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.

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 is the first Jnanapeeth laureate of Malayalam. 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. He passed away on 2 February 1978.

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 an 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 passed away on April 22,1934

SANKARA NARAYANAN.K
Born on 15th October 1932
Father: A.SankaranNair
Mother: K.Lekshmi Amma

K.Sankaranarayanan is a veteran Congress leader, former minister of Kerala, and former Governor of Maharashtra, Nagaland and Jharkhand. He entered politics while a student, and had been an active member of the Students Organisation since 1946. He was elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 1977 (from Thrithala constituency) in 1980 (from Sreekrishnapuram constituency) in 1987 (from Ottappalam constituecncy) and in 2001 (from Palghat constituency), From 11.04.1977 to 25.4.1977 he handled the portfolios of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development and Community Development, in the Ministry headed by K.Karunakaran. From 27.4.1977 to 27.10.1978, he handled the same portfolios in the Ministry headed by A.K.Antony. Again from 26.5.2001 to 29.8.2004, he was the Minister for Finance in the Ministry headed by A.K.Antony. He held the portfolios of Excise as well, till 10.2.2004. He was the Governor of Nagaland from 3rd February 2007 to 27th July 2009. From 28th July 2009 to 21st January 2010 he served as the Governor of Jharkhand. On 22nd January 2010, he was appointed as the Governor of Maharashtra and continued in his office till 24th August 2014. He also held additional charge of Governors of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

Born on 31 July 1902. Cartoonist Sankar was a world famous and celebrated cartoonist. 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 passed away in 1991.

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 attained Samadhi (continence) at Kedarnath, high in the Himalayas. Though he lived for only thirty-two years, his achievement was unparalleled.

Born on 21 Meenon 1091 (ME). Father: Padanabha Pillai. Mother: Karthyani Amma. Saraswathy Amma was a rare genius who enriched the short story during 1950s. Her important works are Ponnumkudam, Kanatha Mathil, Kalamandiram, Pennbudhi, Vivahasammanam. She died in 1975.

Born in July 1963 at Thuravoor
Father: Sreedhara Panicker
Mother: Thankamma

S.Somanath is the Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). Somanath did his schooling at St. Augustine's High School, Aroor. He completed his Pre Degree from the Maharaja's College, Ernakulam and graduated in mechanical engineering from the TKM College of Engineering, Kollam. In 1985, he joined the VSSC as a scientist. Later, he did his Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore with specialization in Dynamics and Control. At the ISRO, he has been associated with the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) Project during its initial phase. He became the Associate Director (Projects) of the VSSC and also the Project Director of the GSLV Mk-III launch vehicle in 2010. He was also the Deputy Director of Propulsion and Space Ordinance Entity till November 2014. In June 2015, he took over as Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) at Valiamala, Thiruvananthapuram, and served there until January 2018.

Born on 17 April 1912. Father: Sankara Kurup. Mother: Parvathy Amma. Thakazhy Sivasankara Pillai was an internationally renowned litterateur. He is popularly known as Thakazhi, after his place of birth. He has written several novels and over 600 short stories. He won the Jnapeeth award in 1984 and placed himself in the forefront of all writers. No other Malayalam 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.

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 Sivagiri Mutt at Varkala near Thiruvananthapuram, which is main pilgrim centre. 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 attained samadhi (continence) on September 20, 1928.

SREEDHARA MENON, VYLOPPILLY

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.

Dr. E. SREEDHARAN (Elattuvalappil Sreedharan)

Born on 12.6.1932. at Ponnani in Maplappuram 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.
He has been entrusted by the Government of Kerala to undertake two prestigious projects - Kochi Metro and Kozhikode monorail.

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

Born on 1st December 1954 at Venmony in Alappuzha district
Father: V.G.Sukumaran Nair
Mother: Bhavani Amma
P. S. Sreedharan Pillai is one of the distinguished leaders of the Bharathiya Janata Party (BJP). He is an eminent advocate, an orator, a prolific writer, a philanthropist, and a thinker. Presently he is serving as the 19th Governor of Goa. Prior to this appointment he was serving as the Governor of Mizoram. Sreedharan Pillai started his political career through the Akhila Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (erstwhile Jan Sangh). While undergoing his LLB Course at Government Law College, Calicut he was elected as the State General Secretary of ABVP. He also served as Kozhikode district President, State Secretary and General Secretary of BJP.  In 2003 he was elected as the State President of BJP and continued till 2006. He was again elected as the State President of the party and continued till October 2019, when he was appointed as the Governor of Mizoram. He is a gifted author who wrote more than 125 books on law, politics, literature, sociology, culture etc. both in Malayalam and English. Kaaladanam, Bonsai, Pazhassismriti, Udakumbham, Neerthullikal, Marmarangal, Avinaabhavam, Oh Mizoram (English) are some of his anthologies that published so far.

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.

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.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).

Born in January 1934. Father: Bhodeswaran. Mother:Karthyani Amma. Sugatha Kumari is a fighter for the cause of women and to uphold the rights and privileges of the suffering of people. She enriched modern Malayalam poetry by making her own valuable contributions. Neing an ardent social worker and enviornmentalist, she portrayed the suffering of people and deterioration of nature through her poetries and made it bold, sweet and melodious. She was the Chairperson, Women’s Commission. She was the Editor of ‘Thaliru’, children’s journal. She won Odakkuzhl Award and Vayalar Award. He important works are Ambalamanikal, Paathirapookal, Swapnabhoomi, Muthuchippy.

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 languages 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 and 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 also served as the Chairman of National Book Trust of India from 1993 to 1996. Being the President of Navabharathavedi a socio-cultural organisation formed with an objective to propagate radical ideals, he made continous speeches and discourses that made him popular within the country and abroad. Thathwamasy, one of his prominent works 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. He passed away on 24th January 2012.

K.SURENDRAN

Born on 10-03-1970
Father:Kunhiraman
Mother:Kalyani
K Surendaran, popularly known by his acronym KS is the Kerala State General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He was involved with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) since childhood and has shown active participation in social activities right from his school days. After passing out of school, he continued with his unflagging support for the party and took part in various political movements. In the year 1986, Suredran was nominated as the Nagar Secretary of Balussery.In 1993 he became the District President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) wing of Wayanad. Later in 1995, he was elected as the State Secretary of BJYM. His association with various issues of social relevance escalated during this time and within three years, he became the State General Secretary of BJYM. In the year 2003, the BJP state unit announced Surendran as its General Secretary. He contested in the 2009 Loksabha elections and the 2011 Assembly elections from the Kasargod Parliament constituency and Manjeswaram Assembly constituency respectively.
He is well noted for his ability to speak Malayalam, Kannada and Tulu with a precision and eloquence that only native speakers have mastered.He led several agitations against the government for wiping out corruption from the State. Some of the well known protests that gained him mass support include Kovalam Palace Protection, Kerala University Assistant Grade fraud case, Total 4 You, Kerala Solar Panel Scam and PSC appointments. His agitations demanding resignation of Chief Minister Ommen Chandy for solar scam and bar bribery were confronted with lathi charges and verbal abuses by the police.
Wife:Sheeba One Son and one Daughter.

Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri is the first and foremost monastic disciple of Her Holiness Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, popularly known as Amma (Mother) and founder of worldwide foundation of Matha Amarithananda Mayi Math.  Swamiji is the Vice-Chairman of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math, and President of the Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, a globally acclaimed University in India. Balagopalan was Swamji’s name before initiated to the order of Sanyasa. Swamiji first connected with Amma in 1979 and afterwards became Brahmachari Amritatma Chaitanya. In Oct 1989, Swamiji was initiated into Sanyasa and given the name Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri by Matha Amrithanandamayi Devi.

Swamiji has always been in the forefront of all the socio-humanitarian initiatives undertaken by the Mata Amritanandamayi Math. Swamiji is an impeccable orator and a gifted singer. Swamiji’s discourses, devotional singing and meditation sessions that spread India’s spiritual and cultural heritage attract many devotees within the country and abroad. Swamji wrote many spiritual books in addition to the biography of Her Holiness Mata Amritanandamayi Devi.

"Today Mother is pleased as she could dedicate a son for the beneficial of the world. Now that he has been given Sannyasa, he has become the son of the world”, said Matha Amarithanandaayi Devi while initiating him into Sanyasa. Swamji who comprehend the meaning of these words, is following them in its letter and spirit.

Born on 11 February 1915. Father: Kuttan Menon. Mother: Manku Amma. Swamy Chinmayananda was a world famous saint, religious reformer and great orator with unequal eloquence. Before became a saint, his name was Balakrishna Menon. He was a journalist and 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. Swamy Chinmayananda 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). 3 August 1993

SWAMI GURURETHNAM JNANA THAPASWI

Born on 25 May 1974 in Cherthala, Father: Sri. (Late) Manian Nair, Mother: Smt. Santhamma.Swami Gururatnam Jnana Tapaswi is a well known spokesperson of spirituality beyond religion. He is an orator, writer, organizer, a cultural icon and the secular face of Kerala. As the Organizing Secretary of Thiruvananthapuram based Santhigiri Ashram, which was established by Navajyoti Sri Karunakara Guru, he controls the Ashram’s global operations.
Swami Gururatnam Jnana Tapaswi was as the youngest of the three children of his parents.  He completed his education in Aluva and Ernakulam.  He reached Santhigiri Ashram and became a renunciate on February 24, 2001 accepting the name Swami Gururatnam Jnana Tapswi. Since then Swami has been playing an important role in spreading Sanatana Dharma globally.  He has visited many foreign countries for the campaign of spirituality and Sanatana Dharma.
Swami used to write articles in printed and online media on different topics. He wrote ‘Nerinte Baalyam’, ‘Theranjedutha Lekhanangal’, ‘Putiya Manushyanakan’and also a compilation of Guru’s biography. The Swami plays a commendable role in making Santhigiri Ashram an international pilgrim center. He is the patron of O.V. Vijayan Foundation, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Foundation, Vayalar Ramavarma Samskarika Vedi, P. Kunjiraman Nair Foundation, G. Devarajan Master Foundation, Prem Nazir Foundation, Swasti Foundation, and National Forum for People’s Rights and Union of German Malayalee Association, etc.

Swami Pranavamritananda Puri  first met Mata Amritanandamayi Devi in the year 1979. He joined the Asram in 1980 and is one of Amma's senior-most Sanyasi disciples.  Swamiji holds a B.Sc. degree in Zoology and an M.A. in Sanskrit Literature.  In accordance with Amma's instructions, he has been teaching Sanskrit to the Asram residents.  Swamiji is a featured speaker on Amrita TV, through which his erudite spiritual   discourses have reached audiences all over the world.  He has scored and written many bhajans and kirtans. A reputed singer and percussionist, he has accompanied Amma to various programs in India and abroad. Swamiji is the author of three  books: 'My Mother, My Master' (English), 'Amma nalkiya paathangal' (Malayalam) and 'Dawn of the Divine' (English).

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. Dr. Swaminathan played a major and vital role in Indian Green Revolution. He completed his education in Travancore and Madras Universities amd obtained 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. He currently serves as a Member of Rajya Sabha and is also member of the National Advisory Council

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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 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. Swathi Thirunal was a scholar not only in Malayalam but in Sanskrit, Tamil, Kannada, Hindustani, Marathi, Gujarathi also. 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, 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 and a generous patron of music and musicians. His contributions helped Malayalam to gain an important place in the field of Carnatic music. The reign of Swathi Thirunal is known as the Golden Age of Music. He attracted some of the gifted musicians of the age to his court. 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 passed away in 1847 at the age of 34.