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IMPORTANT PERSONALITIES
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SAKTHAN THAMPURAN (RAMA VARMA)
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Born on Karkidakom 10, 926 (ME) (1751 AD). Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran was a
talented ruler with amazing powers. He came into power in the year 1790 AD. The
administrative reforms introduced by him are famous. He divided the state into
different Taluks known as Kovilakathum Vathukkal and appointed Karyakkar
(Tahsildars). Each Taluk had been divided into villages. He established law and
order by suppressing robbers and dacoits. He introduced a just and impartial
judicial system and enforced law strictly. He suppressed feudal nairs and
weakened their strength. He hated Brahmnical supremacy. It was he who
constructed the Thekkinkadu Maidan at the heart of Thrissur town after
destroying the forest around the Vadakkumnatha Temple despite the resistance of
Brahmin priests and other orthodox section of people. He died on Kanni 11, 980
(ME) (1805 AD). |
S.K.POTTAKKAT (Sankarn Kutty, Pottakkat)
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Born on March 14, 1913 at Kozhikode. Father: Kunhiraman. Mother: Kittooli.
S.K.Pottakkat’s contributions can be seen in every field of literature. He is an
illustrious novelist, short story writer, and a dramatist. His travelogues are
very famous. There may not be any other Malayali than Pottakkat who traveled in
18 different countries spread over almost all continents of the world and
written travelogues. Government of India presented him Jnanapeeth award in 1980
for his marvelous novel, Oru Desathinte Katha (Story of a region). In addition
to Jnapeeth, he won Sahithya Academy Awards of both the State and Central. His
fabulous novel, Oru Theruvinte Katha (Story of a street) consists of 500 odd
characters. There are 10 novels, 23 collections of short stories, 17
travelogues, 3 collections of poems, 1 drama and 3 memory sketches at his
credit. He was elected to the Parliament in 1962. Calicut University awarded him
D.Litt. He passed away on August 6, 1982. |
SANJAYAN
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Born on 17 June 1903.Father: Kunhiraman.Mother: Paru Amma. Sanjayan is the
pseudonym of M.Ravunni Nair (M.R.Nair) who wrote satire articles stuffed with
humor and social criticism. He was a Government Servant and Teacher in his early
days. Later, he turned to the field of journalism and was the editor of Kerala
Pathrika, Viswaroopam and Sanjayan magazines. The humorous yet highly critical
essays on contemporary societal issues appeared in Sanjayan brought fame to him.
He was a scholar not only in Malayalam but in English and Sanskrit also. He
also translated plays of Shakespeare into Malayalam. |
SANKAR. R.
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Born in 1908.Father: Raman Vaidyar. He was the Chief Minister of Kerala. He was
an eminent parliamentarian, able administrator, and one of the courageous
leaders of Indian National Congress. He was the Secretary of Sree Narayana
Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam for quite a long period. He also served as the
Secretary of Sree Narayana Trust, which runs many educational and other social
institutions in the State. After taking law degree, he started his career as an
advocate. In 1938 he joined independence movement and gave leadership to several
agitations. Soon he found a key position in the social and political field of
the state and elected as the General Secretary of State Congress. He was elected
to the Legislative Assembly in 1948. In 1949 he was nominaed as a member in the
Travancore Devaswom Board. In association with Mannathu Padmanabhan, Sankar
formed Hindu Mahamandalam, an organisation for the unity of Hindus, but it was
dissolved in 1952. He was one of the zealous leaders of the Liberation Movement,
which ultimately led to the dismissal of first Communist Government of Kerala.
He was the Deputy Chief Minister of Kerala in 1960 and became the Chief Minister
in 1962. He passed away on November 7, 1972. |
SANKARA KURUP.G.
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Born 3 June 1901. Father: Sankara Varier. Mother: Lekshmykutty Amma. G.Sankara
Kurup was a great personality who rendered valuable contribution to the growth
and development of Malayalam poetry and who created unique form of illustrated
verse. The early poems of G depicted the nature, god, and soul as portrayed by
Rabindranatha Tagore. In the later stages he penetrated to the field of
mysticism, humanism, nationalism and internationalism. He exalted imagination
and lofty thinking found its echo in all his poems. His poems reached the
varying depth of human soul. He is the first Jnanapeeth laureate of Malahyalam.
He was Professor in Maharajas College, Ernakulam. He also served as producer of
All India Radio, editor of Sahithya Parishad, Fellow of Sahithya Academy. His
important works are Odakkuzhal, Innu Njan Nale Nee, Sooryakanthi, Ente veli,
Siva Thandavam, Chandrakkala, Nizhalukal Neelunnu. Died on 2 February 1978 |
SANKARAN NAIR.C.SIR, CHETTUR
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Born on July 11, 1857. Father: Ravunni Panicker. Mother: Parvathy Amma. Sir
Chettur Sankaran Nair was one among the early leaders of the national movement.
He was the one and only Keralite who held the position of the President of
Indian National Congress. He started career as advocate in Madras High Court.
He was Syndicate Member of Madras University and member in the Commission of
Malabar Janmi-kudiyan Bill. He was also served as the Advocate General and
Madras High Court Judge. The British Emperor awarded the ‘Sir’ title to him.
Madras University honoured him by awarding D.Lit. He died on April 22,1934. |
SANKARA PILLAI.K. (Cartoonist Sankar)
|
Born on 31 July 1902. Cartoonist Sankar was a world famous and celebrated
cartoonist. He was most liked by children. He captured the appreciation of
children all over the world and attracted even the rulers through his stunning
cartoons. He taught the children of the whole world to think and smile. He
started his career as a cartoonist in “Hindustan Times”. Later, he established
“Sankar’s weekly”, which gave prominence to cartoons and caricatures. He also
established a doll museum for children. He was awarded ‘Chapter of the order of
smile’ by the children of Poland, which he regarded as the greatest award and
recognition. The Government of India awarded him Padmasree, Padmabhushan and
Padmavibhshan. He died in 1991. |
SANKARACHARYA
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Historians differ on the life period of Srimad Sankaracharya. Some of them are
of opinion that he was born in 655 AD. Max Muller said that his year of birth
was 788 AD. It is believed that he was born between 600 and 841 AD. Father:
Vidhyadhirajan. Mother Aryamba. It is reported that young Sankaran started
speaking at his age of one year. His upanayana was held at the age of 5 years.
He completed his studies of Veda, Upanishads and other related sciences before
he attained the age of 8 years. Sankaran decided to became a saint. After
getting permission from her mother he became disciple of Gowdapadan, a great
saint and continued his further education on Adwaitha. Srimad Sankaracharya is
one of the greatest philosophers of India who revived the Hindu religion.
Shankaracharya developed Advaita Vedanta, a system of philosophical thought
within Hinduism. He traveled throughout India propagating the principles of
Advaita philosophy. He established four mutts (religious centres) in four parts
of India at Puri(in east), Dvaraka (in west), Shringeri (south) and Badarinath
(north). Shankaracharya is believed to have died at Kedarnath, high in the
Himalayas. Though he lived for only thirty-two years, his achievement was
unparalleled. He promulgated the vedantic theory that men are of one essence and
that all people should endeavor to develop this vision of oneness. |
SARASWATHY AMMA, K., PALKULANGARA
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Born on 21 Meenon 1091 (ME). Father: Padanabha Pillai. Mother: Karthyani Amma
A rare genius who enriched the short story during 1950s. Her important works
are Ponnumkudam, Kanatha Mathil, Kalamandiram, Pennbudhi, Vivahasammanam. She
died in 1975 |
SATHYAN
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Born in 1912 at Thiruvananthapuram. Sathyan was one of the greatest cine artists
that Kerala has ever seen. Though he did not receive any scientific training in
acting, he proved to be a superb and talented artist. He started acting in 1950
when the Malayalam film has completed just the age15 years. Atmasakhi was his
first film. Prior to his entering into the luminous world of films, he was
working as a Police Inspector. He has acted in more than 200 films as hero.
Sathyan made innumerable and vivid characters of famous novels immortal. Palani
(Chemmeen), Pappu (Odayilninnu), Sudhi (Vazhve Mayam). Sreeni (Yakshi),
Dr.Thomas (Sarasayya), Chellappan (Anubhavangal, Palichakal) are a few to point
out. He passed away on June 15, 1971. |
SIVASANKARA PILLAI, THAKAZHY
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Born on 17 April 1912. Father: Sankara Kurup. Mother: Parvathy Amma. Thakazhy
Sivasankara Pillai was world famous in the field of literature especially novels
and short stories. From the field of an advocate he rose to the highest
position of a world famous novelist. He won the Jnapeeth award and placed
himself in the forefront of all writers. No other novels other than that of
Thakazhy got so many translations to other languages.
Important novels: Randidangazhy, Chemmeen, Enipadikal, Thendyvargam,
Anubhavangal Palichakal, Thottiyude Makan, Kayar. Chemmeen was translated to all
Indian languages and English. The film based on Chemeen won President’s Gold
Medal. |
Dr. E. SREEDHARAN (Elattuvalappil Sreedharan)
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Born on 12.6.1932. in Palghat District of Kerala.
Father : Shri K. Neelakantan Moosad
Mother : Smt. Ammalu Amma
Dr.Sreedharan is the man who “achieved the near impossible”. He graduated from Victoria College, Palghat, and then from Government Engineering College, Kakinada, in April 1953. After a small stint as Lecturer in Civil Engineering in Kerala Polytechnic, Calicut, he joined the Bombay Port Trust following which he was selected to the Indian Railway Service of Engineers. Then there was no looking back for this eminent and dynamic personality. He has executed innumerable and prestigious Railway projects. He held many key positions in the Government of India including that of CMD, Cochin Shipyard, General Manager, Western Railway and Member Engineering, Railway Board & Ex-officio Secretary to Govt. of India. After a successful stint as Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Konkan Railway Corporation, he was chosen as the first Managing Director of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.
Dr. Sreedharan has transformed the transport scenario of India’s capital. Success and virtue - a rare combination in today's world run side by side in this “Metro Man’s” life.
Dr. Sreedharan is the recipient of several prestigious awards, some of which include the Padma Shri in 2001, Knight of the Legion of Honour instituted by French Government, Railway Minister’s Award for restoring the Pamban Railway Bridge in just 46 days, 125 spans of which were washed away in a tidal wave in December 1963, to name a few.
Dr. E. Sreedharan is the recipient of many prestigious Awards include Railway Minister’s Award for restoring the Pamban Railway Bridge in 1963,“S.B. Joshi Memorial Award, 1995” for excellence in bridge engineering, “FIE FOUNDATION AWARD, 1995” – for outstanding contribution in efficient implementation of Konkan Railway Project, “Most Outstanding National Bridge Award, 1995” instituted by the Indian Institute of Bridge Engineers, for the Konkan Railway,“ICI – FOSROC AWARD, 1996” for the Most Outstanding Concrete Technologist., Sir M. Vishweshwarayya Award – 1996” – from Engineers’ Forum Kolhapur for Best Engineer and Eminent Performer who has brought the Dream of Konkan Railway into reality,“Jury’s Award” for Individual Leadership by CII – Award for Excellence in Infrastructure, 2002,“Public Service Excellence Award” being given by All India Management Association, 2002,Social Lifetime Achievement Award for Social Service given by Godfrey Phillips India Limited,“Padma shri” – The National Award Knight of the Legion of Honour – “Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur, 2005” – by President of Republic of France,“Doctor of Science” (Honoris Causa) – 2005 by Indian Institute of Technology, “Doctor of Science” (Honoris Causa) – 2006 by Kurukshetra University , Kurukshetra (Harayana) etc.
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SREE NARAYANA GURU
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Born on August 20, 1856 at Chembazhanthy, near Thiruvananthapuram. Father: Sri.
Kochuvila Madanasan. Mother: Smt. Vayalvarathu Kutty. Sree Narayana Guru was one
of the social reformers who laid the foundation stone of the modern Kerala. He
was the prophet of a new era and a great saint. His philosophical thoughts
eradicated the malevolent rituals and customs prevailing in the contemporary
society and wiped out the caste system. His philosophical thoughts were of
reformation and restructure. Born in an Ezhava family, Narayanan underwent his
initial studies under the guidance of Kannankara Narayana Pillai. Later he
studied Ayurveda from his maternal uncle Krishnan Vaidyan. At the age of 21 he
became the disciple of Kammampallil Raman Pillai who taught him all branches of
Sanskrit. On his return to native place he started a primary school. At that
time he happened to meet Chattambi Swamikal and they became close friends. He
underwent penance at the Maruthwan hills near Cape Commerin and it is believed
that he gave shape to his future programmes there. In 1888, he established a
temple at Aruvippuram near Neyyattinkara and installed an idol of Lord Siva.
When conservative upper class questioned his action, Narayana Guru proclaimed
that he installed Ezhava Siva and not a Lord Siva that worshipped by them.
Subsequently he established several temples throughout Kerala. In 1898 Narayana
Guru formed Aruvippuram Kshethra Yogam mainly for the administration of temples
and for the conduct of temple festivals. This organization prompted the
formation of Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP Yogam). It was on May
15, 1903 that SNDP Yogam was registered. Famous poet Kumaran Asan was the first
secretary of SNDP Yogam. In the next year SNDP Yogam started a journal,
Vivekodayam. SNDP Yogam propagated the philosophies of Sree Narayana Guru and to
eradicate malevolent rituals and evil customs from Ezhava community. It could
eliminate the custom of pre-puberty marriage prevailing among Ezhavas known as
Kettukalyanam. In 1909 he established a Mutt at Varkala. Ther Mutt is the famous Sivagiri Mutt. Sree Narayana Guru was a renowned litterateur also.
Atmopdesashathakom, Daivasathakom, Kundalinippattu, Anukambalakshanam,
Jathilakshanam, Sivashathakom, Adwaithadeepika, Naratnamanjari, Darshanamala,
Nirvruthiprapancham, Vinayakashtakom, Thevappathika, Jnanadarshnam, Kalinatakom,
Indriavyragyam, Thirukkural (translation from Tamil) are some of his important
works. Sree Naryana Guru passed away on September 20, 1928.. |
SREEDHARA MENON, VYLOPPILLY
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Born on 11 May 1911. Father: Kochukuttan Kartha. Mother: Nanukutty Amma.
Vyloppilly Sreedhara Menon saw truth and beauty even in small objects, which
others did not care. His poetry is a blending of though and imagination filled
with feelings. He shaped his poetry on the experiences, which he gained from
various fields of life.
His important works are Mambazham, Kannikoythu, Sreerekha, Onappattukal, Vithum
Kaikottum. He won several awards including Sahithya Academy Award and
Nehru-Soviet Land Award. |
SREEDHARA MENON.A.
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Born on 18 December 1925. Father: Padmanabha Menon. Mother: Alappat Narayani
Amma. Professor Sreedhara Menon is a renowned historian who is well known as the
father of Kerala Gazetteers. He never compromised for the principles and
ideology in which he believed. He started his career as a college Lecturer.
Later, he became the Registrar of the University of Kerala. He also served as
Editor, Kerala Gazetteer. His important works are A Survey of Kerala History,
Indian History, Cultural Heritage of Kerala, Kerala and Freedom struggle, Social
and Cultural History of Kerala, The legacy of Kerala |
SREEKANTAN NAIR. N.
|
Born on July 15, 1915. Sreekantan Nair rose to the heights through Youth League
and Congress. He was an undefeatable leader of the labour organizations. He was
the founder member of Kerala Socialist Party, which was later, merged to
Revolutionary Socialist Party. He was Member of Parliament for long 15 years
representing Kollam constituency. He is also noted as one of the eminent trade
union leaders. He died on July 20, 1983. |
SRI NEELAKANTA THEERTHAPADA SWAMIKAL
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Born in Edavam 1047 (ME) at Muvattupuzha. Father: Neelakanta Pillai. Mother:
Kalyani Amma. Sri Neelakanta Theerthapada Swamikal was the one of the
significant disciples of Sri. Chattambi Swamikal. He was a great scholar in
Sanskrit and Vedantha, notable poet and an eminent orator. After serving a
short period as a teacher, he accepted ascetic life. He wrote more than forty
valuable works in Sanskrit and Malayalam, among them, Acharapadhathi,
Devarchapadhathi, Brahmanjali are famous. He was the President of
Paramabhattarakashramam of Ezhumattoor. Mahasamadhipeeth at Karanagappally and
Neelakantavilasom Sanskrit High School at Puthiyakavu are the memorials of Swami
Neelakanta Theerthapada. He attained samadhi (continence) in Karkidakom 1096
(ME). |
SRI VIDHYADHIRAJA CHATTAMBI SWAMIKAL
|
Sri.Vidyadhiraja Chattambi Swami Thiruvadikal was one of the most worshipped
spiritual leaders of our country. Chattambi Swamikal was born on Chingam 11,
1029 (ME) (August 25, 1853) in a nair family known as Ulloorcode, near Kollur
Mutt in Kannanmool, Thiruvananthapuram. Vasudeva Sharma (Anandasharma) was his
father and Thirunanga mother. Parents called him by name Ayyappan, but he was
known by per name ‘Kunjan’. He could not join a school for his studies due to
the poor condition of his family. He overheard teaching of the ‘Asan’ from the
Kollur Athiyar Mutt and knowing this he was permitted to sit inside the
classroom. He studied Malayalam, Sanskrit and Tamil languages from this ‘Asan
School’. He supervised the class and therefore, he came to be known as‘Chattambi’, which means ‘monitor’. After his education, he practiced document
writing as a job. He was also served as an Accountant in the Government
Secretariat. He learnt the art of ‘Hat yoga’ from Thaikkattu Ayyavu, a Tamil
Pandit and hat-yogi. He also learnt Tamil vedic works from Pandit Swaminatha
Desika. He became a disciple of the famous pandit and scholar Subha
Jatapathikal. He traveled thoughout South India and attained knowledge in
different languages and religions. On return, he obtained expert training in
the art of yoga from Admananda Swamikal. Sri.Narayana Guru Swamikal, Nellakanta
Theerthapada Swamikal, Sri.Theerthapada Paramahamsa Swamikal were his three
famous disciples. There were many other disciples also. Prominent among them
were Velutheri Krishnan Vaidyan, Pannisseri Nanu Pillai, K.G.Gopala Pillai,
former Principal of Ayurveda College, Kumbalathu Sanku Pillai etc. “Here I met a
remarkable man”, wrote Swami Vivekananda when he met Chattambi Swamikal at
Ernakulam. He made this remark on hearing the clarifications on ‘Chinmudra’
from Chattambi Swamikal. Pracheena Malayalam, Vedadhikara Niroopanam, Sree
chakkra Poojakalpam, Khristumatha Niroopanam, Jeevakarunya Niroopanam, Adibhasha
etc. were the main works of Swamikal. Pracheena Malayalam is a precious research
thesis as far as the Nair community is concerned. Swamikal refutes the
fabricated story that Kerala was a gifted land of Brahmins by Parasurama. He
strongly refutes this story through valid and authoritative documents and
through realistic vision. This book is the authoritative history of Kerala and
that of the Nair community. He established that Nairs were the leaders of the
people. Kerala was not a gifted land of Brahmins but Brahmins migrated to
Kerala and took possession of the land and property of Nairs and gradually made
them their dependents. The book also reveals that Nairs were the early
inhabitants and rulers of Kerala and they excelled themselves in warfare,
physical strength, weaponry and cleanliness. The foreign travelers in early
times who visited Kerala made special mention about the lordships and war
tactics of Nairs. The seventh chapter of Pracheena Malayalam contains
quotations of this type of versions. The Vedadhikara Niroopanam proves that
Vedas are not the monopoly of Brahmins, but all Hindus alike can verse it. He
established that even Sudras had the right to learn Vedas as knowledge is
essential to all people like food and water and that no body has the right to
deny them. These two writings contributed for the social progress of Kerala by
breaking the supremacy of Brahmins and by doing away with the superstitious
beliefs and customs in society. It also contributed much for the social reforms
of Sree Narayana Guru. Chattambi Swamikal established Sree Vidhyadhiraja
Theerthapada Paramabhattrakasram in 1089 (ME) (1914 AD). Elamkulam Kunjan Pillai
remarked that Sri.Vidhyadhiraja Chattambi Swamikal was a multi-faced
personality. He was a saint ithout the saffron, a saint who attained divine
knowledge without performing Thapass (lonely prayer in jungle), a friend of the world who loved all creations alike, great philosopher who pioneered the social
relations without being a part of it, a famous scholar who had no higher
education, an expert who built up his knowledge out of his experience, a social
reformer who succeeded in establishing cordial relations between different
communities and a learned intellectual genius of our times. “Ascetic and holy
man who tried to break the Brahmin hold on the performance of religious
ceremonies. Attacked caste and associated with Izhavas. Said to have taught
yoga to Sri.Narayana Guru” – thus wrote Robin Jeffri. Swamikal departed us on
Medam 23, 1099 (ME) (1924). |
SUGATHA KUMARI
|
Born in January 1934. Father: Bhodeswaran. Mother:Karthyani Amma. Sugatha Kumari
is a fighter for the cause of women. She stood to uphold the rights and
privileges of the suffering of people. She is shining star of modern Malayalam
poetry. She enriched it by making her own valuable contributions. She
portrayed the ending suffering of people through her poetries and made it bold,
sweet and melodious. She is an ardent social worker and eminent environmentalist
also. She was the Chairperson, Women’s Commission. She is the Editor of‘Thaliru’, children’s journal. She won Odakkuzhl Award and Vayalar Award. He
important works are Ambalamanikal, Paathirapookal, Swapnabhoomi, Muthuchippy. |
SUKUMAR AZHIKODE
|
Born in May 26, 1928 at Kannur. Father: Vidwan P.Damodaran. Mother: K.T.Madhavi
Amma. Sukumar Azhikode is an eminent philosopher, well-known literary critic,
teacher, author, scholar in Sanskrit, English and Malayalam and above all a
great orator with unequal eloquence. He was a teacher in Chirakkal Rajas High
School, Kannur and later worked as Lecturer in St.Alosyus College, Mangalore,
Devagiri College, Kozhikode. He was the Principal of S.N.Training College
Moothakunnan, near Ernakulam. While working as the Pro-Vice Chancellor of the
University of Calicut, he retired from service in 1986. He was the Editor of the
journals, Malayalam Harijan, Desamithram and Navayugam. He was the Chairman of
National Book Trust of India from 1993 to 1996. He is the President of
Navabharathavedi a socio-cultural organisation formed with an objective to
propagate radical ideals. His speeches and discourses made him popular within
the country and abroad. Thathwamasy is one of his prominent works, which is an
authority on Indian philosophy, Vedas and Upanishads. Thathwamasi won 12 awards
including the award of Kerala Sahithya Academy. Asante Seetha Kavyam, Sankara
Kurup Vimarsikkapedunnu Mahakavi Ulloor, Ramananum Malayalakavithayum,
Vayanayude Swargattil, Mahatmavinte Margam, , Tatvavum Manushyanum,
Purogamanasahityavum Mattum, Malayala Sahityavimarsanam, Malayala Sahitya
PadanangalGuruvinte Dukham, Aakasam Nashtapetunna India are his other important
works. |
SWAMI CHINMAYANANDA
|
Born on 11 February 1915. Father: Kuttan Menon. Mother: Manku Amma. Swamy
Chinmayananda was a world famous religious reformer and great orator with
unequal eloquence. He was a journalist before he became a saint. He also
participated in independence struggle. He accepted sanyasam (ascetic life) at
Hrishikesh. He established Chinmaya Mission in 1954. The Mission runs several
educational institutions and other cultural institutions. He performed Tapas
(meditation) in Himalayas for 10 years. He spread India’s spiritual and cultural
heritage all over world through his series of discourses and Gita Jyan Yanjas
(classes on Gita). |
SWAMI RANGANATHANDA
|
Born on December 15,1908, Swami Ranganathananda joined the Ramakrishna Order, the international spiritual and cultural movement founded by Swami Vivekananda, at its branch in Mysore in 1926. He was formally initiated into Sannyasa in 1933 by Swami Shivananda, one of the eminent disciples of Sri Ramakrishna and the second President of the Order. He worked as Secretary and librarian at the Ramakrishna Mission branch at Rangoon, from 1939 to 1942, and thereafter as President of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Karachi, from 1942 to 1948.From 1949 to 1962, he worked as the Secretary of the New Delhi branch of the Mission, and from 1962 to 1967, he was the Secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Calcutta, Director of its School of Humanistic and Cultural Studies, and Editor of its monthly journal.He has undertaken extensive lecture tours from 1946 to 1972 covering 50 countries including 5 communist ones, and has been visiting annually Australia, U.S.A., Holland, West Germany, Berlin - East and West - during the last several years.He has a versatile and facile pen, and has to his credit a number of publications, chief amongst which are : The Message of the Upanisads, A Pilgrim Looks at the World, Vols. I and II; Four Volumes of Eternal Values for a Changing Society— Vol.1: Philosophy and Spirituality, Vol.2: Great Spiritual Teachers, Vol.3: Education for Human Excellence and Vol.4: Democracy for Total Human Fulfilment; and Science and Spirituality (Bhavan's Publications):Our Cultural Heritage and Its Modern Orientation; Sardar Patel Memorial Lecture : 1986; Women in the Modern Age; Social Responsibilities of Public Administrators; The Science of Human Energy Resources; Science and Religion; Vedarta and the future of Mankind; Divine Grace; His Acceptance Speech when he was awarded the first Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration on 31st October 1986; seven L.P. Records expounding, verse by verse, the second and third chapters of the Gita; six pre-recorded cassettes expounding the greatest book on Bhakti, the Srimad Bhagavatam; and 12 pre-recorded cassettes expounding the Vedanta treatise; Vivekadudamani, by Sankaracharya.He passed away on April 2005 following a cardiac arrest. He was 96. |
SWAMINATHAN.M.S, Dr.
|
Born on August 7, 1925. Dr. M.S.Swaminathan is an eminent and internationally
renowned agricultural scientist. He made indelible marks in the history of
agriculture in India. He played a major and vital role in Indian Green
Revolution for a period from 1960 to 1982. He completed his education in
Travancore and Madras Universities. He received his Ph.D. in Genetics from
Cambridge University. Dr.Swaminathan is the winner of World Food Prize in 1987,
which is considered as equal to Nobel Prize. Government of India awarded him
Padmasree in 1967, Padmabhushan in 1972 and Padmavibhushan in 1989. He also won
Albert Einstein Award, an International award on science in 1986. He has been
conferred 32 honarary doctorate degrees from different Universities. He is the
Chairman of the M.S.Swaminathan Foundation of Chennai. |
SWATHI THIRUNAL RAMA VARMA
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Born on April 13, 1813. Father: Rajaraja Varma Koi Thampuran, Mother: Sethu Gouri Lekshmibai Thampuratti. Swathi Thirunal was born as a savior of Travancore state. There was no male successor in the Travancore Royal family and hence the state was facing the threat of the Doctrine of Lapse from the British Empire. As Swathi Thirunal was acclaimed as a King even before his birth, he was known as Garbhasreeman. On attaining maturity, he crowned as the Maharaja of Travancore in 1829. He was a scholar in Sanskrit, Tamil, Kannada, Hindustani, Marathi, Gujarathi in addition to Malayalam. As the ruler of Travancore, Swathi Thirunal exhibited extra ordinary abilities. He reformed the judicial system in the state by dividing the courts into three: Munsiff Court, District Court, and Appeal Court. The Government Secretariat was shifted from Kollam to Thiruvnanthapuram. The name of Travancore Force (military) was changed as Nair Pattalam (Nair Military Force). It was he who conducted the first census of Travancore. The entire land under the State was surveyed and recorded. He established the first English School at Thiruvananthapuram. The Manuscript Library, Zoo, The Observatory, Govoernment Press, The first Allopathic Hospital, Public Library are some of the institutions established by Swathi Thirunal. But he is best known as a musician and composer of high caliber. Swathi Thirunal, the Maharaja of Travancore, was a generous patron of music and musicians. His contributions helped Malayalam to gain an important place in the field of Carnatic music. He was a composer, who left a rich inheritance of songs Sanskrit, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi languages. The reign of Swathi Thirunal is known as the Golden Age of Music. He was a great patron of music. He attracted to his court some of the gifted musicians of the age. Vativelu, Ponnayya, Chinnayya and Sivanandan, the famous four musicians from Tanjavoor, and Shadkala Govinda Marar, a rare musical prodigy, were his court musicians. Swathi Thirunal wrote more than 500 keerthana in many languages.He died in 1847 at the age of 34 |
SYED ABDUL RAHIMAN BAFAKKI THANGAL
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Born in 1903. Father: Syed Abdul Khader. Mother: Fathima Umma. Syed Abdul
Rahiman Bafakki Thangal was one of great leaders of Indian Union Muslim League.
It was his efforts that enabled the Muslim League to emerge as a strong
political party in Kerala. He was the President of Malabar Produces Merchant’s
Association. In 1946 he established ‘Bafakki & Co’ at Rangoon, of erstwhile
Burma (now Manmyar). He entered into politics through Muslim League. In 1948 he
was elected the President of Muslim League of Malabar District. He became the
State President of Muslim League in 1958. In 1972 he was elected as the All
India President of Indian Union Muslim League |
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