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KALAMANDALAM GOPI

Kalamandalam Gopi
Born on 25th May 1937
Popularly known as Kalamandalam Gopi, Vadakke Manalath Govindan Nair is an exponent of Kathakali. He is recognized as one of the masters of Kathakali today. Gopi was initiated in Kathakali by Guru Thekkinkattil Ravunni Nair. He later trained at Kerala Kalamandalam. On completion of his studies, he joined the Kalamandalam facultyand eventually became Principal of the institution. As the leading performer of Kalamandalam’s Kathakali troupe, he performed extensively around the world, winning appreciation for his art. He has acted in some films including Vanaprastham, Santham, and Loudspeaker. Film director Adoor Gopalakrishnan has made a National Award-winning film on Kalamandalam Gopi for the Films Division, showing his life on and off the stage. Gopi has also been the subject of several other documentaries. For his outstanding work as a performer and teacher, Gopi has been honoured by institutions within and outside Kerala. The honours bestowed on him include the Kerala Kalamandalam Award (1985), the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1987), the Kerala Sangeet Nataka Akademi Award (1995), the Kerala Kalamandalm Fellowship (2002), the Kerala Sangeet Nataka Akademi Fellowship (2008), the Padma Shri (2009), and the Kalidas Samman (2011).

KALAMANDALAM KRISHNAN NAIR

Born in April 1914 at Payyannur. Krishnan Nair is the most popular free-lance artiste in Kathakali. He learnt the rudimentary lessons of Kathakali under Guru Chandu Panickar. Vallathol brought him to Kalamandalam and gave rigorous training in Kathakali under the famous guru Pattikkaamthoti Ravunni Menon. He presented almost all characters in Kathakali. He playaed a very vital role in popularising Kathakali in India and abroad. Apart from a lot of medals, veerasrighala, Krishnan Nair won Padmashree and Central Sangeetha Nataka Academy Award.

KALAMANDALAM RAMANKUTTY NAIR

Born on 25th May, 1925
Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair was one of the senior performers and the living legend of Kathakali. In his childhood Ramankutty Nair had come under the influence of Ravunni Menon and he mastered the art in Kerala Kalamandalam. He is known for his poise and precise body movements which has made an acclaimed position in Kathakali. He was a teacher of Kathakali in Kalamandalam from 1948 to 1985 and retired as its Principal. Throughout his career he was determined to stick to sheer classicism of the Kathakali Dance. Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair was a recipient of Padma Bhushan award. He has been honoured with several awards and esteemed titles like the Central Sangeet Natak Academy Award, first State Kathakali Award and Kalidas Samman of the Government of Madhya Pradesh. He had performed within the country and abroad and had also represented India in about all the leading theatres of the world. He also published his autobiography, 'Thiranottam'. He passed away on 11th March, 2013.

KALPANA PRIYADARSHINI

Born on 13th October 1965 at Chavara
Popularly known as Kalpana, Kalpana Priyadashini was an actress who started her career as a child artist as early in 1970s. Actresses Kalaranjini and Urvashi are her sisters. Kalpana portrayed several comic characters and supporting roles mainly in Malayalam and Tamil films. She had acted in more than 300 films of various South Indian languages. She won the National Film Award for best supporting actress. She passed away on 25th January 2016.

KALYANI AMMA

Born on 11 Kumbhom 1059 (ME) (1883 AD).
Kalyani Amma is the wife of Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai who was exiled from Travancore by the Maharajah of Travancore on account of his criticism against Diwan’s corruption and illegal activities. She suffered a lot being the wife of a courageous journalist. She was a notable litterateur also. Her important works: Vyazhavatta Smaranakal, Karmaphalam, Mahathikal, Atmakatha. She also translated a novel written by Rabindranatha Tagore.She died on 28 Kanni 1135 (ME) (1959 AD)

KAPPAZHAM RAMAN PILLAI

Born in 1868 at Alappuzha
Kappazhom Raman Pillai the Dewan Peshkar of the Government of Travancore who was known for his integrity, conscientiousness, efficiency and unwavering loyalty to the country. Kappazhom began his career as a teacher and later joined the government service. He was elevated to important posts like Registration Director and Dewan Peishcar. Kappazhom was a connoisseur of arts. He was an intimate friend of the famous Malayalam novelist C. V. Raman Pillai. Kappazhom was one among the stage artists of the dramas of C.V.Raman Pillai. He also used to write articles in periodicals with the pen name “Angadhan”.
Kappazhom died at the age of fifty six on 10 September

KARTHA,K.G.R.

Born on 27th July 1929.
Father: Govindan
K.G.R.Kartha was an Advocate and leader of Nair Service Society (NSS). He started his political life as a member of Indian National Congress. He was also active in the NSS and later he joined National Democratic Party (NDP), a political party formed by NSS. He was a member of the NSS Director Board. Kartha was elected to Kerala Legislative Assembly from Thripunithura constituency as an NDP candidate. From 24.5.1982 to 29.8.1983 he was the Minister for Health in the Ministry headed by Shri.K.Karunakaran. He passed away on October 6th, 1997.

KARTHIKEYAN,G.

Born on 20th January 1949 at Varkala
Father: Gopala Pillai
Mother: Vanajakshi AmmaG. Karthikeyan was a renowned Congress leader. He entered into politics through students’ movement, he later served as the Treasurer, General Secretary and President of KSU. He was also the student member of the Kerala University Senate and Secretary, Kerala University Union. Besides, he was the State General Secretary and President of Youth Congress. He had also participated in several International Students and Youth Conferences representing India. He also served as General Secretary and Vice – President of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee. In 1982 Karthikeyan was elected as a Member of the Assembly for the first time, representing Trivandrum North constituency. He was again elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly for five times consecutively in 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006 and 2011 from Aryanadu constituency. Karthikeyan served as the Minister for Electricity from 20.4.1995 to 9.5.1996, and again as the Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, from 26.5.2001 to 29.8.2004, in the Ministries headed by A.K. Antony. He was elected as the Speaker of the 13th Kerala Legislative Assembly in 2011 and continued as such till his death. He had also a remarkable stint as Chairman of the Petitions Committee during 1991- 93, and House Committee during 1993-95. He was also the Chief Whip of the Party in the 9th Kerala Legislative Assembly and Deputy Leader of Congress Legislature Party during the 9th and 10th Kerala Legislative Assembly. He passed away on 7 March 2015 while in the office of the Speaker, Kerala Legislative Assembly

KARTHYAYANI AMMA,AMBADI

Born on 12th December 1885 at Thripunithura
Father: Kochu Govinda Menon
Mother: Ambadi Naniyamma
Ambadi Karthyayani Amma was a great journalist of the colonial period had written and many articles on different subjects like educational reforms, women in India, children’s literature etc. After her school education, she was sent to Maharaja’s College for intermediate studies at a time when girls were rarely admitted for studies in Maharaja’s College. After passing intermediate she went to Queen Mary’s College, in Madras (now Chennai) for higher studies. In those days she had interacted with many great personalities like Sarojini Naidu, Harindra Nath Chathopadhyaya, Dr. Cousins, Rabindranath Nath Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi. After graduation she obtained B.T. degree and came back to Ernakulam with a rare record of being the first women degree holder in the erstwhile princely state of Kochi. She was appointed as the Headmistress of Government Girls School at Eranakulam and later promoted as Inspector of Schools. She retired from service in 1951. Karthyayani Amma was also served as the vice president of the Sahithya Academy, Senate member, and member of Advisory Committee of All India Radio. She also co-operated with the work of forming a subcommittee for Children’s literature. Panchathanthram, Padinjaran Kadhakal, Tharanga Viharam, Nadodikadhakal-Punarakhyaanam Karshika Jeevitham Bharathathil, Mahanaya Viplavakari are some of her important works. She passed away on 1st August 1990.

KARUNAKARA MENON,IDAPPALLY

Born on 28th April, 1905
Father: Krishnaraja
Mother: Gourikutty Amma
Idappally Karunakara Menon is a litterateur who excelled in translation of foreign novels to Malayalam. After school education, Karunakara Menon underwent Sanskrit studies under the guidance of a local teacher. Though he joined for higher studies in college, he could not complete it due to illness. It was he who established the first Sahithya Samajam (literary club) and it was one of its annual meetings that transformed as the first Samastha Kerala Sahithya Parishad. Menon was the first Secretary of Samastha Kerala Sahithya Parishand. Chamgapuzha Krishna Pillai, Edappally Raghavan Pillai, C.R. Kerala Varma are some of litterateurs who became famous through the Sahithya Samajam. ‘Crime and Punishment’ and ‘Idiot’ of Dostoyevsky are his best translations. ‘Ninety three’ of Victor Yugo, ‘War and Peace’ of Tolstoy are some other translations. He also published a collection of poems, a drama. He passed on 11th April, 1965.

KARUNAKAREAN,K.

Born in July 1918 at Kannur.
Sri.K.Karunakaran is known as a firebrand in Kerala politics. He successfully overcomes many tough situations in politics and rose to the central leadership of the Congress party. He entered politics through Indian National Congress and became its National leader.His political activities started through INTUC at Thrissur and later he became the Secretary of INTUC. He was the Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly during 1968 with a back up of 9 M.L.As. He rose like phoenix and became Chief Minister of Kerala in 1977, 1981, 1982 and 1991. He was also the Minister for Industries of the Government of India in 1995. It was his ardent efforts that helped the re-vitalisation of the Congress party in the state. In 2004 he elected as the member of Rajya Sasbha. Consequent on the serious differences of opinion with the state leadership of the Congress party and Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr.Oommen Chandy, he resigned his membership from Parliament and Copngress party and formed Democratic Indiara Congress (Karunakaran) on 1st May 2005.

KAVUNGAL SANKARAN KUTTY PANICKER
Born in 1908
Born to the illustrious Kavungal family of Kathakali artistes Sankaran kutty Panicker has been a veritable giant on the Kathakali stage for more than five decades. Having undergon training under some of the very eminent masters of the art, he excelled in the Kathakali art form. Apart from his sustained and extensive work on the Kathakali stage as actor-dancer Sankarankutty Panicker has also had long teaching experience. This includes his work at the Raja’s High School, Kollengode, and the Kathakali Sangham, Trivandrum. He had received the Kerala Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for his eminence in the field of Dance and his contribution to its enrichment of Kathakali

KAVUNGAL CHATHUNNI PANICKER
Born in 1922
Kavungal Chathunni Panicker is a Kathakali Maestro belonging to the Kavungal family, which is famous for the Kathakali artists for six generations His granduncles Kunhi Krishna Panicker, Chathunni Panicker, and Sankara Panicker were famous performers and teachers. He started his career in the stage at the age of 14 years and established his own Kathkali troupe at his age of 20. In 1947 he was invited by Mrinalini Sarabhai to join her Darpana Academy of Performing Arts, Ahmedabad, as Kathakali instructor, and continued till his retirement in 1985. A recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1973, Panicker was honored again by the Government of India, in 2006, with Padma Shri award. Passed away on 29 November 2007

KEEZHPATAM KUMARAN NAIR.

Born in 1916 at Vellinezhi.
Keezhpatam Kumaran Nair was one of the greatest promoters of Kathakali. He was the most favoured performer for heroic characters who demonstrate divine qualities, differentiated by their pacha faces. Kumaran Nair was started his Kathkali training as early as the age of five under the master Pattikkamthodi Ravunni Menon. Later he shifted to Chennai and gained recognitions as a master of choreography by teaching dance to Tamil star Ranjan. Kumaran Nair also worked closely with the film icon M.G. Ramachandran. Soon he returned to Kalamandalam as a teacher. Afterwards he worked with a number of Kathakali schools including the International Centre for Kathakali in New Delhi. Kumaran Nair was one of the very few Kathakali artists to have had directly interacted with allied art forms like Bharatanatyam from south India and Kathak from the north of his country besides also Odissi from the eastern belt. Keezhpatam Kumaran Nair was honoured with the Padma Shri award. He won the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi award, the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Fellowship and the Kalamandalam award. He passed away in 2007.

KELAPPAN K.

Born on September 9, 1889.
Father: Karunakaran Nair.

Mother: Kozhappally Kunjamma.

Kelappaji was a leader of the people in all respects. He stood in the forefront of the national movement in India. He is known as Kerala Gandhi. He came to the scene through the Nair Service Society and the founder President of Nair Service Society. Later he was attracted to the national movement and became part and parcel of the movement. He was KPCC President and AICC member. He was also served as the editor of Mathrubhoomi daily. He was elected as Malabar District Board President in 1938. He experienced severe sufferings for the uplift of the harijans who were made slaves for centrueis. He gave leadership to the Vaikom and Guruvayoor Sathyagraha for temple entry of all classes of people. He also established a Rural Institute at Tavanur, Malappuram District (now Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology under Kerala Agricultural University) and Gandhi Home at Kozhikode.The eventful life of Kelappaji was a great source of information to understand the socio-political developments of the state.

KESAVADEV

Born on 20 July 1904.
P. Kesava Pillai, better known by his pen-name P. Kesavadev. Kesavadev was a veteran novelist and playwright. He was always a rebel. He accepted intellectual rowdism as his ideology. He is known as leader of anti-establishment movement in literature and gave shape to a new culture in literature. He served as a Producer in the All India Radio. He wrote a number of novels, short stories, dramas etc. He won several awards including Central Sahitya Academy and State Sahithya Academy. Important works: Odayil Ninnu, Ayalkar, Kannadi.He died on 1 July 1983)

KESAVA MENON,K.P.

Born on 1 Septemner 1886.
Father: Bheeman Achan. Mother: Meenakshy Nethyar of Palakkad Swaroopam.
K.P.Kesava Menon was one of the famous leaders that Kerala has ever seen. He was an idealist who was true to his words and deeds. Persons like him were very rare in the country. He started practice as an advocate in Kozhikode after his studies in England. He actively participated in National Movement. He led Vaikom Sathyagraha and Guruvayoor Sathyagraha against untouchable and for temple entry to lower caste. He was appointed as the High Commissioner in Ceylone (now Sri Lanka) but resigned due to differences of opinion on certain policy matters with the Prime Minister Nehru. He is the founder and was the Chief Editor of Mathrubhumi, the national daily in Malayalam. He wrote a dozen of books. His collections of essays titled Naam Munnoottu and his autobiography Kazhinja Kaalam are prominent among them.He died in 1978.

KESAVAN NAIR,P(P.K.NAIR)

Born on 6th September 1910
Father: Dr.K.Raman Thampi
Mother: Chellamma
Popularly known as 'Valiya' (elder) Kesavan Nair, Dr. R Kesavan Nair was the Professor of Surgery at Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram and the first Superintendent of the Medical College Hospital. He was Kerala's First civil surgeon. He was one of the founding fathers of the first Medical College in Kerala. Dr. Nair graduated in Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Madras Medical College in 1937. He obtained degree of Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) and became the first person from Travancore to get FRCS. He also specialized in orthopedics, cancer surgery and radiation therapy. While working as a Demonstrator in Madras Medical College, he was appointed as the Chief of Surgery in General Hospital,Thiruvananthapuram. When the Medical College hospital in Thiruvananthapuram was commissioned in 1954, he was appointed as the Chief Surgeon and Superintendent of the hospital the post he held till 1962. In 1962, he was appointed in the Calicut Medical College and later retired as the Principal of Kottayam Medical College in 1966. He also served as the President of Travancore-Cochin Medical Council and member of Medical Council of India. He passed away on 30th June 2005.

KESAVAN NAIR,P(P.K.NAIR)

Born in 1953 at Palakkad.
Father: Kiranghat Padmanabhan Nair
Mother: Puthaveetil Janaki Amma.
P.K.Nair is the General Manager of Al Hugayet group in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He belongs to famous Kiranghat family of Mundoor, Palakkad, Kerala. After earning his degree in Business Administration, he went for Saudi Arabia and has been there since 1981. He is the main source of strength for the progress and prosperity of the Al Hugayet business group He is the brother of P.Unnikrishnan, former Director (Administration) of Babha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay. He is an ardent believer in God and contributes liberally to many temples of Kerala and used to visit the temples in and around his native place on his holidays every year. Girija Kesavan is his wife. Vinayak Kiranghat and Uthara Kiranghat are his children

KESAVA PILLAI K.C.

Born on 3 February 1868.
Father: Raman Pillai. Mother: Lekshmy Amma.
Mahakavi Kesava Pillai ruled over the poetic kingdom even before the period of the poetic trio (Ulloor, Vallathol and Kumaranasan) in Kerala. Through his Kesaveeyam, he found an eternal place in the world of Malayalam poetry. He wrote many Attakatha (athakali poems/stories) and several poems. His literary works strongly influenced the next generation. His important works are Sadarama (drama), Kesaveeyem, Bhasha Narayaneeyam. His initials denote “Kanakku Chembakaraman”, an honorific title awarded by the Maharajah of Travancore. He died on 4 September 1913.

Prof.KICHU NAIR (Prof. BALAKRISHNAN R NAIR. A M)

Father: C K Balakrishnan Nair, Chemmarappallil, Elangulam
Mother: K Thankamma
Place of Birth: TrivandrumPopularly known as Prof Kichu Nair, Professor Balakrishnan R.Nair is a distinguished clinician, educator, researcher, and mentor. He possesses MBBS, MD (Newcastle) FRACP, FRCPE (Edinburgh), FRCPG (Glasgow), FRCPI (Ireland), FANZSGM, Graduate Diploma (Clinical Epidemiology, University of Newcastle). He was also awarded Honorary Doctorate of Medicine by the University of Newcastle. He is the Professor of Medicine and Associate Dean, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Australia .He holds the position of Director of the Centre for Medical Professional Development, Hunter New England Health Service at Newcastle. He is the Director of Educational Research with the Health Education and Training Institute of New South Wales, Australia . He is the Foundation Director of the Academy of Medical Educators and Center for Medical Professional Development in Newcastle. Prof.Nair is an Emeritus Advisor to the Royal College of Physician of Edinburgh and is a member of the International Advisory Panel of the College Journal. He is a series Editor of the Clinical Skills section of the Medical Journal of Australia and is a member of editorial panels of many medical journals. Prof Nair is the Associate Editor in Chief of Advances in Medical Education and Research. He is a member of the National Panel of Examiners of the RACP and Board of Examiners of the Australian Medical Council. He is the Chair of the Work Place Based Assessment of for the Australian Medical Council. His works “Problem Based Geriatric Medicine” and “Clinical Examination; a Problem Based Approach” are well received by medical students and doctors. He has published over 125 peer reviewed articles in national and international journals. He has received over 8 million dollars in research grantsHe won Order of Australia (AM) (an Australian honor equal to PadmaBhushan)for services to medical education, on the Queen’s Birthday honourslist,and John Sands Medal for distinguished services to the College and Fellowship, Royal Australasian College of Physicians. Other notable awards are Faculty of Health and Medicine Award for outstanding achievement and excellence in 2014, and ANZAME award for a distinguished track record in medical education in 2007. In 2018, he was elected to the Fellowship of the Association of Medical Education in Europe. He hails from a well known Nair family.

KODIYERI BALAKRISHNAN

Father: Kuhunni Kurup
Mother: Narayani AmmaKodiyeri Balakrishnan is a political leader of Kerala. He has been the Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) Kerala State Committee since 2015. He entered politics through the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), the student’s wing of CPI (M) in 1970. He was Secretary of the Kerala State Committee of the SFI and its All India Joint Secretary between 1973 and 1979. During the time of the Emergency, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan was imprisoned under MISA for 16 months. From 1980 to 1982, he was the Kannur District President of Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI). He was elected as a nenber to Kerala Legislative Assembly in 1982, 1987 and 2001 from Kannur constituency. In 2006 and 2011 he was elected from Thalassery constituency. He was the deputy opposition leader of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in the Kerala Legislative Assembly from 2001 to 2006. During the 2006–2011 LDF government in Kerala, he was the Minister of Home Affairs and Tourism, in the ministry led by V.S.Achuthanandan. He again served as the deputy opposition leader of the Kerala Legislative Assembly from 2011 to 2016. He is also a politburo member of the CPI (M)

KOTTAKKAL SIVARAMAN

Born in 1936 at Kottakkal
Father: Njaloor Kunhikrishnan Nair
Mother: Karthiayani
Kottakkal Sivaraman was a performing artiste who revolutionised the portrayal of female roles in Kathakali. It was he who took female roles in Kathakali to new heights, leaving the audience and fellow artistes with no choice, but to acknowledge the power and grace of female characters, which was generally treated as support cast. He began performing Kathakali at a young age of 13 years and performed in the country and outside. In his more than fifty years of experience as a Kathakali actor, Sivaraman has performed many memorable female characters. He has shared the stage with actors of several generations across north and south Kerala. Several honours have been bestowed on Kottakkal Sivaraman. Among the noted ones are the Kendra Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award of the Government of India, Kendra Sahitya Academy, Kerala Sahitya Academy, Kerala Kalamandalam and the coveted Kerala State Government award - the Kathakali Puraskaram in 2009. He died on 19 July 2010.

KOTTAKKAL KRISHNAN KUTTY NAIR

Born in 1928 at Vadanamkurissi
Kottakkal Krishnan Kutty Nair was an excellent teacher of Kathakali. After completing his primary education, he joined the P. S. V. Natyasangham in Kottakkal, Malappuram district, to learn Kathakali. He was trained under great maestros like Kuthanur Karunakara Panicker Pattikkantodi Ramunni Menon, Kavalappara Narayanan Nair, Vazhenkata Kunchu Nair. He revived Ramanattam too and prepared new Kathakali plays. He was lead instructor-actor of P. S. V. Natyasangham from I960 and became its principal later. With his mastery over different types of roles, he has performed extensively, leading his troupe all over the country and abroad. He received the Kerala Kalamandalam Award and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for his contribution to Kathakali. He passed away on 31st March 2009

KOTTARAKKARA SREEDHARAN NAIR

Born on 11th September 1922 at Kottarakkara
Father: Narayana Pillai
Mother: Ummini Amma
Kottarakkara N. Sreedharan Nair, generally known as Kottarakkara, was an actor who is always remembered for his character roles and who has worked predominantly in Malayalam movie industry. Prior to his entry as a film actor he was an actor in dramas of his own drama troupe. He started his career in his debut film Prasanna in the yeer 1950. He had acted in more than 150 films. He won Kerala State Film Award for best actor as well as best second actor. He passed away on 19th October 1986.

KOTTUKAAL KRISHNAKUMAR

Born on 29 April 1966
Father:Velayudhan Pilla
Mother:Madhavi Amma
Kottukal Krishnakumar is the Managing Director of Krishnatheeram Ayur Holy Beach Resorts Private Limited,Varkala.He is also the chairman of Abhijith Foundation, a city-based non-profitable organization established in the memory of his son Abhijith. The annual awards for social service instituted by the organization will be presented on the death anniversary of Abhijith.He is engaged in many other socio-cultural organizations.He is the Trust President of Johnson Memorial Trust,established in the name of the late Music composer Johnson. He is a good leader and always able to gather talented people around him.He is very competitive and willing to take risks and work hard to get to the top.He is an ardent believer of God and contributes liberally to many temples of Kerala. He is a philanthropist and depicted firm imprints in whatever field he ventured.

KRISHNAN KARTHA,CHANGARAKOTHA.

Born on 12th October, 1881.
Father: Thrivikraman Namboodiri
Mother: Ambikaamma
Krishnan Kartha was a poet, an Ayurveda doctor and a social activist. He had undergone studies in old style of education and excelled in Sanskrit and Ayurveda, under the guidance of Kodungallur Kunhikuttan Thampuran. He established an Ayurveda hospital and a Primary School in his village. He also served as the Village Judge for a while. It was he who organized the first industrial, agricultural and educational exhibition in the erstwhile princely state of Kochi. He was awarded the tile of ‘Kavithilakan” and “Sahithya Nipunan” by the King of Kochi. Kurukshethrathile Abhimanyu, Chithrolsavam, Kurumali Bhagavathy, Devadatha Kavyam, Sankuntha, Sree Bhoothanathodayam, Prardhananjali are his major works. He also wrote a Kathkali poem titled Kalingavadham. He passed away on 19th September, 1962.

KRISHNA KUMAR,S.

Born on 6th September, 1939.
Father: C.P.Sankara Pillai
Mother: Vimala
Dr. S. Krishna Kumar is a distinguished Engineer, Technocrat and Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Officer turned Political Leader. Afrter ontaining B.Sc. (Engg.) (Hons.) degree from Thiruvananthapuram Engineering College, Krishna Kumar joined as a Lecturer, Mechanical Engineering, University of Kerala. He then served as a Mechanical Engineer. In 1963 he was selected to Civil Service and served in different capacities in the State of Kerala such as Collector, Industrial Development Commissioner, Chairman, Greater Cochin Development Authority, Secretary to Government of Kerala, Chairman/Chief Executive, Kerala State Small Industries Development and Employment Corporation and Chairman, Hindustan Latex Ltd. He has been elected to the 8th, 9th and 10th Lok Sabha during 80s and 90s, and inducted as a deputy minister in the then Congress governments under Prime Ministers Shri Rajiv Gandhi and Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao. He handled Health and Family Welfare, Textiles, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Defence, Non Conventional Energy and Agriculture portfolios. He joined BJP on 20 April 2019. He won several awards including Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry National Award, 1973; NAYE (India) National Award for signal contribution to the development of small scale industries.He is currently the Chairman of Asian Arab Chamber of Commerce and Latin American Caribbean Federation of India.

KRISHNA MENON,V.K..

Born on May 8,
1896 at Kozhikode. Father:Vengola Komath Krishna Kurup.Mother:Lekshmykutty Amma.Sri.V.K.Krishna Menon was a famous diplomat who surpassed the rulers of the world. He was a great orator with unequal eloquence. He roared like a lion in the UN Assembly on the vital issue of Kashmir. He was a brave son of Kerala who upheld the dignity of the nation among the world leaders. He was one of the greatest Defense Ministers India has ever seen. He was an advocate in England and member in the London Township Administration. He was also a staunch worker of Home Rule Movement and Theosophical Society. He actively participated in the national movement and gave leadership in the struggle for freedom. He became the secretary of India League in 1932. He was a close colleague of Pandit Jawarlal Nehru and Defense Minister in his cabinet. He was one of the founders of Penguin Books. He was also elected to Lok Sabha from Thiruvananthapuram in 1971. He passed away on 6 October 1975.

KRISHNA MENON,T.K.

Born in 1870 (26 Vrichikam 1045-ME)
Father : Chathukutty Panicker
Mother : Kuttiparu Amma
T.K.Krishna Menon was an eminent historian. It was he who translated ‘Kerala Charithram’ (History of Kerala) written by K.P.Padmanabha Menon to English. His important works are Progress of Cochin, Kerala Samskaram, Lekhamala, Bhasa Kavyaprakashika. He was the Member, Board of Studies of Madras University; Legislature Secretary; and Member Text Book Committee.He died on 9 May 1949.

KRISHNAN NAIR,C.

Born on 15th August, 1902 at Neyyattinkara
Father: B.Padmanabha Pillai
C.Krishnan Nair was a social and political worker, former Member of Parliament representing Delhi from 1957 to 1962. He was fondly called as ‘Nairji’ and popularly known as Gandhi of rural Delhi. While studying at SMV School at Thiruvananthapuram, he was expelled from the school for participating in the struggles against the hike of fees. However, he continued his studies at Aligarh and Delhi. Discontinuing his education, he became an ardent worker of Congress party and Joined independence. He was with Mahatma Gandhi in Satyagraha Ashram at Sabarmati from 1928 onwards. He participated in the famous Dandi March along with Gandhiji. In 1931 he opened Satyagraha Ashram at Delhi and Gandhi Sewa Ashram at Narela. In 1937 he was elected as the General Secretary, Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee and member of All India Congress Committee. He also participated in the Quit India Movement of 1942. He underwent various terms of imprisonment for participating in the National Movement. While serving as the President of Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee he was elected as the Member of the first Lok Sabha for two terms in 1952 and 1957. He also served as a Member of Chief Commissioner's Advisory Council, Delhi; Member, Delhi Development Board, Textile Advisory Board (Delhi), P. & T. Advisory Board and Charkha Sangh, Gandhi Sewa Sangh and Sarvodaya Samaj. He passed away in 1984.

KRISHNA PILLAI, CHANGAMPUZHA

Born on 11 October 1911.
Father: Narayana Menon.
Mother: Parukutty Amma.
Idappally (in Eranakulam district of Kerala) is the land, which gave birth to two musical wizards. They are Changampuzha Krishna Pillai and Idappally Raghavan Pillai. He was the editor of Mangalodayam magazine. Altogether Changampuzha wrote fifty-seven poems, many of them are dear even to the rural folk. His most famous work Remanan is still popular. Remanan is a lament on the death of Edappalli. Changampuzha wrote Remanan at his age of 20 years. The poem is of the pastoral elegy type, characterized by beautiful and straight forward verses. Changampuzha was an emotional person. This excessive emotionalism led him to alcoholic addiction and his health deteriorated, which ultimately claimed his life. Then he was only thirty-four. Whatever be the changes that may happen to the Malayalam poetry, the poems of Changampuzha will shine as glittering stars in the literature sky.

KRISHNA PILLAI,KUTTIPPUZHA

Born on 1 August 1900
Father: Sankaran Nambuthiri
Mother: Devaki Amma.
Kuttipuzha Krishna Pillai was a scholar, journalist, philosopher, atheist and critic of Malayalam language. After his school education he continued his studies and passed the vidwan examination of the University of Madras. He then joined the Union Christian College, Aluva as a faculty in the department of Malayalam. Simultaneously,he the degree of BOL also. He retired from service as a professor in 1961. He erved as the president of the kerala Sahitya Akademi and was an ex-officio member of the advisory council of the Kerala Bhasha Institute. He also held several positions such as the convener of the text book committee and the director of the Children's literature workshop. He was a member of the senate of the University of Kerala. Counted among the prominent literary critics of the language, he wrote a number of books covering the genres of literary criticism and philosophy. Saahitheeyam, Vicharaviplavam, Vimarsanarasmi, Sahitheekouthukam, Navadarsanam, Kuttipuzhayude Prabandangal - Thatwachitha, Kuttipuzhayude Prabandangal - Sahityavimarsham and Kuttipuzhayude Prabandangal – Nireekshanam are some of his important works. He was a recipient of Soviet Land Nehru Award. He passed away on 11th February 1971.

KRISHNA PILLAI N. (Prof.)

Born on 22 September 1916.
Father: Kakkattu Matom Kesavar.

Mother: Parvathy Amma

Prof. N.Krishna Pillai was a prominent playwright who gave a new outlook to the Malayalam drama. He is known as “Kerala Ibson”. He excelled himself in various rolls as a critic, historian, actor and learned Professor. Bhagnabhavanam, Anuranjanam, Kudathile vilakku, Prathipathram Bhashanabhedam are some of his important works. He won the award of Sangeetha Nataka Academy and Odakkuzhal award. He died on 10 July 1988.

KRISHNA PILLAI C.

Born in 1852 (ME 1027 Vrichikam).
Father: Padamanabha Pillai. Mother: Lekshmy Amma.

C.Krishan Pillai was a reformist who toiled hard for the welfare of the Nair community. From the very early childhood itself he plunged into the field of social work and continued his unending efforts till his last days. His life was a sacrifice not only for the nair community but for the other communities also. It is a sad truth that his life and activities of this great man was not fully remembered by the next generation. He was a teacher and later appointed as Headmaster, Range Inspector for Schools and Special Officer for Grant-in-aid Schools. It was his leadership that Nair Samajom was established in the year 1903. The Nair Samajom was later converted as Keraleeya Nair Samajom. It was he who paved the path for the reformation of nair community and nair organizations.

KRISHNA PILLAI E.V.

Born on 14 September 1894 at Kunnathur Taluk of Kollam.
Father: Pappu Pillai Mother: Karthyani Amma.

E.V.Krishna Pillai is an eminent satirist and an expert in the field of comedy. He was a multitalented personality as an advocate, member of legislative assembly, editor and writer. He started career as a government servant. He was the editor of Malayali and Malayala Manorama. He was member of Sree Moolam Assembly of Travancore. Important works: Seetha lekshmy, Iravikuttypilla, B.A.Mayavi, Maya Manushyan, Jeevitha Smaranakal, Chiriyum, chinthayum.

He died on 30 March 1938

KRISHNA PILLAI P.

Born in 1906 at Vaikom.
Father: Narayanan Nair. Mother: Parvathy Amma.

Comrade P.Krishna Pillai was the founder leader of communist movement in Kerala. It was he who for the first time put forward the slogan “Saghakkale Munnott” (Comrades, march forward) which became the lifeblood of the leftist movement in Kerala. He participated in freedom struggle as a volunteer of Congress. Later he became He was the labour union leader in the coir sector of Alapuzha. He participated in Vaikom sathyagraha, Salt Sathyagraha etc. He had gone underground and continued party work in 1948 when the Government banned Communist party. A poisonous snake bit him and thereby he died on August 19, 1948.

KRISHNAN NAIR,C.

KRISHNAN NAIR,KALANILAYAM

Born on 26th June 1917
Father: Pachu Pillai
Kalanilayam Krishnan Nair was the personality who dedicated his life for the promotion of drama and theatre. He was founder and director of Kalanilayam Drama Vision, a leading theater in Kerala. Krishnan Nair was also the founding editor of 'Taniniram',daily. Krishnan Nair started to act in dramas even at his age of 10, while he was studying the primary classes. Recognizing his talent, his father, who was also a member of Sangeetha Nadaka Academy, formed a drama troupe named after Anandodaya Sangeetha Natana Sabha in which Krishnan Nair was one of the actors. Later, in 1940s Krishnan Nair established his own drama troupe known as Kalanilayam. In 1963, Kalanilayam became a permanent theatre and named after Kalanilayam Drama vision.He introduced many visual techniques in the stage. One of them was the “drama scope” even before the technique of ‘cinema scope” was not launched. What made the productions of Kalanilaym were its special effects such as lightning and thunder, slashing rain, landing of planes, driving of car etc. Kalanilayam was the largest theatre troupe in Asia with largest number of actors and technicians. Raktharakshas, Kadamattathu Kathanar, Kayamkulam Kochunni, Taj Mahal, Alavudeenum Adbuthavilakkum, Sree Guruvayurappan were some of the best dramas that enthralled the audience. He also produced a film based on the first Malayalam Novel, Indulekha.

KRISHNAN NAIR C.P. Captain

Born on 9 February 1923.

Captain Krishan Nair is a far famed personality in the field of industry. He is the Chairman of the Leela Group Hotels and other multinational organizations. He is a freedom fighter also who actively participated in independence struggle. He served as a commissioned officer in the army for a short period. He resigned from army service and started handloom industry at Cannanore. He also established a fibre foam-matting unit. Later he started business in collaboration with Oberoi Group of Hotels. Then he became a partner of Penta Group and established Leela-Penta Business Group. Now Leela Group of star hotels are the best ones of its kind in India and abroad.

KRISHNAN NAIR,M.Dr.

Dr.M. Krishnan Nair is a leading oncologist and the founding director of the Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram. Dr.Nair earned his MBBS degree from University of Kerala, India in 1963. Then he had undergone higher studies and obtained MD (Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology) from the University of Punjab in 1968. In 1972, he earned a FRCR (Clinical Oncology) from the Royal College of Radiologists of London. Dr.Nair started his career in medical profession as a Lecturer of Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. In 1975 he was appointed as the Professor ofClinical Oncology and Radiotherapy Medical College, Trivandrum, Kerala, India. When the Regional Cencer Centre was started at Thiruvananthapuram, he was appointed as its first Director. As founding director of RCC at Thiruvananthapuram, he established one of the largest comprehensive cancer centres in India and initiated programmes in Community Oncology, Pain and Palliative Care, and Paediatric Oncology for the first time in India. It was he who introduced for the first time an institution oriented and extremely inexpensive cancer insurance plan in India called Cancer Care for LifeHe was a member of the expert group that drew up the National Cancer Control Plan of India. He served the World Health Organization (WHO) for more than a decade in their Expert Advisory Panel on Cancer. Currently, he is the only member from India on the Advisory Committee of the Director General, WHO and Cancer Technical Group (CTG) of WHO.He also served as a member, Expert Panel on Cancer of the World Health Organization (WHO), President, Association of Radiation Oncologists of India, Member, Governing Body, Regional Cancer Centre, Guwahati, Assam, Calcutta, and Bangalore, Member, National Cancer Control Programme Core Committee, Fellow of the Indian College of Radiology (FICR) and Founder Fellow of the Indian Medical Science Academy (FIMSA). He was the President, Association of Radiation Oncologists of India, Member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Indian Council of Medical Research, and Member of the Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology of the Department of Atomic Energy of India. Dr.Nair has also published more than 300 papers in the field of medicine. He won several awards including Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Sandoz Oration Award in Cancer Research, Bhishmacharya Award of outstanding contribution in the field of Medicine, Dorab Tata Oration Award. Government of India honoured him by awarding Padma Sri.

Prof.M.KRISHNAN NAIR

Father:V.K.Madhavan Pillai
Mother:Saradamma
Prof.M.Krishnan Nair is a notable critic in Malayalam literature. His foray into criticism started with the publication of essay, ‘Criticism’. Many Malayalam writers experienced the sharp stiffness of his criticism. They include Kuttikrishna Marar, Basheer, Sukumar Azheekode, Thakazhy, Dev etc. He brought immense popularity to literary criticism through his weekly column Sahithya Varabhalam, which is commonly familiar to the ordinary readers. It is true that no other article excited the readers so much as that of Sahithya Varabhalam. He was a voracious reader. He pointed out quality literature published world over to the Malayalam readers. He expired on February 23, 2006

KRISHNAN THAMPY,V.

Born in 1890 at Nagarcoil
Father: Krishnan Nair
Mother: Lakshmi Pillai
Krishnan Thampi was a versatile genius who preserved his cultural heritage, and, at the same time, sustained a harmonious balance with Western philosophies. He was a scholar who could handle Sanskrit, Malayalam, English, Latin, German, and French languages with ease. On completion of his graduation, Thampi went to England for higher studies. At that time travelling abroad by crossing the sea was prohibited in elite societies. However, Krishnan Thampi was given special royal consent for his travel. At Oxford, he learned Latin, German, and French. Soon Thampi was drawn towards the Irish nationalist movement and discontinued his studies. He shifted to Ireland and actively participated in the freedom struggle of that country. But, he had to return to native place due to compulsions from his family. Back in Thiruvananthapuram, Thampi resumed lessons in Sanskrit from eminent scholar Sambasiva Sastrikal. In 1918, he was appointed as the Principal of Sanskrit College. Thampi had written a detailed account of the various innovative measures adopted by him in restructuring the Sanskrit course. He wrote 29 books in Malayalam, Sanskrit and English. Thampi was a composer of many attakathas (Kathakali poem) also. Thadaka vadham, Vallikumaram, Choodamani are some of his major attakathas. Through his compositions and plays, Thampi claimed a respectable position amongst the Sanskrit scholars. He played a significant role in popularizing Kathakali among city dwellers of Thiruvananthapuram during the early years of the twentieth century. It was he who established the first Kathakali Club in the city. He passed away on 5th February 1938.

KUDAMALOOR KARUNAKARAN NAIR

Born in 1916 at Kudamaloor
Kudamaloor Karunakaran Nair was a great maestro of Kathakali. He was trained under eminent gurus like Kurichi Rama Panicker. Later he became a disciple of Kavalappara Narayanan Nair and graduated in the northern Kathakali style. He joined the main troupe of the Travancore palace in 1939. He specialized in female impersonation and excelled in the female roles of Damayanti, Rukmini, Draupadi, and Devayani, Mohini, Lalitha etc. and hence he is known as the “Mohini” of Kathakali. In 1968 he became the main instructor at the famous Kathakali school of Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore (FACT) and later at the Kudamaloor Kala Kendram in his native place. He is a winner of the awards by the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi and the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy. He died on 17th October, 2000.

KULATHUR BHASKARAN NAIR
Born in 1936 at Neyyattinkara
Kulathur Bhaskran Nair was one of the founders of the film society movement in Kerala, a film producer-cum-director, and a writer. After his graduation in rural services from the Gandhigram Rural University, Madurai in 1960, he completed his post-graduation in advertising and public relations from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, in Mumbai. On his return from Mumbai, he joined in the Industries Department of Kerala. but resigned to form Chitralekha film society. It was his idea and organisational skills that culminated in the formation of Chitralekha that produced some of the greatest Malayalam films such as ‘Swayamvaram’ and ‘Kodiyettam tHat won national as well as inernational awards. It was through his film society that some of the prominent actors like Kodiyettam Gopi, Karamana Janardhanan Nair had entered into the film worlds.He was the managing director of the Chitralekha Film Society. He also directed about 30 documentaries. He wrote a few novels and a number of short stoires in malaalam. Marthandavarma, Kuruthi, Karppoorapoottu are some of his novels. He passed away on 15th June 2020.

KUMARAPILLAI.G.

Born on 22nd August, 1923 at Vennimala
Father: P. Gopala Pillai
Mother: Parvathy Amma
G. Kumara Pillai Was an eminent teacher, illustrious poet, essayist and a Gandhian activist, who fought for several human rights. He completed his education and worked for a few months in the Kerala Government Secretariat. Later he was appointed as a teacher in the Government College. He retired as Professor of English after 40 years of service. He was a Gandhian all through his adult life and was in the forefront of agitations against human rights violations in Kerala. He also led agitations against the liquor policy of the State. He was one of the founding members of People's Union for Civil Liberties. He also served as the President of its Kerala Unit in its formative days and a member of its National Council from 1980 to 1996. He was also associated with the India chapter of Amnesty International. He authored more than 20 books. He won the Odakkuzhal Award and Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award. He passed away on 16th September 2000.

KUMARAPILLAI,KAINIKKARA

Born in 27th September 1900
Father: N.Kumara Pillai
Mother: Parvathy Pillai
Kainikkara Kumara Pillai was a teacher, actor, short story writer, essayist and playwright of Malayalam literature. After obtaining degree in Philosophy Kumara Pillai started his career as a teacher at the NSS School in Kainikkara. Later, he served as the principal of the Karuvatta High School from as the Head Master of Palkulangara High School at Thiruvananthapuram. He continued his higher studies and obtained postgraduate degree in education and joined the Government Training College. He also served as the Principal of Mahatma Gandhi College at Thiruvananthapuram. Kumara Pillai was one of the pioneers of modern Malayalam theatre and was a part of the Progressive Writers'Association. Vichara veechikal, Mohavum mukthiyum, Mathrukamanushyan, Harischandran, Veshangal, Prema Parinamam, Agnipareeksha, Satyathinde Panthav Oulichukali are some of his dramas. Durandashanga, Balahradayam, Achane Konna Makan, Antoniyum Cleopatrayum, Natakeeyam, Avismaraneeyar, Kedavilakkukal are his other works than dramas. He was associated with Vidyalaya Poshini, an educational journal, serving as its chief editor for a while and was with the All India Radio, heading its educational programs. He also contributed to the development of public library movement in Kerala. He was awarded with Kerala Sahithya Academi award, Sangeetha Nadaka Academi award, Puthezhan Award, Guruvayurappan Trust Award and SPCS Award. He passed away on December 9, 1988.

KUMMANAM RAJASEKHARAN

Born on 23rd December, 1952
Father: Adv V. K. Ramakrishna Pillai
Mather: P. Parukkutty AmmaKummanam Rajasekharan is an ardent leader of the Bharathiya Janatha Party (BJP).
He started his his political career as an activist of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1970. Prior to his entry into the politics, Rajasekharan was working in the Deepika daily as sub-editor, embarking a career in journalism. He later worked in different dailies such as Rastravaartha, Keraladesam, Kerala Bhooshanam, and Kerala Dhwani. In 1976he joined Food Corporation of India. In 1987 he resigned from government service to become a full-time politician and contested in the Loksabha elections from Thiruvananthapuram constituency, but failed. He gave leadership to many movements like Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Kshetra Samrakshana Samiti, Balasadanams, and Ekal Vidyalayas. Rajaseharan has been the secretary of Hindu Aikya Vedi, Sabarimala Ayyappa Seva Samajam, and Chairman & Managing Director of Janmabhumi, the official news-daily of the BJP. He also served as the Kerala State President of BJP from 2015 to 2018. In 2018, was appointed as the Governor of Mizoram on May 25. He resigned from the post of Governor to contest in the 2019 Parliament elections from Thiruvananthapuram Loksabha constituency

KUNCHAN NAMBIAR

Kunchan Nambiar was a great Malayalam poet-satirist in the court of Marthanda Varma.

Kunchan Nambiar is the founder of Ottan Thullal art form. He was born at Killikkurrisimangalam in Malabar. Later, he went to Ambalapuzha and became court poet of Ambalapuzha Raja. It is believed that Kunchan Nambiar wrote his first Thullal katha while he was here. The Thullal songs, written in simple Malayalam with full of humour and wit became very popular. When Marthanda Varma of Travancore conquored Ambalapuzha, Nambiar became the court poet of Travancore palace. Kunchan Nambiar who wrote Thullal poems and presented it in the stage. He wrote about 60 Thullal poems. All stories composed by Kunchan Nambiar are stuffed with humour, and social criticism.

Thullal has three divisions Seethankan, Ottan and Parayan. It is a solo performance.

KUNDUR NARAYANA MENON

Born on 24th June 1861at Oorakam
Father: K.Krishna Menon
Mother: Kalyani Amma
Kundur Narayana Menon is a versatile litterateur who wrote several poems and translated plays of great poet Kalidasa. Menon who obtained a degree from the Presidency College of Madras joined the home department of the erstwhile Kochi princely state. Later he was appointed as Tahsildar. As he was not interested in Government service, he resigned and concentrated in literary activities. He had also served as the Manager of Paliyam Trust for a while. Though he excelled in Sanskrit, he wrote all his works in Malayalam. Komappan, Kannan, Pakkanar, Sakthan Thampuram, Samban, Ajamila Moksham, Akavur Chathan, Naranath Bhranthan, VAduthala Nair, Oru Raathri Oru Vidya, Marujath, Kiratham, Poothana Moksham, Sundopasundopakhyanam are his poems. He translated Kalidasa’s Malavikagnimithram, Kumarasambhavam, Meghadootham, Reghuvamsam into Malayalam. He also translated Gitanjali of Ravindranatha Tagore. He won the award of “Kavithilaka” from the Prince of Kochi. He passed away on 19th July 1936.

KUNHAN PILLAI N. Dr.

Born in 1881.
Dr.Kunhan Pillai was a selected personality in many field with profound knowledge and a stern mind. He acquired his Ph.D. in Chemistry and headed the Department of Agriculture. He attained top positions in the official hierarchy such as Revenue Commissioner, Chief Secretary and Acting Diwan. He was the President of Agriculture Section in the Indian Science Congress held in 1923. He became the President of Nair Service Society in 1939. Died in November 1939.

KUNHIKRISHNA MENON,ODUVIL

Born on 26th October 1869
Father: Parameshwaran Namboodiri
Mother: Kunhikuttyamma
Oduvil Kunhikrishna Menon was a litterateur in Malayalam language, a journalist and a teacher. After compleing inter-mediate examination, he started his teaching profession as a school teacher. Later he completed his degree course and join the civil service of the erstwhile princely state of Kochi. He held several poistions in the governmetn service as Shirasthar, Magistrate, Superindent of Stamp and stationery etc. He was the editor of Ramanuman, a monthly in Malayalam literature. Menon wrote a good number of poems and short stories. Vinodini, Antharjanaththinte aparaham, Oru police Inspectorude Vadham, Oru pathivruthayude kadha, Lakshmivilasasathakam, Kumbhakona yathra, Ajamilamoksham, Kadaksha sandesam, Malathi are some of his works. He passed away on 18th May 1916.

KUNHIRAMAN NAYANAR,VENGAYIL

Born in 1861
Father: Haridasan Somayaji
Mother: Kunhikkavu
Vengayil Kunhiraman Nayanar was an essayist, short story writer, critic, satirist and a journalist. He is known as the “grand old man of Kerala journalism". Nayanar was born in an aristocratic Nair family of North Malabar, having more than 2,00,000 acres (810 sq.km) of land, including vast forest lands in possession. His early education was in Sanskrit, and later joined the English school at Taliparamba. He undergone his degree course in agriculture at the Saidampetta Agricultural College, as advised by William Logan, District Collector of Malabar. In 1892 he became a member of the Malabar District Board, represenging the "Janmies" (Land Lords) and in 1912 was elected to the Madras Legislative Assembly. Nayanar came to the literary world through Kerala Pathrika and published numerous articles, essays, short stories, satires through periodicals like Kerala Chandrika Kerala Sanchari and the English Journal Malabar Spectator. He wrote the first Malayalam short story, Vasanavikriti. He used to write under various pen names such as "Kesari", "Vajrasoochi","Vajrabahu", “Desabhimani” “Swadeshamithran” etc. He criticized social reality sharply. His works have been widely acclaimed. He was closely associated with friend of Dr. Hermann Gundert and William Logan who did a lot of research on the history, language, culture of Kerala. He passed away on 14th November 1914.

LIEUTENANT GENERAL KUNHIRAMAN PALAT CANDETH

Born on 23rd September, 1916 at Ottappalam.
Known as K.P.Candeth, Lieutenant General Kunhiraman Palat Candeth was a senior army officer in the Indian Army who played a commanding role in annexation of Goa from Portuguese control in 1961, and briefly tenured as the Lieutenant Governor in Goa. Later he served as the Deputy Chief of Army Staff based on GHQ in New Delhi at the midst of the war with Pakistan in 1965. He also effectively commanded the Western Command during the war with Pakistan in 1971.
Candeth was the grandson of the landlord and litterateur Vengayil Kunhiraman Nayanar. His maternal grandfather was Sir C. Sankaran Nair, who was the President of the Indian National Congress.
Candeth undergone his military training at the Prince of Wales Royal Indian Military College, Dehradun, where he was highly rated in the classroom and on the playing field. Candeth was commissioned in the British Indian Army on 30 August 1936 Candeth saw action in West Asia during the Second World War. Shortly before India's independence from colonial rule, he was deployed in the North West Frontier Province, bordering Afghanistan, to quell local tribes. After Independence, Candeth was commanding an artillery regiment that was deployed to Jammu and Kashmir after Pakistan-backed tribesmen attacked and captured a third of the province before being forced back by the Indian Army. Following Indian independence from British rule, the French left India from the occupied regions in 1954 but the Portuguese did not. Candeth led the infantry to Goa as ordered by the Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and liberated the portugese occupied regions of Goa, Damen and Diu within a day. He was hen appointed as the first Indian Administrator of Goa. During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 Candeth, being held the position as Lieutenant General was the Western Army commander responsible for planning and overseeing operations in the strategically crucial regions of Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan where the fiercest fighting took place. Lt. Gen. Candeth was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and also the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India. He passed away on 19th May 2003.

K.KUNHIKRISHNAN

Mother: The late K.Lakshmi Amma
Father: Late P Raman Nambiar)Mr.K.Kunhikrishnan is a writer and heralded television programming in Malayalam, as the first Director(1985) of the Trivandrum Doordarshan Kendra; he retired voluntarily from DD as Deputy Director General, after holding various positions. Born in Peralam village, near Payyanur, in Kannur district, he studied for post-graduation in Calicut University and was trained in television production and management in national and international institutions. He represented the country in various global television as he had the professional expertise in public service and commercial programming. He had bagged the Doordarshan Award for Excellence in work, for executing “Narrowcasting”. Mr. Kunhikrishnan is a writer of repute and has published nine books, including translations of Junichiro Tanizaki’s The Key (Thakkol), Desmond Morris’ The Naked Ape (Nagna Vaanaran), The Naked Woman (Nagna Naari) and two books on television. He has also published more than 500 articles in English and Malayalam. He recently chaired the Committee for restructuring the Information&Public Relations department of the Government of Kerala.

KUNHIRAMAN NAIR.P.

Born on 15 January 1906 at Kanhangad in Kasargode District.
Father: Kunhambu Ezhuthachan.

Mother: Kunhamma Amma.

Mahakavi P.Kunhiraman Nair began to write poems from his very early age of twelve years and continued till his last breath. His autobiography, Kaviyude Kalpadulal (foot prints of a poet) is quite different from other autobiographies and sweet as his poetries. He worshipped nature and traveled extensively. He is a poet who forgot to live amidst his unending journey in quest of nature and poems. He is loved by many and known as a devotional poet. Devotion, natural beauty of Kerala, temples, deities, stories of epics, rituals and customs are resembled in his poetry His important works are Sreerama Charitham, Bhadradeepam, Thamaramala, Pookkalam, Radholsavam, Vayalkkarayil, Thamarathoni, Kaliyachan, Pookalam, Narabali, Moothamoosariyodu etc. He won Kerala Sahithya Academy Award and Central Sahithya Academy Award. He died on May 27, 1978 at Thiruvananthapuram.

KUNJAN PILLAI, SOORANAD

Father: Payikkatt Neelakanta Pillai

Mother: Karthyani Amma
Sooranad Kunjan Pillai was a multi-lingual scholar, learned saint having command over so many languages. He contributed about 100 works in various field of literature, spiritual and physical life for more than half a century. He was a member of Kendra Sahithya Academy and served as a member in the Indian Historical Records Commission representing Kerala. Meerut University conferred D.Lit on him. Government of India awarded Padmasree to him.

KUNJAN PILLAI P.N., ELAMKULAM

Born in 1904.
Father: Krishna Kurup.

Mother: Narayani Amma.
Elamkulam Kunjan Pillai set apart his life to enrich the field of historical research of Kerala. Through his tireless efforts the Malayalam language was greatly benefited. He was a renowned historical researcher who showed light to the dark era of history. He started his career as a College Lecturer and retired as Professor. His important works are Janmi Sambradayam Keralathil, Keralam Anchum Aarum Noottandukalil, Kerala Bhashayude Vikasa Parinamangal, Leela Thilakom (study), Unnuneeli Sandesam (study). He died in 1973.

KUNJUNNI

Born on 10th May 1927 at Valappad
Father: Neelakantan Moosad
Motehr: Narayani Amma
Popularly known as Kunjunni Mash, Kunjunni Nair was a poet famous for his short poems, with philosophical overtone and full of thoughtful messages both for children and grownups. Kunjunni started his career as a teacher at the Chelari school. He joined Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama High School in Kozhikode. He was an inmate of the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama and he continued there for a long period even after his retirement. Later he returned to Valappad, his native village and settled there. He led a humble life and involved in social and cultural activities at in and around Thrissur. He also handled the column for children in the Mathrubhumi weekly under the pseudonym "Kuttettan". He initiated three or four generations of aspiring young writers into writing through his column, “Balapankthi”. All his short poems have been consolidated and published in 23 volumes. He won several awards including Kerala Sahitya Akademi award in 1977 1987and 2002, State Institute of Children's Literature Award, the Vazhakunnuam Award, V. A. Kesavan Nair Award and the Tomyas Award. He passed away on 26th March 2006.

KURUCHI KUNJAN PANICKER

Born in 1887 at Changanassery
kurichi Kunjan Panicker was a renowned Kathkali actor. Being the nephew of the eminent guru-brothers Kurichi Kochappi and Rama Panicker, he inherited Kathakali. Kunjan Panicker left for Malabar at the age of 14 to be trained under Appunni Poduval in Lakkidi in Palakkad district and, later, Koottil Kunhan Menon in Angadippuram in Malappuram district. Thus, by knowing the traditions of Travancore, Kochi, and Malabar, he developed an individual style in Kathakali. In the year 1909, he was appointed a senior Kathakali artist with the Travancore royal family's troupe in Thiruvananthapuram. He has won high acclaim for his depiction of several distinctive roles in Kathakali. He has received high honours for his sustained creative work in Kathakali from various cultural bodies of Kerala. He won the State Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for his in 1964. He passed away in 1968.

KURUP.B.C (AIR VICE MARSHAL BIPIN CHANDRA KURUP)

He is the Grandson of Sri.Mannath Padmanabhan.
Birth Place:Perunna
Born in 1942 at Perunna He was the Air Vice-Marshal of the Indian Air Force who has made significant contributions in improving the operational preparedness of Air Defence Units of the country. He was commissioned in the June 1963 and inducted into air defence stream. Kurup was an officer with extraordinary keenness and devotion to his profession. While working in the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection, Bipin Chandran Kurup brought about many effective changes in the pattern of inspection, wherein realistic live and simulated exercises were undertaken for analysis of operational potential of units. He revised the syllabus and procedure of fighter controller's categorization scheme to meet the challenge of changing ground environment. The notes prepared by him on the sophisticated radar, when it was inducted into service, are extensively used by all controllers even today. He won the award of Vishisht Seva Medal. He passed away on 6th April 2020. Wife:Sobha Children:Nimisha and Luna
He passed away on 6th May 2020

KURUP.P.R

Born on 30-9-1915
Father: Govindan Nambiar
Mother: Kunjunjamma
P.R. Kurup (Puthenpurayil Ramunni Kurup) was a veteran Socialist leader and an able administrator. A teacher by profession, he had participated in several teachers’ movements and also in the Kattampalli struggle and struggle of Estate labour union. He had also been dismissed from service in 1945, on account of his political affiliations. He started his political career as a member of the Congress Party in 1935, but later got attracted to the ideals of the Sociality Party and joined in it. He contested and elected from the Koothuparamba constituency in the first elections held to the Kerala Legislative Assembly. He was again elected as a member of Legislative Assembly for five times from Koothuparamba (1960), and from Peringalam (1967, 1977, 1987 and 1996). Kurup was Minister for Irrigation and Co-operation in the E.M.S.Ministry from 6-3-67 to 21-10-69 and the Minister for Forests and Transport, in the Nayanar Ministry from 20-5-96 to 11-1-99. He was the Chairman of the Committee on Private Members Bills and Resolutions from 1957 to 1958 and the House Committee from 1987 to 1989. He had also served as the Kerala State General Secretary of Janta Dal and President of Malabar Kisan Panchayat for some time. He passed away on 17-1-2001.

KURUP O.N.V.

Born in 1931.
Father: O.N.Krishna Kurup.

Mother: Lekshmykutty Amma.

O.N.V. Kurup is a veteran lyrist, illustrious poet and eminent orator. He published his first poem at his age of 14 years. On completion of his education, he was appointed as a Lecturer in Malayalam and retired as Professor in 1986. He won several awards including Sahithya Academy Award and Vayalar Award for his poetical works. He is an ardent follower of communist and socialist philosophy. His early poems reflect the political and social revolutionary ideas. He has written lyrics for more than 100 films apart from a good number of poems. Bhoomikkoru Charama Geetham, Uppu, Ujjayyani, Nalumanipookkal, Chooroonu are a very few to mention.

KUTTAMATH KUNHIRAMA KURUP

Born in 1880.
Father: Vandatt Udaya Varman Unnithiri.

Mother was Kuttamath Devakiyamma.
Kuttamath Kunhirama Kurup was a great poet and veteran freedom fighter. Kuttamath was a teacher of Neeleswaram Rajas High school. He entered the freedom struggle as a follower of Kalappaji. He authored many musical dramas. Devayani Charitham, Vidya Sankha, Dhwani Baala, Gopala Atbudha Paarana Harichandran, Dhroova Madhavam Nachikethas, Draupadi Keechakam , Rugmini Swayamvaram are some of them

KUTTIKRISHNAN P.C. (UROOB)

Born in 1915 at Ponnani in Malappuram District.
Father: Vazhappally Karunakara Menon.

Mother: Chalappurathu Parukutty Amma.
P.C.Kuttikrishnan, is known by the pen name Uroob. He was a celebrated novelist and won wide acclaim. He changed the outlook of the Malayalam literature with his magical words and superb ability. He had a place in the minds of the ordinary people of Kerala. He was the editor of Mangalodayam, Kumkuman, Malayala Manorama Weekly. He won Sakthi award, Kerala and Kendra Sahithya Academy Awards. Important Works: Ummachu, Sundarikalum Sundaranmarum, Aniyara, Mindapennu.

He died on 10 July 1979

KUTTIMALU AMMA A.V.

Born on 23 April 1905.
Father: Govinda Menon

Mother: Ammu Amma.
Kuttimalu Amma was a lone adventuress who gave courageous leadership in Malabar area during the independence struggle. She had undergone several severe sufferings. Her life enthralled the freedom fighters of those days. She became Member of Legislative Assembly. She was AICC member, Director, Mathrubhumi publications, President of Malabar Hindi Prachar Sabha.

Died on 14 April 1985

KUTTYKUNJU THANKACHY

Born in 1820.
Kuttykunju Thankacy was a notable poetess who enriched Malayalam through her valuable contributions in the field of Thiruvathira songs, ‘Kurathypattu’, ‘Unjalpattu’, bhajans etc. She was the daughter of famous poet Irayimman Thampi. Hre important works are Swargavathil Ekadashy, Ekadashy Mahatmyam, Gangasnanam, Anjathavasam, Naradamohanam, Seetha Swayamvaram, Kiratham, Nalacharitham.She died in 1914.