K.G. Parameswaran Nair: The doyen of legislative reporting in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: At 94, K.G. Parameswaran Nair, despite the challenges of old age, is overjoyed to receive the prestigious Swadeshabhimani Kesari Award. He remarked that the recognition is equally a tribute to Kerala Kaumudi, the publication he loyally served for many years.

Now leading a retired life at his residence 'Umamaheswaram' in Thrikkannapuram, K.G. has received awards for legislative reporting, including national recognition from the President of India. In an era without mobile phones or internet, his unwavering passion for news enabled him to deliver numerous exclusive reports. His journalism was built on boundless connections that knew no limits. In the field of legislative reporting, he became a true encyclopedia.

After completing his degree, he joined Kaumudi in 1961 under K. Balakrishnan, first as a sub-editor and later as a reporter. He excelled in translating news agency copies, which was his first assignment. Upon reading one such copy, K. Balakrishnan remarked, “This boy is a promising one.” He officially joined Kerala Kaumudi on August 8, 1963. His first duty was assisting K. Vijayaraghavan at the Thiruvananthapuram bureau.

Over a reporting career that spanned nearly three decades, he covered every single session of the Kerala Legislative Assembly without interruption. From E.M.S. Namboodiripad to Oommen Chandy, many prominent leaders were part of his circle of friends. Ministers like Baby John were always just a phone call away for K.G.

His deep knowledge and insight into the workings of the Assembly led him to author the book 'Kerala Legislative Assembly: History and Insight.'

After retiring from Kerala Kaumudi in 1998, he continued as a columnist for eight more years. His column 'Kaanappuram' served as a sharp commentary on contemporary Kerala politics. He has always carried Kerala Kaumudi close to his heart, and to this day, he eagerly calls and congratulates journalists when he sees a well-written article.

Throughout his illustrious career, he has received 13 awards, including the K.C. Sebastian Memorial Award, K. Vijayaraghavan Award, K. Balakrishnan Award, P.C. Sukumaran Nair Award, G. Karthikeyan Memorial Award for best legislative reporting, and the Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai Award. Two of these honors were presented by former Presidents of India — Dr. K.R. Narayanan and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

His wife Subhadramma is a music teacher and dubbing artist. His daughters are Rajeshwari (Hindustan Latex) and Suja (LIC Housing Finance). Sons-in-law include Rajasekharan (former announcer, All India Radio) and Sunil Kumar (Employees Provident Fund).