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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.
Krishanan
Nair passed away on 15 August 1990. |
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KARUNAKARAN
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. |
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KALYANI
AMMA B.
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) |
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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.
He died on October 6, 1971.
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KESAVA
DEV P.
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)
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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.
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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
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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.
He died on 17 June 1948. |
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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. |
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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.
He died in 1916 (ME 1091 Midhunam 25). |
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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KRISHNAN
NAIR M. (Prof.)
Born on 3 March 1923.
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. |
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KUMARA
PILLAI, KAINIKKARA
Born on 27 September 1900 at Haripad (Alappuzha
Dist).
Mother: Parvathy Pillai
Kainikkara
is known as an honoured teachers, playwright,
actor. He followed Gandhian principles throughout
his life. He led a clear and simple life.
He won Odakkuzhal award and Puthezhan award.
He died on 9 December 1988 |
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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.
His birthday (Fifth of May) is celebrated as
“Kunchan dinam”.
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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.
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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. |
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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. |
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KUNJAN
PILLAI, SOORANAD
Born on 24 June 1911.
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.
He died in 1995. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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. |
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