K. S. Pillai

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K. S. Pillai (1919 - 30 April 1978) was a pioneer of cartooning in Malayalam journals. Born at Mavelikkara, Alappuzha District, Kerala. After school, studied painting at Ravi Verma School of Painting at Mavelikara. A versatile genius in this art, drew mainly for Malayala Manorama and Desabandhu dailies of Kottayamwho introduced political cartoons as a significant part of journalism. The success of the first political satire magazine in Malayalam [SARASAN]can be undoubtedly attributed to the versatality of cartoons drawn by Mr.KS Pillai. He also contributed his cartoons to NARMADA magazines and CHANDRIKA daily published from Kozhikode, amongst a host of other contemporary publications. Not only the laymen but the politicians also eagerly looked for Pillai's cartoons. It would not be an exaggeration to state that Deshabandhu owed it's circulatuion mainly to Mr. Pillai's cartoons. His cartoons were unique for their humour and un-biased approach towards current issues. He was associated with Gemini studios in Madras ( Chennai) in connection with a cartoon film, said to be the first project of it's kind in India, in those days. Wife the late Krishnakumari. K.S.Hari, K.S.Rajan and K.S. Geetha are his children. He was awarded Padma Vibhushan in 1976.He was a member of Kerala Lalit Kala Academy.