Biography of Eminent Nairs

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

		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.

		RADHAKRISHNAN THIRUVANCHOOR. Born 26 December, 1949 Father: K.P. Parameswaran Pillai Mother: M.G. Gourikutty Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan is a leader of Congress party and a trade union leader. He was the minister in the cabinet led by Oommen Chandy from 2011 to 2016 holding portfolios of Revenue, Home, Vigilance, Forest, and Transport etc. He was elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly in the year 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006 (from Adoor constituency), 2011 and 2016 (from Kottyam constituency). He entered into politics through Kerala Students Union (KSU) and was its District Secretary in 1967 and later General Secretary. In 1972 he was elected as the Chairman of the Kerala University Union. He also served as the State President of KSU, General Secretary and President of Youth Congress, General Secretary of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, Syndicate Member of the Cochin University of Science and Technology (1986-96), and Senate Member of the Kerala University.

		RADHAKRISHNAN.M.G Born on 29 July 1940 at Harippad Father:Malabar Gopalan Nair Mother:Kamalakshi Amma. He had his college education from the S. D. College, Alappuzha, and took Ganabhooshanam from Swati Tirunal Music Academy. Prominent singer K. J. Yesudas was one of his classmates there.He worked as a staff and become the senior music composer (Grade 1) in Akashvani, Trivandrum. In 1962, he joined All India Radio as music composer. He used to conduct a 15-minute light music class through AIR, which made him music lovers' favourite.He made his debut in cinema as a playback singer through "Unniganapathiye..." from Kallichellamma.Some of his notable concert performances were at N S S Headquarters at Changanassery and at Karrikkakom Chamundeswary Temple at Thiruvananthapuram. He then focussed at composing light music with most of them becoming big hits. Singers Sujatha, G. Venugopal etc. were first introduced through his non-filmy songs. of the His debut film as a music director was G. Aravindan's Thampu (1978). The songs were fairly noticed, however the first notable work by M.G. was Thakara (1980). Songs from this film, Mouname Mouname and Kudayolam Bhoomi won him several accolades and fame. The other major works by him include Adwaitham, Devasuram, Manichithrathazhu, Rakkuyilin Rajasadassil and Ananthabhadram, which was his last work.He won Kerala State Film Awards in 2001,2005 and Asianet Film Awards in 2001 and 2005.Wife:Padmaja,Son M. R. Rajakrishnan, (Sound recordist), Daughter Karthika.Sister Dr. K. Omanakutty and brother M. G. Sreekumar.He died on 2 July 2010

		RAGHAVAN.M.V Born on 5th May 1933 Father: Sankaran Nambiar Mother: Thambai Amma Popularly known as MVR, M.V. Raghavan (Meleth Veettil Raghavan) was a veteran leader and a firebrand politician. He entered politics early in 1948 as an active worker of the Communist Party. When the Communist Party of India faced a split, Raghavan joined with the CPI (Marxist) party. During his political career, Raghavan had been detained from November 1964 for about 30 months under DIR. He went underground during the emergency period and was arrested under MISA and imprisoned, for about 10 months. In 1986 he formed a new Party, Communist Marxist Party (CMP) and became its General Secretary. Raghavan was elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly for the first time in 1970, from Madayi constituency. He then contested in the ensuing general elections to the Kerala Legislative Assembly from Thaliparamba (1977), Kuthuparamba (1980) Payyannur (1982) as a candidate of CPI (M). In 1987, he became elected from Azhikode (1987) constituency, as a CMP candidate. In 1991 he got elected from Kazhakkuttom (1991) constituencies and again in 2001, from Thiruvananthapuram – West (2001) and won. However, he lost in the election held in 2006 from Punalur constituency. Raghavan served as the Minister for Co-operation from 24.6.1991 to 16.3.1995 in the Ministry headed by K.Karunakaran, and from 22.3.1995 to 9.5.1996 in the Ministry headed by A.K.Antony. He again served as the Minister for Co-operation and Ports from 17.5.2001 to till 18.5.2006. Raghavan was the President of the Pappinissery Panchayat for 16 years. He had held other positions such as the President, A.K.G. Memorial Co-operative Hospital, Kannur, Papinisseri Visha Chikilsa Society, Ayurveda Medical College, Parassinikadavu, Chairman, Kerala Co-operative Hospital Complex and Center for Advanced Medical Sciences Ltd., Pariyaram. He passed away on 9th November 2014.

		RAGHAVAN . N Born on23rd June 1900 at Shornur Father: K.C.Veerarayan Raja Mother: Nediyamveettil Meenakshy Nediyamveettil Raghavan was a freedom fighter, one of the top most leaders of leader of Indian National Army (INA), and an eminent diplomat, who had more diplomatic appointments than any others. He was born in a family having paternal links to the Zamorin. After his studies at the Madras Christian College, he moved to Britain to become a barrister. From the middle of 1920s he moved to Penang and became a popular person there and became leader of Malayali and Indian Associations. He had strong relations with the Indian Congress leaders. He became a leader of Indian Independence League (IIL). When IIL decided to start a school with the aid of Japan to provide crash courses for people of Indian origin, in espionage, intelligence gathering, photography, use of firearms and surveying, he became its head. Later he resigned from the school due to differences of opinion with Japanese authorities in having sent a team of trainees of the school as spies to India without his concurrence. He then joined the Indian National Army (INA) at the behest of Nethaji Subhash Chandra Bose. He was the Minister for Finance in the Azad Hind Government formed by the INA. Having survived the World War-II he returned to independent India in 1946. Prime Ministier Jawaharlal Nehru, with whom Raghavan was closely associated as early in 1930s, invited him to join in the foreign affairs department. He was appointed as Indian Ambassador in Indonesia, Brussels and Germany until 1952. Then he was transferred to China where from 26 September 1952 to 2 October 1955, he served as the Indian Ambassador. It was during his tenure that India and China agreed to the Panchsheel Treaty. From 1956 to 1959 he served in Argentina and Chile. In 1959 he was appointed as the Indian Ambassador to France. He also served as Indian Ambassador in Switzerland, Belgium and Czechoslovakia. He retired from the Indian Foreign Service in 1963. He passed away in December 1977.

		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.

		RAGHAVAN PILLAI,N. Born on 24th July 1898 at Thiruvananthapuram N. Raghavan Pillai (Narayanan Raghavan Pillai) was an Indian civil servant who was the second Secretary General in the Ministry of External Affairs, as well as the first Cabinet Secretary of the independent India. He was the grandson of Elankath Nanu Pillai, a former Diwan of erstwhile Travancore. After obtaining Bachelor of Arts first-class honours in 1918 from Madras University, he continued his studies with scholarship at the Trinity Hall, Cambridge and took the honours degree in Natural Sciences and in Law. Joining the Indian Civil Service (ICS) in 1922, Pillai initially served in the Central Provinces as an Assistant Commissioner and as an officiating Deputy Commissioner from March–November 1927. He was promoted to various cadres and finally to full Secretary in October 1942. He was the first Secretary of External Affairs, post and office he held from February 6, 1950 until May 13, 1953. He was later appointed as first Cabinet Secretary of the Republic of India. He was also India's Ambassador to China during a very crucial time of Indo-China relations. He received an honorary doctorate from Kerala University in 1953. He was a founding member of the first Governing Body of NCAER, the National Council of Applied Economic Research in New Delhi. Pillai was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1960. He passed away on 31 March 1992.

		RAGHAV.G.NAIR (GOPIKRISHNAN KOTTOOR). Born in 1956 at Thiruvananthapuram Raghav G.Nair is an Indian English poet, novelist, playwright, and a critic. His pen name is Gopikrishnan Kottoor. Raghav Nair obtained his M.A.degree in English from the Institute of English and accepted career as an employee in the Reserve Bank of India. Having won the Philip McCormick scholarship of the University, he attended the Master of Fine Arts (Poetry) programme of the Texas State University. He was the Poet-in-Residence in the University of Augsburg, Germany, on a sponsorship by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations. Piccolo,Milestones to the Sun,Sunbirds in the Rain,Nirvana and Other poems, Rev: Father Benedict Goes To Heaven and Other poems, Father, Wake Us, In Passing, Mother Sonata, A Buchenwald ,Victoria Terminus, Vrindavan – The Coloured Yolk of Love, Tell Me Neruda (Poems) A Bridge Over Karma, Presumed GuiltyHill House, Karmathinu Mele Oru Palam (Translation) (Novels),The Nectar of Gods , Fire in the Soul,The Mask of Death, A Women in Flames, (Plays) Jnanappana (Poonthanam) Rati Rahasya ( Transcreations), Wander From The Great Wide Wander Galaxy (Fantasy) are some of his important works. He won many prizes including first prize in the All India Poetry Competition, Special prize of the Poetry Society of India, All India Poetry Awards, and the Bharathi Prize. He was honoured with D.Litt. by the World Academy of Arts, California,

PADMASREE Dr.M.R.RAJAGOPAL.M.D.

Born on 23 September 1947 at Muttakkad in Trivandrum District, Kerala State is an Indian palliative care physician. On retirement as Professor and Head of the Department of Anaesthesiology, Government Medical College, Kozhikode, he founded the Trivandrum Institute of Palliative services. He is also tthe founder chairman of Pallium India, a palliative care non-governmental organisation based in Trivandrum. He is often referred to as the 'father of palliative care in India for his significant contribution to the palliative care scene in India. In 2018, the Indian Government honored Dr M. R. Rajagopal with the Padma Shri award
A documentary film based on Dr M R Rajagopal's life, titled "Hippocratic: 18 Experiments in Gently Shaking the World was released by Moonshine Agency, Australia, on World Palliative Care Day, October 14 2017.
Rajagopal's advocacy has contributed to amendment of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of India in 2014 enablinghazle free supply of opioid medicines for palliative care in Indian hospitals—a critical step in reducing needless suffering and enabling access to pain relief to millions needing palliative care. He was also the prime mover in the creation of the National Program for Palliative Care (NPPC) by the Ministry of Health of Government of India. In 2014, Rajagopal was honored by Human Rights Watch with Alison Des Forges Award for Extraordinary Activism, in recognition of his tireless efforts to defend the right of patients to live and die with dignity.

Address:Pallium India,VP XIII/80,GOLDEN HILLS,VENKOD.P.O,VATTAPPARA,THIRUVANATHAPURAM-695028

Phones:0472-2586497.9746745502. url: www.palliumindia.org

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.

O.RAJAGOPAL

Born on 15th September 1929 at Pudukkode in Palakkad
Father: Madhavan Nair
Mother: Kunhikkavu AmmaO. Rajagopal (Olanchery Rajagopal) is one of the foremost leaders of Bharathiya Janata Party (BJP) of Kerala. He was a two time Member of Rajya Sanha and the Union Minister of State for Defense, Parliamentary Affairs, Urban Development, Law, Justice, Company Affairs, and Railways. He was also the BJP parliamentary party deputy leader of the Rajyasabha. He became the first BJP candidate who elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly in the general elections held in 2016.
After obtaining law degree from Madras University, he began practice in 1956 at Palakkad courts. Inspired by Deendayal Upadhyaya he associated with the Jana Sangh and became the General Secretary and later the President of the Kerala faction of Jana Sangh. Jana Sangh later merged with Janata Party and later the erstwhile Jana Sangh followers of Janata Party formed Bharathiya Janata Party (BJP). Rajagopal was the president of BJP’s Kerala faction till 1985. Later he was assigned with many responsibilities in the BJP and served as party’s National Secretary, General Secretary and Vice-President. Though he contested four times to the Loksabha from Manjeri (1989) and Thiruvananthapuram (1991, 1998, and 2014), but failed. However, his candidature in these elections helped the BJP to enhance the support of the electorate from 21 per cent to 32 per cent. 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.

		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.

		RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR Born 31 May 1964 at Ahmadabad Father: M. K. Chandrasekhar Rajeev Chandrasekhar is an entrepreneur, one of the leaders of Bharatiya Janatha Party (BJP) and a Member of Rajya Sabha. He is the founder and chairman of Jupiter Capital Pvt. Ltd, a financial services and investment company. After completing engineering degree course at Manipal Institute of Technology, he had undergone Masters in Computer Science Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago. On his return to India, Chandrasekhar founded BPL Mobile. Later, he sold his stake in BPL Communications and founded Jupiter Capital. Currently he has investments and managed assets of over US$800 million in technology, media, hospitality, and entertainment. Jupiter Entertainment Ventures Private Limited owns and operates media companies including Asianet News, Kannada Prabha and Suvarna News 24x7 and Republic TV run by Arnab Goswami. The company also owns radio brands Best FM and Radio Indigo. Chandrasekhar was awarded an honorary doctorate by Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belgaum, for his work as an entrepreneur. He also won the IIT Global Service Award

		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.
		RAJMOHAN UNNITHAN Born on 10th June 1953, Father: Kuttan Pillai Rajmohan Unnithan is one of the eminent leaders of Indian National Congress and a well-known orator. He was elected to the Loksabha from Kasargode constituency in the general elections held in 2019. He also served as the spokesperson to the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). Graduated from the SN College Kollam, he was active in student politics as well as amateur theatre. On completion of his studies he became a full time politician and an ardent worker of the Indian National Congress. He also served as the General Secretary of KPCC (Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee).Though he contested two times to the Kerala Legislative Assembly, he could not win. Impressed on his vibrant personality film director Shaji Kailas gave him an opportunity through the movie Tiger released in 2005. He has also acted in more than a dozen movies.

		RAJAN PILLAI Born on 1947 at Kollam Popularly known as the 'Biscuit Baron' Rajan Pillai was a businessman who died in custody at Tihar Jail four days after his arrest. Pillai qualified as an engineer from TKM College, Kollam. During the mid 1970s, Rajan Pillai set up his base in Singapore with 20th Century Foods packaging potato chips and peanuts. He collaborated with Canadian businessman F. Ross Johnson, head of the giant American food corporation Standard Brands. In 1984, Johnson sent him to London to head the newly acquired Nabisco Commodities. Soon after, Johnson took over of the Asian subsidiaries of Huntley & Palmer, the British biscuit manufacturing company which controlled Britannia Industries, India's largest bakery and biscuit-making concern, and handed its entire area of operation in Asia to Pillai. Even though he claimed to own Britannia Industries, he actually controlled only 3 per cent of its equity; the rest of his businesses were a complex interwoven and interdependent financial mesh. In 1993, owing to debt, Pillai began selling off his companies to financial institutions. The Wadia Group acquired a stake in Associated Biscuits International (ABIL), and became an equal partner with Groupe Danone in Britannia Industries Limited. In what The Economic Times referred to as one of [India's] most dramatic corporate sagas, Pillai ceded control to Wadia and Danone after a bitter boardroom struggle. Pillai's mentor, Johnson, demanded the return of $30m which he had advanced Pillai to buy Britannia. Singapore's Commercial Affairs Department, which was investigating Pillai's business deals, completed its investigation in March 1993 and charged Pillai on 22 counts of breach of trust and fraud and running up a debt of $17.2 million. As a court prepared to pronounce a 14-year prison term on him, Pillai fled his Singapore base to India in 1995. In his home state Kerala, he obtained bail and a stay against his extradition to Singapore, despite an Interpol red alert for his arrest. On 4 July 1995, Indian police seized him in a pre-dawn raid at New Delhi's five-star Le Meridien Hotel, and took him to Tihar Jail. Pillai appealed for medical treatment, but there was no response and eventually Pillai died the next day in custody due to liver cirrhosis.

		RAJAN NAIR.P.S Born in 1956 at Kuttanad, Alappuzha. Father: Sri.PKS Nair(Late) Mother: Smt.C.Kanakamma(Late) Sri.Rajan Nair is one of the leading entreprenuers in the field of Medical and Surgical equipments in Kerala. After acquiring his graduation from Kerala University, he went to Saudi Arabia as Chief Accountant in a reputed company.After serving the company for quite a long period, he returned to Kerala and started the new venture in Medical field. Now he is the Managing Director of the Index India Surgicals, a leading firm distributing Allopathic Medicines and Surgical equipments.Right from his college days he has been engaged in many extra curricular activities.Being an ardent social worker, he is closely associated with NSS,various socities,Residents Associations, many Amateur & Professional Music clubs Etc..He is the State Gen Secretary of AKSSDA(All Kerala Scientific and Surgicals Dealers Association).Now he is the Trust executive member of the famous Eerathara Devi Temple and North Parur Annapoorneswari Temple. He is a philanthropist and depicted firm imprints in whatever field he ventured.. Smt.Vimala Nair is his wife. They have three children.. Ganga Nair Yamuna Nair and Vishnu R Nair http://www.indexindia.org

RAJASEKHARAN NAIR.G

Born in November 1955.
Father: P.Gopinathan Nair. Mother: K.Seethamma. Professor RajasekharanNair 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. He died on 3 November 2014

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,KONGATTIL Born in 1895 at Nattika in Thrissur DistrictKongattil Raman Menon was a lawyer by profession. He gave up his practice to join the civil disobedience movement. He was imprisoned twice for involvement in the freedom movement. Menon was elected as the President of Kerala Provincial Congress Committee in 1936. He was one of the five congress candidates who were elected to the erstwhile Madras Legislative Assembly in 1937. Then he was inducted in the C.Rajagopalachari Ministry (1937-1939) wherein he held the portfolio of Courts and Prisons.Haripura Congress Souvenir (1938) remembers Raman Menon as “one of the most energetic and prominent of the Congress leaders in Kerala. The Keralaputra is a new evangel. A tall, attractive young man, with a high and ample forehead, a dignified cast of countenance, with powerful jaws and finely chiseled mouth he has the noble bearing of a Roman Senator. His stentorian voice which was booming across Kerala, his clenched fist shaking defiance at social wrong has become a part of ancient history. On his features are imprinted a frank and human kindness”.He passed away on 7th January, 1939
		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, 1914Panampilly 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 MASTER.K.K Born on 11th December 1936 at Nedumbram Father: P. Narayanan Nambiar Mother: Rugmini Amma Ramachandran Master was a leader of the Congress party. A teacher by profession, he entered politics through the Youth Congress and later held important positions in the party. Ramachandran Master was elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly for the first time in 1980 from Sultan’s Battery constituency. In 1982 and in 1987 also, he represented the same constituency. In 1991, 1996 and 2001 he was elected from Kalpetta constituency. Ramachandran Master served as the Minister for Food and Civil Supplies from 3.5.1995 to 9.5.1996. He has also been the Minister for Health and Family Welfare from 5.9.2004 to 14-1-2006. He has also served as Secretary, and President of the D.C.C. Kozhikode, Vice President, State INTUC, Secretary, Congress Legislature Party, and General Secretary, K.P.C.C.

RAMACHANDRAN NAIR K.P.

Born on 1st January 1922 at Kavalam
Father: Dr.K.P.Panikkar
K.P.Ramachandran Nair was an ardent activist of Nair Service Society (NSS) and one of the founder members of National Democratic Party (political wing of NSS). He had served also as the Chairman, Alappuzha Municipal Council from 1968 to 1979, and was the Member, State Executive Committee of National Democratic Party. Besides, he was the President, NSS Taluk Union, Ambalapuzha, Member of NSS Director Board Treasurer of N.S.S. Ramachandran Nair was elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 1982 and in 1991 from Alappuzha constituency representing NDP. He was the Minister for Health from 1.9.1983 to 29.5.1985 in the Ministry headed by K. Karunakaran. He passed away on 28.2.2004.

Dr. RAMACHANDRAN PUDUSSERY

Born on 23 September 1928
Father : Damodaran Pillai Mother : JanammaDr.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.Died in 2020

		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.

		RAMACHANDRAN NAIR,R. Born on 22nd December 1934 Father: P.Raghavan Pillai Mother: M.P.Kalyani Amma Ramachandran Nair was an eminent advocate, social worker and a political leader. In the beginning of his political career he was connected with the Communist movement, but later joined Kerala Congress. He was an active leader of Kuttanad Karshaka Sanghom. Being a staunch worker of Nair Service Society (NSS), he became a member in the National Democratic Party, political wing of NSS. He was elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 1991 from Aranmula constituency and inducted as a Minsiter for Health in the ministry headed by K.Karunakaran. Besides being a Director Board member of NSS and Registrar of NSS Karayogams, he was also a Member of Kerala University Senate. He passed away on 14th December, 2007.

		RAMAKRISHNA PILLAI.V.P Born on 12th Novoember, 1931 Father: Parameswaran Pillai V.P. Ramakrishna Pillai was one of the senior most leaders of Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP). He started his political career as a student activist. Subsequently he joined the Kerala Socialist Party. When RSP was formed, he joined in that party. Ramakrishna Pillai was elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 1987 and 1996 from Eravipuram, as an R.S.P. candidate. He was the minister of Irrigation and Labour in the ministry headed by E.K.Nayanar 7.1.1998 to 13.5.2001. He was a member of RSP National Committee. He also served as Editor of “Pravaham” fortnightly. He has been at the helm of affairs of many trade unions affiliated to the U.T.U.C. He is also the former Director of Kerala State Co-operative Bank, Kerala State Warehousing Corporation, Kerala State Coir Marketing Federation and Quilon District Co-operative Bank. He passed away on 8th November 2016

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.

RAMESH CHENNITHALA

Born on 25th May 1956 at Mavelikkara
Father: V.Ramakrishnan Nair
Mother: Devaki Amma
Ramesh Chennithala is the leader of the Indian National Congress. He is the Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Legislative Assembly since 2016. He has also served as the state Home Minister in the Government of Kerala. He holds the record of being the youngest Minister in the State of Kerala at the age of 30. He has also served as Member of Parliament for four terms and member of Legislative assembly for three terms.
Ramesh entered into the politics through student movement. He held a series of positions in KSU (students’ organization of the Congress) such as Mavelikkara Taluk General Secretary, Alapuzha District Secretary, State Executive Member of KSU, and State Vice President of KSU. In 1980 he was elected as the State President of KSU. Later he served as the General Secretary of Indian Youth Congress, as the All India President of NSUI and theNational President of the Youth Congress (I). In 1982 he was elected as MLA from Haripad Constituency and subsequently inducted in the Ministry of K. Karunakaran as the Minister for Rural Development. In 1989 he was elected as Member of Parliament from Kottayam Parliamentary Constituency He was again elected to the Parliament in 1991, 1996 and 1999. In 2001 he became the AICC Secretary and became a member of the Congress Working Committee. In 2014, he was inducted as the Home Minister of Kerala in the Ommen Chandy ministry.

		C.P.RAVEENDRANATHAN 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.

		RAVICHANDRAN,C. Born on 30th May 1970 at Pavithreswaram Father: K.Chandrasekharan Pillai Mother: P.Omana Amma C. Ravichandran is a teacher, author, rationalist, and an orator. He completed his post graduate degree course in English. He also possesses post graduate degree in, Economics, Politics, History, Sociology, Philosophy, Commerce, Malayalam and Public administration. He has already written more than ten books over topics stretching from Rationalism to Politics. Many of his works attracted criticism and controversies. Vasthulahari, Suvesesha Vishesham, Ambilikuttanmaar, Masthishkam Kadha Parayumbol, Beefum Beliefum, Budhane Erinja kallu, Nasthikanaya Daivam, Jyothitha Bheekarathayude Marupuram, Mruthyuvinte Vyaakaranam, Adaminte Palavum Ramante Sethuvum are his few works. He won the Prof. Joseph Mundassery Foundation Award for Best young-writer of 2016, for his efforts to grow scientific temper among readers through his works. Currently he is working as a teacher in a Government College at Thiruvananthapuram.


		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.
		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.

		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.

		RAVEENDRANATH,C.(Prof.) Born on 22 November 1955 Father: K. Peethambaran Kartha Mother: C. Lekshmikutty Kunjamma Prof. C.Raveendranath was a leader of Communist Party of India (Marxist), of Thrissur District and an eminent teacher, a active volunteer of Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad. Presently he is the Minister for General Education in the ministry headed by Pinarayi Vijayan (from 25th May 2016 onwards). He was elected from Pudukkad constituency of the Kerala Legislative Assembly for three times (2001, 2006 and 2011). Prior to his selection as MLA, he was serving as the Professor of Chemistry of the St.Thomas College, Thrissur. He had also associated with various development programmes such as ‘Total Literacy Programme’, ‘Peoples’ Planning programme’ etc.

		DR.M.N RAVEENDRAN NAIR Born on 20th April 1944 Father: M.Narayanan Nair Dr.M.N.Raveendran Nair is an authority in Ayurvedic system of medicine and an outstanding talent who combines traditional theoretical knowledge and practice. Born at the Madappad Tharavad of Ettumanur in Kottayam district of Kerala, Dr. Raveendran Nair completed his Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine (BAM) course with first rank in 1968. Later he obtained his post-graduate degree (MD) also. He started his career as a scientist at the Central Research Institute for Ayurveda, functioning at Cheruthuruthy under the Government of India. Subsequently he joined as a teacher at the Government Ayurveda College and served there for a long 29 years as a much revered teacher to the new generation of Ayurvedic medical practitioners. Dr. Nair also served as the Principal of Mannam Co-operative Ayurvedic Medical College in 2004 and 2005. Being an efficient organizer, he led the organization of Kerala Government Ayurveda College Teachers as its General Secretary and President for about 16 years. Dr. Nair also served as the Convener of Ayurveda Aiyka Vedi (united forum of Ayurveda doctors). He was the Organising Secretary of the Kerala Chapter of All India Ayurveda Congress. He also served as a member of faculty of the Universities of Kerala, Calicut, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit and Chairman of the Board of Studies of the University of Kerala. He was an elected member of the Central Council of Indian Medicines. Now, Dr. Nair is the Managing Director and Chief Physician of Arsha Ayurvedic Hospital Pvt. Ltd., at Poonkulam in Thiruvananthapuram district. He is also serving as the Chairman of Arogya Ayurveda Foundation, a charitable organization.
		B.RAVI PILLAI Born on 2 September 1953 at Chavara Ravi Pillai is a billionaire businessman and founder of RP Group of companies. Right from his college days, Ravi Pilli launched his first business, a chit fund in Kollam. Later, he started an engineering contract business and undertook construction work for industrial houses in Kerala such as Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore Limited, Hindustan Newsprint Limited, and Cochin Refineries. However, a labour strike forced him to close down his business, after which he went to Saudi Arabia where he started a small trading business. Two years later, he moved into field of construction which has grown to become the flagship company of his business group, that at present employs over 70,000 persons across its businesses. Pillai has expanded his business to other countries including United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain, and has interests in construction, hospitality, steel, cement, and oil and gas industries. RP Group now holds stakes in hotels such as Leela Kovalam, Hotel Raviz, Kollam, and Welcome Hotel Raviz Kadavu, Kozhikode and Upasana Hospital and Research Centre, Kollam. Pillai was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman by the Government of India in 2008. Arabian Business ranked him as the fourth most powerful Indian in the Middle East in 2015.