# List of people from Pala

Notable people from Palai include:

## Politicians

* K. R. Narayanan, President of India (1997–2002), Vice-President of India (1992–97).
* K M Mani, Minister of Finance, Revenue, Laws, Kerala State.
* Jose K. Mani Member of Indian Parliament - Lok Sabha (2010-Continuing).
* N M Joseph, Minister of Forests, Kerala State (1987–91)
* M M Jacob, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) (1981-1993), Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha (1986–87), Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Home (1987–93), State Governor of Meghalaya (1995–2007).
* Kidangoor Gopalakrishna Pillai, General Secretary of NSS (1967 onwards) and Indian High-Commissioner to Singapore (1992 onwards).
* P K Vasudevan Nair, Member of Parliament, Chief Minister of Kerala State.
* K M Chandy, State Governor (1982–89), President of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (I).
* Cherian J. Kappan, Freedom Fighter, Member of Indian Parliament - Lok Sabha (1962–67). Municipal Chairman.
* George Thomas Kottukapally, Member of Indian Parliament - Lok Sabha (1957–62), U.N. Delegate.
* R V Thomas, President (Speaker) of Travancore State Legislative Assembly (1947–49).
* Dr P J Thomas, Member of Madras Legislative Council, 1937–42 and Member of Indian Parliament - Rajya Sabha 1957-62.
* Ulahannan Ulahannan Vadakkan, Member of Sree Moolam Popular Assembly of Travancore State (1912–31).
* J Thomas Kayalackakom, Member of Sree Moolam Popular Assembly of Travancore State (1922–28).

## Literature, education and social service

* Aryambika S. V., Malayalam poet.
* Paremmakkal Thoma Kathanar: Author of "Varthamana Pusthakam", the first travelogue in an Indian language.
* Ramapurathu Warrier - Poet (Kuchelavritham).
* Kattakayam Cherian Mappillai (1859–1936) - Author of Sri Yesu Vijayam (1926) & Editor of Vijnaana Rathnaakaram (1913)
* Pala Narayanan Nair, poet, teacher, most celebrated work 'keralam valarunnu'
* Pravithanam PM Devasia, poet
* Lalithambika Antharjanam, novelist
* Fr. Abel Periapuram, Founder of Kalabhavan.
* Paul Zacharia, writer & columnist
* Ezhacherry Ramachandran, poet
* Bishop Sebastian Vayalil, Founder of St. Thomas College
* Cyriac Thomas, former Vice Chancellor

## Government and administration

* V. Joseph Thomas IPS, Director General of Police, Kerala.
* V. J. Kurian IAS, Addl. Chief Secretary to Govt. of Kerala. Managing Director of the World's First Solar Powered Airport
* B. Sandhya IPS, writer and police officer.

## Sports

* Col. G.V. Raja, sports promoter
* M D Valsamma, athletics, Asian Games Gold Medalist
* Mani C. Kappan international volleyball player

### Commerce and industry

* Joseph Augusti Kayalackakom (1884–1968) - Managing Director of Palai Central Bank.
* Varkey Ouseph Vellookunnel
-Founder Director of Palai Central Bank.

### Movies

* Bhadran, movie director
* Miss Kumari, Malayalam actress in leading roles
* Suvarna Mathew, actress
* Ponnamma Babu, actress
* Pala Thankam, actress
* Miya (Gimi George), actress
* Mani C. Kappan, director, producer, actor
* Rimi Tomy, singer
* Meenakshi Anoop, actress
* Listin Stephen, film producer

### Journalists

* Jose Panachippuram, associate editor, Malayala Manorama daily
* Eby J Jose, editor, Gulf Life magazine