IS Kundoor

Mohan Nair, who is known under the pseudonym IS Kundoor, has been a dynamic presence in the field of literature and culture of Kerala as a lyricist in movies, an author, orator, journalist and cultural leader for more than forty years.

He was born on 31 May 1959 as the eldest son of Vilasini Amma and Sankaran Nair who belonged to the ancient Nair family of Aykkaraveettil situated near the banks of the river in Kundoor, Thrissur District. He completed his education in Kundoor Govt UP School, Elanthikkara High School and Mala St Theresas College. He also made his mark as a teacher in several institutions including the MET's School of Engineering and parallel colleges.

By the mid 70s he started his artistic career as an amateur drama lyricist and director, assuming the name IS Kundoor. He secured his foothold in the Malayalam movie industry through the superhit movie Melepparampil Aanveedu (1993). Sujatha won the Best Singer award for the song Madhuraswapnangalooyalaadunna Swarnnatheril which he wrote for this movie. Singer KS Chithra won the Best Singer award for the song Veena paadum Eenamaay which he wrote for the movie Vaardhakyapuraanam. He has also written songs for about twenty other movies including Vadhu Doctoraanu, Aniyan Baava Chetan Baava, Karmma, Kusruthikkaattu, Puthukkottayile Puthumanavaalan, Aadyathe Kanmani, and Pandippada. In addition, he has written about 1000 lyrics for devotionals, light music, and patriotic songs. He has written poetry and also several in depth articles. He has had opportunities to give thousands of speeches to spiritual and cultural audiences and Professional Colleges , both in India and overseas.

Kundoor Mash, as he is known, has conducted classes in various subjects based on Indian Heritage, personal develpoment, leadership and public speaking for adults and children alike and as such has a large student base. He has been the main teacher in the Vidyaarambham festival at Paravoor Dakshina Mookambika Temple for decades.

In addition to literary awards, he been felicitated and recognised for his extensive contribution through spritual sermons by the Temple-Inn committees and the Vaidika Thanthra Vidyapeedom. He retired from service in 2017 while on the Edirorial Board of Janayugam.

At present he lives in Kousthubham Kovilakam, Chendamangalam, Ernakulam . Wife: Sathidevi of Varmayil family. Children : Chitharanjan Menon, Dr Vishnudatha Menon.

Prepared by: Dr. Susie Pazhavarical