Published Sep 08, 2026 | 4:47 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 08, 2026 | 4:47 PM
Kerala Varma
P.K Kerala Varma (90), head of the Zamorin family of Kozhikode, died at a private hospital early Tuesday, September 8, after being under treatment for two months. He is survived by his wife Jayasree Varma and children Suneethi Raja and Dr K Sujith Varma.
His mortal remains were brought to his Chinthavalappu residence at 10 am. The cremation will take place at 6.30 pm at the Smrithi Patham public crematorium on Mavoor Road.
Kerala Varma had expressed a wish to be cremated at a public facility, making this the first cremation of a Zamorin Raja at a public crematorium.
Born on September 3, 1936, Kerala Varma belonged to the Thekkekettu branch of the Thiruvannur Puthiyakovilakam family. He was known for modernising the administration of institutions under the Zamorin Management, introducing a 21-member governing council to oversee around 45 temples and educational institutions, including Guruvayurappan College and Zamorin’s schools.
A pharmacology expert and entrepreneur, Kerala Varma founded Narnyatt Pharmaceuticals at West Hill Industrial Estate.
The company produced and exported medicines, and he received Central and State Government awards for export excellence. He also served as a pharmacology adviser to institutions including Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala and Oushadhi.
He completed his pharmacy degree in Ahmedabad and later worked in Mumbai before establishing his pharmaceutical venture in Kozhikode.
He was also associated with a government project aimed at controlling filariasis in the Lakshadweep Islands.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
