IMPORTANT PERSONALITIES

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DAMODARAN ASAN, A.

Born June 25, 1896. Father: Chennithala Mangatt Mutt Eswaran Naboodiri. Mother: Ambalappat Lekshmi Amma. Damodaran Asan is the nephew of Rayinkal Sankaran Asan who adventurously tried to put an end to the evil practices in the society. He was elected as a member of Sree Moolam Assembly and Travancore Legislative Assembly for 9 years. He served as Diwan Peshakar, Excise Commissioner, and Revenue Board Member. He was the first Chairman of Kerala Financial Corporation and President of Travancore Dewaswom Board. He became the President of NSS twice. Died in 1968

DANIAL. J.C.

J.C.Danial is the father of Malayalam film. He was the producer and director of first Malayalam film, Vigathakumaran. He also acted a role in the film. Famous advocate Malloor Govinda Pillai inaugurated the film Vigathakumaran on November 7, 1928. Danial exhibited the film Vigathakumaran throughout Kerala by carrying projector. The production of Vigathakumaran caused great financial loss to Danial and he sold all his assets including his studio and equipments to clear liabilities. The disappointed Danial, went to Rajapalayam in Tamil Nadu and undergone studies on dental surgery. He then established a dental clinic and practiced as a dental doctor for the remaining period of his life. His last days were miserable due to financial difficulties and diseases. He died on May 7, 1975.

DEVARAJAN.G.

Born on September 27, 1927 at Paravoor (Kollam). Father: Kochu Govindan Asan. Mother: Kochu Kunju. G. Devarajan was the maestro of music since 1950s. He composed music for more than 350 films and 11 dramas. His combination with Vayalar Rama Varma, the famous lyricist created a golden era for Malayalam film music. He was active in theatre and directed music for Kerala People Arts Club (KPAC). His made his indelible imprint through the popular drama Ningal Enne Communistakki (You made me a Communist) of KPAC. He died on March 14, 2006.

DIXIT.J.N. (JYOTHEENDRA NATH DIXIT)

Born in 1936. Father: Munshi Paramu Pillai. Mother: Retnamayi Devi. J.N.Dixit was a renowned diplomat and able administrator who had worked as Foreign Secretary to the Government of India. He was selected to IFS in 1958. He was the High Commissioner to Bangladesh. He was appointed as Secretary to Government, External Affairs. He played a vital role in India-Sri Lanka Treaty signed in 1991. In 2004 he was appointed as National Security Advisor. Government of India awarded him Padmabhushan. He died on 3 January 2005