MP Veerendra Kumar

MP Veerendra Kumar (born on 22nd July, 1936), a political leader, writer and former Union Minister has shown his command in almost all areas of life. An orator, thinker, author, parliamentarian, he has been steering the social, political, economic, cultural and literary scenario of Kerala for a long time.

Born to MK Padmaprabha Gowder and Marudevi Amma, Veerendra Kumar inherited the tradition of Socialist Party from his father, who was a famous planter and Socialist Party leader. Veerendra Kumar overjumped the rudimentary political spectacle of Socialist Party and rose as a leader of Socialist Front. Contacts with Ram Manohar Lohia and other leftist leaders enabled him to develop his intellectual and philosophical capacity.

Family:

He is married to Usha and has four children-Asha, Nisha, Jayalakshmi and Shreyams Kumar.

MP Veerendra Kumar endearingly called Veeran is the Chairman and Managing Director of "Mathrubhoomi" for the last eighteen years. He made it one of the most popular dailies in Kerala.

Proficient in English, Malayalam and Kannada languages, Veeran has authored several works. He is considered as a good writer in Malayalam literature.

Interested in reading and book collection, Veerendra Kumar owns a large collection of books ranging from philosophy, literature, religion, economics and politics. His deep knowledge in these subjects is evident through his different articles and works.

Education

Born at Kalpatta in Wayanad district, Veerendra Kumar had his basic education at Karnataka and later joined Subba Krishna Memorial Jain High School, Kalpatta. After schooling, he had his intermediate studies at Kozhikode Samoothiri College (now, Guruvayoorappan College). He took his MA in philosophy from Madras Vivekananda College. He acquired MBA from US.

AwardsSeveral awards were given to Veerendra Kumar for his contributions in the field of instructive literature.

C Achutha Menon Award

Odakkuzhal Award
First Bharat Soorya Award
Kerala Sahitya Academy Award
Koduppunna Award
Dubai Kairali Kalakendram Award for Religious Integration

Sahitya Academy Award 2010 for his Malayalam Travelogue

Positions Held

a) First Vice-Chairman of PTI and later, Chairman. b) Trustee, Press Institute of India- Research Institute for News Paper Development. c) Deputy President, Indian News Paper Society. d) Chairman, Indian News Paper Society. e) Chairman, Sree Ramashramam Award Committee. f) Member of Indian and Eastern News Paper Society. g) Chairman and Managing Director, Mathrubhoomi Printing and Publishing Company.

In politics also, he adorned several positions.

1. Vice-President of Janata Party, Kerala Unit.
2. Elected to Kerala Legislative Assembly by record majority from Kalpatta.
3. Minister of Forest and Environment for one day.
4. Elected to Lok Sabha from Kozhikode.
5. Minister of State for Finance in the Dev Gowda Ministry, Minister of State for Employment in the IK Gujral Ministry.
6. National Executive member of Samyukta Socialist Party.
7. National Secretary of Socialist Party.
8. State President of Janata Dal.

As managing director of Mathrubhoomi Mathrubhoomi made several progresses while Veeran was serving as the Managing Director of Mathrubhoomi. They started Kannur and Kottayam editions at his initiative alone. Uphelding the culture and heritage, he never let any bias fall on the editorial content of the newspaper. With co-operation of the employees he made it a successful institution. For the welfare of the Mathrubhoomi employees he,

• Ensured industrial peace by providing long-term draft in bonus issue.
• Allowed interim wages for newspaper employees even before the government decision.
• Instituted Wage Board recommendations with further more concessions.
• Group Gratuity Institute.
• Medical Insurance.
• Revised Pension scheme.

Contact Details:

MP Veerendra Kumar Managing Director Mathrubhoomi Printing and Publishing Company Limited Kozhikode-673001.