Parameswaran Pillai Govinda Pillai or PG as he is fondly known, was born on March 25, 1926 in an upper middle class land-owning family in Pulluvazhi village in Perumbavoor in Kerala's Ernakulam district. A traditional Nair landlord of the times, his father M N Parameswaran Pillai and his god-fearing mother K Parukkutti Amma, a house wife, had cherished conservative values of the day although they were known for their compassion and concern for others. Gods, religion and spirituality had a major presence in his family.

PG was the eldest son on whom the parents had invested high hopes. He was given special tutors and also sent to the best local schools. But although PG's father was very traditional in his outlook and values... more