DEVANESAN,Stephen.(Dr.)

Born on November 1955. Father.Joshua Stephen. Mother.Sornamma Kunjamma
Eminent Agricultural Scientist and Architect of India’s "Sweet Revolution" Dr. Stephen Devanesan is a distinguished agricultural scientist, academic leader, and internationally recognized expert in apiculture and pollinator science, whose pioneering work has significantly influenced apiculture development across India. Over a career spanning more than 36 years, he has made transformative contributions to Agricultural Entomology, honey bee research, and sustainable agriculture. Holding a Ph.D. in Agricultural Entomology from Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), Dr. Devanesan began his professional journey in 1979, as a Soil Conservation Officer with the Government of Kerala. He joined KAU in 1984 as a Rice Entomologist and eventually rose to the prestigious position of Dean, Faculty of Agriculture at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, before retiring in March 2016. During his tenure, he served as Principal Scientist and Head of the ICAR All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Honey Bees and Pollinators, Vellayani Centre, and later as Associate Director of Research for the Southern Zone. His academic governance also included vital roles as a Member of the KAU Senate and Chairman of the Senate Accounts Committee.
Dr. Devanesan's most celebrated scientific contribution occurred during the devastating outbreak of the Thai Sac Brood Virus (TSBV) in the early 1990s, which caused catastrophic losses to Kerala's indigenous honey bee population. Through systematic research and field evaluation, he developed and popularized TSBV-tolerant strains of Apis cerana indica, successfully reviving Kerala's beekeeping industry and restoring the livelihoods of thousands of farmers. Furthermore, he pioneered the commercialization of stingless bee culture (Meliponiculture) in Kerala, standardizing the KAU Stingless Bee Hive and collaborating with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, USA, to identify the state's indigenous species as Tetragonula iridipennis (Smith). A visionary in agricultural infrastructure and extension, Dr. Devanesan spearheaded the establishment of a state-of-the-art Honey Quality Control Laboratory at Vellayani under a ₹4.5 crore Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) project, drastically improving food safety standards in the state. He developed Good Apicultural Practices (GAP) for Kerala and conducted extensive training programs that have directly and indirectly empowered over one lakh rural families, particularly women and youth, by establishing apiculture as a profitable enterprise. On the national stage, Dr. Devanesan has held several critical assignments, including Member of the National Advisory Committee for the Honey Mission (Government of India) and the FSSAI Scientific Panel on Honey. Currently, he serves as the General Secretary of the Federation of Indigenous Apiculturists (FIA). An accomplished scholar who has visited over 35 countries, he has authored 16 books, 12 book chapters, and numerous research papers, and has served on the editorial boards of prominent journals like the Indian Bee Journal and Bee World. Beyond his scientific endeavors, Dr. Devanesan has made profound social contributions. Serving as the General Secretary of the Church of South India (CSI), South Kerala Diocese from 1986 to 2004, he played a pivotal role as Founder Secretary in establishing the Dr. Somervell Memorial CSI Medical College, Karakonam, a pioneering private-sector medical institution in Kerala. His outstanding legacy has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the NUFFIC Fellowship (Netherlands), Pioneer Scientist Award, Lifetime Achievement Award (2019), Harold Maxwell Lefroy Memorial Award (2022), Sreshta Award (2024), and Kisan Award (2025). Under his leadership, the Vellayani Centre was also adjudged the Best AICRP Centre in India by ICAR (2011–2013). Dr. Stephen Devanesan’s lifelong dedication to science, education, and farming communities continues to inspire generations, securing his place as a monumental figure in India's agricultural history.

Wife:Dr.Kamalam Simon Premila
Daughter:Dr.Benita Premila Devanesan
Son:Benoy Stephen Devanesan,

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. Disappointed due to financial difficulties, 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 expired on May 7, 1975.

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 passed away on 3 January 2005.