Dr Purvish M Parikh
Dr. Purvish Parikh, an eminent figure in the field of oncology and hematology. He is currently Prof and Head of Clinical Hematology at Mahatma Gandhi University of Health Sciences and Technology. Earlier he was Prof and Head of Medical Oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. He also served as Managing Trustee of the Indian Cancer Society, Mumbai; Editor in Chief of several oncology and hematology journals ( including Indian Journal of Cancer, Indian Journal of medical and pediatric Oncology, South Asian journal of cancer, Indian journal of medical sciences); Board Member of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences; President of several Oncology societies.
He is renowned for his contributions to Oncology Education, Clinical Trials, Humanitarian Medical Aid, Medico legal aspects and Artificial Intelligence in healthcare. In addition to his significant roles, Dr. Parikh is the founder of the Asian Cardio Oncology Society, the largest global group in the cardio oncology field. He is the President of the Molecular Oncology Society, Director of Precision Oncology and Research, and ex Founder Trustee of the Indian Cooperative Oncology Network (ICON Trust). His leadership extends to being the Past President of the SAARC Federation of Oncology. He was also chairperson of the Guidelines Committee for Lung, CML, and low-grade NHL of the Indian Council for Medical Research.
He has previously held the position of Managing Director of AmeriCares India Foundation where he was in charge of humanitarian medical help in disasters as well as disaster preparedness training.
Prof M K Sanoo
M. K. Sanu, a distinguished indian figure in Malayalam literature, boasts a multifaceted career as a writer, critic, retired professor, biographer, journalist, orator, and human rights activist. With over thirty-six authored books, he commenced his academic journey in 1955, later retiring as a professor in 1983. In 1984, he assumed the role of President of Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sangham and director of Sree Narayana Study Centre at the University of Kerala, followed by appointments to prestigious positions such as Sree Narayana Chair at Mahatma Gandhi University in 1997.
Having served as an MLA from Ernakulam Assembly constituency in 1987, Sanu’s influence extended to the editorial realm when he became the chief editor of Kumkumam Weekly, Kollam, in 1991. Noteworthy accolades include the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award in 2011 for his biography “Basheer: Ekantha Veedhiyile Avadhoothan,” and the Ezhuthachan Puraskaram in 2013, the highest literary honor conferred by the Kerala government. His autobiography, “Karmagathi,” received acclaim, showcasing his diverse contributions to children’s literature, criticism, interpretations, travelogues, biographies, memoirs, collected essays, translations, and edited works.
Throughout his illustrious career, Sanu’s impact resonates, earning him prestigious awards like the Abu Dhabi Sakthi Award, Pavanan Foundation India’s Award, Father Vadakkan Puraskaram, P. Kesavadev Literary Award, and the Chavara Samskruthy Puraskar. Notably, he was conferred with an honorary D.Litt. by Mahatma Gandhi University in 2022, further solidifying his legacy in the literary landscape.
K Jayakumar IAS (Rtd)
K.Jayakumar, a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from Kerala, served as the Chief Secretary of the Government of Kerala. A member of the 1978 IAS batch, he commenced his civil service journey as an assistant collector in 1980. Throughout his distinguished career, Jayakumar held significant bureaucratic roles, such as District Collector in Kozhikode, Director of Tourism Department, Government of Kerala, and Secretary, Tourism and Culture, among others.
In 2008, he was honored with the first K.P.S. Menon Memorial Award for his exceptional service as a bureaucrat. Following his retirement as Chief Secretary, Jayakumar became the inaugural Vice-Chancellor of Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University. Currently, he serves as the Chairman of Sathya Sai IAS Academy in Thiruvananthapuram.
Beyond his bureaucratic achievements, Jayakumar is a multifaceted artist, excelling as a poet, lyricist, screenwriter, and painter. He has penned lyrics for nearly 100 Malayalam films, directed a children’s film, and held 17 solo exhibitions in India and abroad. An accomplished author, he has written 25 books in Malayalam and four in English, including translations of works by Tagore, Kahlil Gibran, and Rumi.
His popular film songs, such as “Kudajadriyil Kudikollum” and “Chandanalepa Sugandham,” have left an indelible mark. In 2021, Jayakumar received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Overall Contributions and the Asan Poetry Prize. Notable among his literary works are “Santhapavriksham,” “Rathriyude Sadhyathakal,” “Ardhavrithangal,” and “Rumiyude Pranayakavithakal” (translation). His contributions extend to books like “Aadityahridayam,” “Aparathayod Anuragapoorvam,” and “Vayalar-Ganarachanyile Gandharvam,” reflecting his rich literary legacy.
Anand
P. Sachidanandan, widely known by his pseudonym Anand, stands as a prominent figure in Indian literature, particularly in Malayalam. Renowned for his profound philosophical insights, historical narratives, and humanistic themes, he is celebrated as one of India’s eminent intellectuals. An acclaimed recipient of the Sahitya Akademi and three Kerala Sahitya Akademi Awards spanning the realms of short stories, novels, and scholarly literature, Anand has also been honored with prestigious awards such as Ezhuthachan Puraskaram, Vayalar Award, Odakkuzhal Award, and Muttathu Varkey Award, among others. Notably, he declined the Yashpal Award. Graduating in Civil Engineering from the College of Engineering, Trivandrum, in 1958, Anand embarked on a diverse career, culminating as the Planning Director of the Central Water Commission. His journey encompassed significant roles in Gujarat, Mumbai, Bengal, and a noteworthy four-year stint in the military (North-East Frontier Agency) from 1960–64 through the Short Service Commission. Currently residing in Delhi, Anand’s literary repertoire includes acclaimed works like “Aalkkoottam,” “Marubhoomikal Undakunnathu,” “Jaivamanushyan,” and “Govardhande Yathrakal.” Beyond novels, Anand has garnered recognition for his contributions to short stories, scholarly literature, and translations,Highlighting the profound and varied influence he had on literature.
Prof M Thomas Mathew
M. Thomas Mathew, an accomplished Indian literary critic, orator, translator, and academic writing in Malayalam, boasts an impressive repertoire of works. Notable among them are literary criticism volumes such as “Dhanthagopurathilekku Veendum,” “Ente Valmeekamevide,” “Ashante Seethayanam,” and “Athmavinte Murivukal.” His translations into Malayalam include M. N. Roy’s “New Humanism.” Recognized with prestigious honors like the Sahitya Akademi Award, Vayalar Award, and Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Literary Criticism, he embarked on his career as a lecturer at Christian College, Chengannur, progressing to roles like professor and principal in various Kerala educational institutions until his retirement in 1996. Serving as the Director of Kerala Bhasha Institute, Thomas Mathew’s literary contributions span genres, with works like “Athmavinte Murivukal” earning him the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 2001. Further accolades include the Vayalar Award in 2009 for “Marar: Lavanyanubhavathinte Yuktishilpam” and the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2022 for “Ashante Seethayanam.” Recipient of the M. K. Sanu Award in 2020, he has also been honored with the C. B. Kumar Endowment Prize, C. J. Father Vadakkel Award, Dr. C. P. Menon Memorial Award, Mar Gregorios Memorial Award, and Dr. T. P. Sukumar Memorial Award. Residing in Changampuzha Nagar, Kochi, Kerala, Thomas Mathew’s noteworthy works encompass “Dhanthagopurathilekku Veendum,” “Ente Valmeekamevide,” “Sahithya Darshanam,” “Ashante Seethayanam,” “Athmavinte Murivukal,” and “Marar – Lavanyanubhavathinte Yuktishilpam.”
C Radhakrishnan
C. Radhakrishnan is an Indian writer and film director in Malayalam-language from Kerala, India. Radhakrishnan wrote his first novel Nizhalppadukal at the age of 21 in 1959 while pursuing his post graduate degree. The book was initially published serially in a magazine and later published by Current Books in 1962. The book became a runaway hit and was the winner of Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1962.
In July 2014, Radhakrishnan was awarded the Moortidevi Award for the year 2013 for his novel Theekkadal Kadanhu Thirumadhuram. He was conferred the Ezhuthachan Puraskaram for the year 2016. Other literary recognitions include the Mathrubhumi Literary Award in 2015, K. P. Kesava Menon Memorial Award in 2016, the Madhava Mudra, Nalappadan Award for his Holistic Contributions to Malayalam Literature (Nalappadan Memorial Cultural Society-NMCS) and Thrikkavu Devi Puraskaram. Radhakrishnan was editor of the Malayalam magazine Piravi published by the School of Bhagavad Gita. He was the former chief editor of Madhyamam Daily from 16 August 1999 to 1 September 2001.
Some of his major novel works include again, chuzhali , nilavu yudham , veshangal , driksakshi , ottayadipaathakal , shruthi , oru vilippadakale, munpe parakunna pakshikal, karal pilarum kaalam , ullilullathu, sukrutham and lastest in 2022 named kaalam kaathu vekkunnathu .
His stories include goshyathra, karadi , thachanaar, ammathattil , c rathrakrishnante kathal , complete stories included in two volume named kathakal sampoornam, poetry included ottayan alarunnu and sudarshanam ,he also wrote many dramas , contributed in children’s literature , non fictions and collection of short stories and novelette , also many of his works translated into English as well.
Justice S Siri Jagan (Rtd )
Honorable Mr. Justice S. Siri Jagan, former Judge of the High Court of Kerala and Acting Vice-Chancellor of The National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS, Kochi), was born on 22-01-1952 in Mayyanad, Kollam District. He earned his LL.B. from Government Law College, Trivandrum, and LL.M. from Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT). Elevated to Judge on 10-02-2005, he retired from the High Court of Kerala on 22-01-2014. Presently, Chairman of the Sabarimala High Power Committee and the Justice (Rtd.) S. Siri Jagan Committee assessing compensation for stray dog victims, appointed by the Supreme Court of India. Additionally, he currently serves as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of NUALS, Kochi.
Dr. P. V Krishnan Nair
P V Krishanan Nair , Currently serving as the President of Thrissur Public Library, he has an illustrious academic background, having held professorial positions at esteemed institutions like Thrissur Sree Kerala Varma College and Kalady Sree Sankaracharya Sanskrit University. Engaging in various roles, he presently contributes as a member of the Central Sahitya Akademi’s Malayalam Advisory Committee. His multifaceted involvement includes being an Executive Committee Member of Samastha Kerala Sahitya Parishad, President of Vyloppilly Smaraka Samithi, Chairman of Poonthanum Smaraka Samithi, He is also a Trustee for M Govindan Trust, Chairman of P Thomas Foundation, Secretary of Pavanan Foundation India, and a Member of Mahakavi P Kunhiraman Nair Trust, among others. Further, he has played significant roles such as being a Member of the Central Sahitya Akademi Award Committee in Malayalam, serving on the Award Committee for Saraswathy and Vyas Samman at the K K Birla Foundation, New Delhi, and participating as a Member of the National Book Trust General Council. His literary contributions include notable works like “Aathmeeyathayude Adiverukal,” “Bharatheeya Sahityachinthayude Athmaavu,” “Sree Ramakrishna Paramahamsan,” and “India: Samooham Darshanam Kala.” Recognized for his outstanding achievements, he has received prestigious awards such as the Suvarna Kerala Award, Dr. C. P. Menon Award, P. R. Francis Award, T K K Memorial Award, P N Panicker Award, Sukrutham Award, Putthezhan Puraskaram, Guru Shreshta Award and Hindi Sevi Samman in the year 2023.
Professor Nisar Ahmed
Professor Nisar Ahmed, born in Kozhikode, obtained his Ph.D. in Philosophy of Language from Kanpur IIT. He started his career as a lecturer at MG University’s School of Social Sciences and later retired as Head of the Philosophy department at Sree Sankara Sanskrit University. In 2001, he co-founded the Institute for Social and Ecological Studies along with 60 other members.
In 2017, his collection of essays titled ‘Oru Samoohika Kazhchapadil Ninnu’ was published under the Institute for Social and Ecological Studies in Kozhikode. He is the author of several works, including ‘Kalayude Unma,’ ‘Unmayude Idayan,’ and ‘Metaphysics and Politics of Compassion.’ Professor Nizar Ahmed actively engages students in Kerala, facilitating discussions on social, cultural, and philosophical topics. Additionally, some of his seminar papers in English, although unpublished, can be found online.
Prof N N Gokuldas
Professor N. N. Gokul Das, retired Head of the Department of Zoology, Sreekrishna College, Guruvayur, currently serves as the President of the Hemophilia Society, Kunnamkulam Chapter. He was the Convenor of the Coordination Committee for Hemophilia Chapters in Kerala for two years and is an active member and volunteer of Pain & Palliative Care Society, Thrissur. Additionally, he holds a position on the Board of Directors for JANANEETHI, the Human Rights Organization of Thrissur. Prof. Gokul Das, was also a Resource Person for the Kerala State AIDS Control Society. He has authored eight books in Malayalam ‘Biotechnology : Sasthravum Rashtrreyavum , AIDS Rogavum Samoohavaum , AIDS : Rathijanya Rogangalum Prashngalum, Pukayila : Duranthathilekku oru Kurukkuvazhi , Madyapikkunnvarkku Snehapoorvam , Mayakkumarunnukalude Lokam , Cancer : Rogam Sasthram Samoohavum , and translated 3 books into Malayalam which include Bio technologiyum Krishiyude Bhaviyum , Keedanasinikalum Ningalum and Anathamaanile Jaravakal Furthermore, he actively participates in sensitization programs addressing palliative care, human rights aspects of HIV/AIDS patients, and environmental issues. Society, Thrissur. Additionally, he holds a position on the Board of Directors for JANANEETHI, the Human Rights Organization of Thrissur. Prof. Gokul Das, was also a Resource Person for the Kerala State AIDS Control Society. He has authored eight books in Malayalam ‘Biotechnology : Sasthravum Rashtreeyavum , AIDS Rogavum Samoohavaum , AIDS : Rathijanya Rogangalum Prashnangalum, Pukayila : Duranthathilekku oru Kurukkuvazhi , Madyapikkunnvarkku Snehapoorvam , Mayakkumarunnukalude Lokam , Raktham Prananakunnu : Hemophiliyayum Mattu Rakthasrava Vaikalyanhalum, Cancer : Rogam Sasthram Samooham , and translated 3 books into Malayalam which include Bio technologyum Krishiyude Bhaviyum , Keedanasinikalum Ningalum , Anathamaanile Jaravakal Furthermore, he actively participates in sensitization programs in Palliative Care, Human rights & Environmental Issues
Dr Narayanankutty Warrier
Dr. Narayankutty Warrier, serving as the Medical Director and Senior Consultant in Medical Oncology at MVR Cancer Centre and Research Institute since 2017, possesses over two decades of active involvement in managing various cancers. He played a key role in establishing the first comprehensive cancer unit and the inaugural BMT unit in the Malabar Region of Kerala. The center, Pratheeksha – an organisation for cancer patients was established in 2002 by him provides support for cancer patients; it has a cancer drug bank and a 24-hour helpline for psychological counseling and support to cancer patients. Recognized as one of twelve global leaders in Oncology by the American Cancer Society (ASCO) in 2018, Dr. Warrier is an Editorial Board Member and Peer Reviewer for the Indian Journal of Medical and Pediatric Oncology. He has organized two international and approximately 50 national Oncology conferences, showcasing his commitment to advancing the field. A dedicated researcher, Dr. Warrier has actively participated in significant clinical trials for over two decades.
Beyond his medical contributions, he engages in extensive social work, notably in cancer awareness initiatives. With over 500 public speeches, television, and radio interviews, he is a prominent figure in the promotion of cancer awareness. Dr. Warrier’s involvement in organizing 250 camps for early cancer detection and his pivotal role in anti-tobacco activities in India, leading to the ban of tobacco in Kerala, highlight his impactful social contributions. His international recognition includes being inducted as a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh, UK, in 2019 and being selected as one of the twelve world leaders in Oncology at the 2018 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual meeting. Furthermore, his accolades include the CH Centre State Award 2018, MSF State Award 2015, GIANTS International Achievers Award 2014, Indian Medical Association-AMS Fellowship 2005, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology Foundation International Development and Education Award (IDEA) in 2004.
