KALPETTA: KJ Baby (Kanav Baby), who is famous for his vocational education program called Kanav has passed away. He was 70 years old. He was found dead in the Kalari near his house at Wayanad Nadavayal Cheengode. The death was today morning. He is a Kerala Sahitya Akademi awardee.

He was suffering from health problems for a long time. KJ Baby is a person who has worked tirelessly to bring the children of the tribal population of Wayanad into the mainstream. His life was devoted to fighting for human rights. KJ Baby was a social activist who dedicated his life for the development of the backward class of Wayanad. He also made his mark as a writer and director.

Kanav Baby composed the plays Apoorna, Nadugaddika, Kunjappante kurishu maranam, Keyulokathth ninnu, Uyirpp and Kunjimain enthayirikkum paranjath and directed the movie Guda. He also authored the books Mavelimantam, Bespurkana and Goodbye Malabar. The play Nadugaddika and the novel Mavelimantam became subjects of study in universities. In 1994, he received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for his work Mavelimantam. KJ Baby has also received the Muttathu Varkey Award, T.V. Kochubava Award, Akam Award, Joseph Mundassery Award and Kerala Government's Bharat Bhavan Gramina Nataka Samagra Sambhavana Award.
Born on February 27, 1954 in Mavilayi, Kannur. In 1973, the family migrated to Wayanad. The school called Kanav was started in 1994. Wife: Shirley.