharan Nair is also a member of Kerala State Law Board, the President of State Consumer Protection Council and President of G.P.Pillai Foundation. He was appointed as Special Devaswom Commissioner of Cochin Devaswom Board, Thrissur and continued in office till 2006.  He is one of the Executive Committee Members of Nairs Academy of Information, Research & Services (N.A.I.R.S.) and actively participating in the socio-cultural activities of Thiruvananthapuram.

RAMACHANDRAN M.G. (MGR) Born on 17 January 1917. Father: Marathur Gopala Menon.  Mother: Sathyabhama. M.G.Ramachandran popularly known as MGR was the most popular Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and Cine Artist. He was the hero of people of Tamil Nadu. He was known as Ezhai Thozhan  (Friend of Poor). He acted heroic roles in films, especially Tamil films, and donated money derived from acting for charity purpose. He associated with Dravida Munnetta Kazhakom (DMK), a dominant political party but later he was expelled from the party. Then he formed a new political organization viz., Anna Dravida Munnetta Kazhakom (ADMK). He led ADMK as a ruling party in Tamil Nadu and he became the Chief Minister of the State.  He proved to be the ablest Chief Minister who ruled the state honestly, sincerely and above all corruption-free. The Government of India awarded him Bharata Ratna. He died on 3 December 1987.

RAMACHANDRAN NAIR, G., PATTOM Born in 1939. Father: K.M.Govinda Pillai. Mother: J.Pankajakshy Amma. Pattom Ramachandran Nair is a renowned historian and well-known literature, who has been actively engaged in the literary field for the past four decades. He is the author of Nair Samudayathinte Ithihasam, an authoritative reference book about the Nair community of Kerala. He is the founding President of Nairs Academy of Information Research & Services (N.A.I.R.S.). He is one among the founding Directors of Navadhara Publishing Society.  He was a member of the Advisory Committee of the Cultural Publications of the Government of Kerala.  He won several awards for his outstanding works including Vallathol Sahithya Samithy award. His important works are Nair Samudayathinte Ithihasam, Thiruvanthapurathinte Ithihasam, Asan-Ulloor-Vallathol, Paul-Marar-Mundassery, Pattom Muthal Nayanar Vare etc.

RAMACHANDRAN A. Born in 1935. Father: P.Achuthan Nair. Mother: Bhargavi Amma. Sri.A.Ramachandran is a famous visual artist having inborn abilities in drawing.  He is a product of Shanthiniketan.  He visualized how traditional Indian art and painting technology can be modernized.  He was the Chairman of Lalithakla Academy.  The Government of India awarded him Padmabhushan in 2005.

RAMACHANDRAN  G.Dr. Born on October 7, 1904 at Neyyattinkara,Thiruvananthapuram. Dr.Ramachandran was a thinker, writer and a public leader.  He came to the field of independence struggle through the harijan uplift movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi. He completed his education from Viswabharathy University, Kolkatha. He is the founder of Gandhigram Institute and the first Vice-Chancellor of Gandhigram University. He was also served as the Editor of ‘Indian Express’. He was nominated as a Member of Rajya Sabha also. He died on January 17, 1995.

RAMACHANDRAN NAIR R. Born on April 23, 1939 at Ettumanoor. Father: Ramakrishna Pillai. Mother: Bharathy Amma. Ramachandran Nair is an eminent administrator, poet and philosopher. He is also a scholar in vedanta, classical music and astrology.  He was the Chief Secretary to the Government of Kerala. He started his career as a Lecturer in the Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram. Then he was selected to the Inidan Administrative Service and served Government of Kerala as Director of Public Instructions, Secretary to Government, Additional Chief Secretary etc. He won wide recognition and popularity as a poet. He used to write in the pseudonym as Thulasivanam.  Thulasimalika, Parvathi Parinayam, Karthikeya Vijauam, Bhattaraka Vijaya, Mukthakamala are some of his important works. Mukthakamala won Muloor Award. He is the Chairman of Vallathol Kala Samithy, which institute the award in the name of great poet Vallathol Narayana Menon for literature.

RAMAKRISHNA PILLAI, SWADESHABHIMANI Born on 1053 Idavam 16 (1878) at Neyyattinkara. Father: Narasimhan Potti Mother: Chakkiamma. Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai was the editor of the journal Swadeshabhimani. He was an eminent and courageous Journalist who used his pen as a sword. His severe criticism against nepotism and corruption through the editorials shook the rulers, which led to confiscation of the journal and press. Consequentially he was exiled from Travancore. He wrote the biography of Karl Marx. Died on 28 March 1916

RAMAKRISHNAN, THERAMBIL Born in June 3, 1943. Therambil Ramakrishnan was the Speaker of Kerala Legislative Assembly. He was the Secretary, District Congress Committee, Thrissur and Executive Committee Member of K.P.C.C.  He was the General Secretary of National Democratic Party (NDP). He was also served as Secretary of the Public Library, Thrissur and Member of the Kerala Grandhasala Sanghom. He is one of the eminent parliamentarians and a renowned advocate.

RAMAN MENON, PUTHEZHATHU Born in November 8. 1887 at Manalur, Thrissur. Father: Parameswara Menon, Mother: Pappu Amma. Puthezhath Raman Menon was one among the few great men who contributed much to Malayhalam literature.  He had command on almost all fields of Malayalam language. His contributions to the uplift of the society were also remarkable.  He was District and High Court Judge.  He translated poems of Rabindranatha Tagore in Malayalam. He was the Chairman of Sahithya Academy. He died on 27 January 1973

RAMAN PILLAI C.V. Born on 7th Idavam 1053 (1858). Father:Neelakanta Pillai.Mother: Parvathy Pillai. C.V.Raman Pillai is the author of best historical novels ever written in Malayalam. He is considered as the Ivan Hoe of Malayalam. Marthandavarma, Dharmaraja, Ramaraja Bahadur are the three famous historical novels written by him. He also wrote social novels like Premamrutham and some other satirical novels and dramas. C.V.Raman Pillai led his official life under the royal patronage.  Yet he was very careful in protecting the interest of the society.  Through his writings he tried to uphold the interests of the society.  Even the minor incidents of Shiavite-Vishnavite enmity, which was a special feature of Hindu culture, found its echo in the writings of C.V. It was through C.V. that Malayalam prose drama found its roots in Kerala. He was the founder Member of Keraleeya Nayar Samajam. He was one of the leaders of Malayali Memorial and other reformation movements in the country.  He was the Superintendent of Government Press of Travancore. He died on March 21, 1922.

RAMAKRISHNA PILLAI, VAIKOM Born in 1882 Vaikom Ramakrishna Pillai had a strong and cordial relationship with the Nair Service Soceity.  He gave leadership in the service society and rendered remarkable contributions as the President. He was elected MLC to Travancore Legislative Assembly.  He was the Professor of Law College and practiced in the High Court.

RAGHAVA MENON, PANAPILLY Born on October 20, 1914 Panampilly Raghava Menon is widely known as a selfless worker and loyalist community leader, notable advocate and an able organizer.  He was elected as the President of NSS in 1979 and continued for a very long period.  He made his imprints in the political and co-operative sectors also.

RAMACHANDRAN NAIR K.P. Born in January 1, 1922 Father : Dr.K.P.Panicker Sri.K.P.Ramachandran Nair’s activities as Director Board Member of NSS, President of Ambalapuzha Taluk Union and Member of Legislative Assembly, and Health Minister won him fame. He was one of the founder leaders of National Democratic Party (NDP). Died in 2003.

Dr. RAMACHANDRAN PUDUSSERY Born on 23 September 1928 Father  : Damodaran Pillai Mother : Janamma Dr.Pudussery Ramachandran is known as a progressive minded poet and writer and a model teachers. He published his first compiled poetical works in 1948. He created more than 10 poetical works.  He was the organiser of First World Malayalam Conference held at Thiruvananthapuram.

Dr. M.K. RAMACHANDRAN NAIR Born on 26 July 1945 Mother : P.Ambujakshy Amma Father  : A.R.Krishna Pillai Dr. M.K.Ramachandran Nair is an educationist, writer, orator and organiser. He is the present Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kerala.He reamined as a source of strength and inspiration in the field of education for more than three decades. Before his appointment of the Vice-Chancellor, he was the Professor and  Director,  Kerala Institute of Management.

RAMAKRISHNA PILLAI T.P., Vidwan Born in 1904 Vidwan T.P.Ramakrishna Pillai excelled himself as a short story writer, translator, author and socio-cultural worker.  His short stories and essays were famous in 1930s.  His short story collections, Pavathinte Bhagyam, Jeevikkanoru Vazh, are very popular. He also wrote two novels viz., Ishtadanam, Narakathinte Srushtakkal.

RAVEENDRANATHAN C.P. C.P.Raveendranathan was the Indian High Commissioner to Australia during 1999. He retired from service in 2000. He is one of the eminent emissaries who upheld the culture and tradition of Kerala in foreign countries.

THUNCHATHU RAMAJUNAN EZHUTHACHAN It is believed that Ezhuthachan was born at Thunchan Veetil near Trikaniyur temple of Vettathunad in the year 670 (ME) (AD 1495).  Kerala Sahithya Charithram firmly ascertain that the life period of Ezhuthachan was between 670 and 750 (ME).The males o the Thunchan family taught reading and writing to the children and thus they got the name Ezhuthachan. After preliminary education in Sanskrit and Malayalam, Ezhuthachan went to Tamil Nadu for higher studies.  On return he chose the job of educating children. In his leisurely times he wrote Adhyatma Ramayanam in Malayalam.  It was composed in the style of cuckoo song (Kilippattu).  When Zamorin attacked Vettathunad, Ezhuthachan started his pilgrimage with the completed copy of Adhyatma Ramayana.  The Chambath Mannadiyar of Chitoor persuaded him to stay there and Ezhuthachan lived there by establishing an Ashrama. Ezhuthachan wrote Uttararamacharitham, Mahabharatham, Mahabhagavatham, Devi Mahathmyam, Brahmandapuranam etc.  He made a revolution through his Kilippattu. It was he who gave an attractive form and shape to Malayalam language and made it suitable to handle any subject.  He reformed the vocabulary and shaped separate Malayalam letters. He contributed the Manipravalam style to Malayalam language by bringing together Malayalam and Sanskrit in a unique form.  He placed the whole society in the path of spiritual progress. The Bhakthi cult of Ezhuthachan exercised a deep influence in leading the nair families, which was suppressed under the Brahmin supremacy during 5th to 17th centuries, to the path of progress. The Brahmin rule that restricted Sudras from learning letters and education was questioned during this period.  The Nair community, which was longing for progress for a very long period under the Brahmin supremacy, emerged strongly during the period. The Malayalam literature also had full-fledged growth during that period.  Ezhuthachan gave the leadership for unification and renewal of two branches of literature, which was moving in diverse directions up to the 15th century.  The lyrics he composed in kilippattu (cuckko song) brought Malayalam literature to modern path.  It was the Nairs who came forward for education in ‘Gurumutts’ (schools) established by Ezhuthachan and his followers.  Only the Nair community had the maturity and sense to understand the views of Ezhuthachan. As a result, Nair community had a leap to the higher fields of Kerala life. It was Ezhuthachan who protected the people, especially the Nairs, from the verge of cultural degeneration.  Nairs were indeed fortunate enough to get the leadership of Ezhuthachan to rose to the heights and glory.

RAJA KESAVADAS Raja Kesavadas (Kesava Pillai) was born in 919 (ME).  Kesava Pillai and his mother were put to a very poor situation to the non-returning of his father who went on pilgrimage. Knowing his abilities in mathematics, Puthukkada Chettiyar, a wealthy merchant, appointed Kesava Pillai as his accountant. Later he was appointed as the accountant of Pokku Moosa, a leading merchant and exporter. The Maharaja of Travancore came to understand the abilities of Kesava Pillai and appointed him in the palace. Kesava Pillai was given promotion as Rayasam Pillai and then to Sambrathy.  When Tippu Sultan of Mysore attached Travancore, Kesava Pillai was the commandant of the state army.  Travancore army fought against the Mysore force under the leadership of Kesava Pillai and Tippu forced to retreat.  Recognising his victory over the Mysore, the Karthika Thirunal Maharaja of Travancore appointed Kesava Pillai as Diwan of Travancore.  Then he was known as Raja Kesavadas. Raja Kesavadas was an efficient administrator and an able diplomat. It was he who laid strong foundation to the political ties with the British Government.  He introduced several developmental programmes in the field of irrigation, industry, transportation, etc.  He developed seaports of Travancore at Kolachal, Vizhinjam and Alappuzha. Sri. Balaramavarma, the successor of Karthika Thirunal Maharaja, sentenced to keep Raja Kesavadas under house arrest succumbed to the inducement of one of his ministers, who was maintaining envy with Kesavadas. Raja Kesavadas was found dead in his prison unexpectedly.  It is widely believed that his enemies within the court poisoned him to death.

RAMAN NAIR, Vettoor Father : Kavanal Sankara Pillai Moher : Paryath Narayaniamma Vettoor Raman Nair is veteran freedom fighter, novelist, journalist and litterateur. He was the Vice President of Granthasalasangham for a long period. He was also the General Manager of National Book Stall. He authored about 25 books. His first novel, 'Jeevickan marannu poya Sthree' is very famous. He won the Kerala Sahithya Academy award.

GURU CHENGANNUR RAMAN PILLAI Born in 1883 Father  : Thoppil Parameswaran Pillai Mother : Parvathy Amma Guru Chengannur Raman Pillai was a great preceptor of Kath Kali dance form and a king without crown in Kath Kali empire who shined in the field for more than six decades. He taught many students to perform Kath Kali dance and won several awards. He died in 1980.