Nettur P. Damodaran Biography 
Nettur P. Damodaran was a prominent politician from Tellicherry (Thalassery of Malabar, present day Kerala) who served as a member of first Lok Sabha in the independent India. He got elected from the constituency of Tellicherry, representing Kisan Mazdoor Praja Party. Nettur earned name as a parliamentarian, legislator, journalist, philanthropist, reformer and writer. Also associated with Indian freedom struggle movement from Malabar, he was conferred with the honorary title - Thamrapathra on the Silver Jubilee of Indian Independence by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He passed away in New Delhi on 11 October 1978.
Nettur P Damodaran was born on 14 May 1913 in Thalassery of Kannur district, Kerala. K. P. Kunhikannan and Thalu were his parents. Nettur is his native village, where he spent his early days and completed schooling. He completed graduation in Physics from Madras Christian College. He was also actively involved with Indian freedom struggle movement in the Malabar region and also participated in Quit India Movement. He organized rallies and public events in Malabar region during Quit India Movement. He got arrested once and was sentenced for two years imprisonment. He was held at Alipur Central jail, Bellary during 1942–1944 period. Once got released he again involved with freedom struggle movement till 1947.
After a brief stint in Administration he got involved with politics and got elected to the first Lok Sabha. He also authored a few books, mostly belonging to travelogues and local culture. Narmadayude Nattil, Adivasikalute Keralam and Anubhavachurulukal were his major works. As a social worker he always worked for the uplift of socially and economically backward classes of Kerala, and served as the Chairman of Nettur Commission which studied the living conditions of the backward classes of Kerala. He also took steps to popularise and promote local art forms of the Malabar region like Theyyam, Kalari Payattu and Thira. He was also involved with Indian Circus.
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Updated: April 03, 2016
