C. V. Kunhiraman
C.V. Kunhuraman (1871 – 1949) was a man of letters, social reformer, founder of Kerala Kaumudi, journalist and leader. He was a follower of Sree Narayana Guru.
Career
Kunhiraman opened his journalistic career in Sujananadini,published by Paravoor Kesavanasan from Paravoor, Kollam. He began contributing poems and articles on Sujananandini. His early writings were more on social affairs. Later, he became the sub-editor.
He started a school for low caste Hindus at Vellamanal, Mayyanad, Quilon and became its headmaster. An activist in the SNDP Yogam, he was elected its general secretary in 1928 and 1931. Valmiki Ramayanam, a prose rendering of the great epic, was his first work to come out in print, in 1901. It won him wide acclaim prompting him to write Vyasabharatam and Panchavadi.
Founding Kerala Kaumudi
To launch a newspaper of his own was his all time-dream. In 1911, C.V. launched Kerala Kaumudi as a weekly newspaper. He was the proprietor - editor, printer, publisher and even the proofreader! Started in 1911, in Mayyanad, it had grown over the years as one of the most influential dailies in Malayalam, that has raised its voice against injustice on all fronts. Its sharp criticism, daring opinions and powerful language created a trend in Travancore.
Contribution to other publications and dailies
Kunhiraman was also the editor of Malayalarajyam, Navajeevan, Kathamalika, Yukthivadi, Navasakthi and Vivekodayam. He had the rare distinction in Malayalam journalism being the founder of Kerala Kaumudi and founder editor of Malayalarajyam.He had been on the editorial board of Malayala Rajyam, Navajeevan, Navasakthi, Malayala Manorama, Bhashaposhini, Kathamalika, Vivekodayam and Yuktivadi. He had also been a lawyer and a member of Sree Moolam Prajasabha.