Dr. Suranad P.N. Kunjan Pillai was an eminent lexicographer, historian, researcher, scholar, prose writer, poet, critic, orator, grammarian, educationist and socio-cultural leader. He was one of the most celebrated scholar-writers of his period and was awarded national honors like Padmasree, eminent positions of various organizations like Kendra Sahitya Academy, Indian Historical Commission, Samastha Kerala Sahitya Parishad, Bharatheeya Vidya Bhavan etc. He was considered as the last word in Malayalam language and Kerala History during his lifetime. He was born on 26th November 1911 in Suranad, Karunagappalli, Kollam District as the son of Sri. Neelakanta Pillai and Smt. Karthiyayini Amma.