Leadership & Structure
Committee & Governance
Transparent, accountable, and collectively led — the governance of Kathakali Club, Thrissur, reflects six decades of institutional integrity.
Our Approach
Governance Philosophy
The Kathakali Club, Thrissur, functions as a registered cultural charitable society guided by principles of transparency, collective leadership, accountability, and cultural responsibility.
Governance of the Club is structured to ensure continuity of vision, ethical management of resources, and sustained excellence in cultural programming. The Club's governance framework reflects its long-standing commitment to public trust, institutional stability, and responsible stewardship of India's cultural heritage.
Transparency
Open communication and clear reporting in all activities
Collective Leadership
Decisions taken collectively by an elected Executive Committee
Accountability
Every rupee tracked and reported with full statutory compliance
Cultural Responsibility
All decisions guided by the Club's cultural mission and values
Legal & Statutory Status
Registered Under
Travancore-Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Registration Act XII of 1955
Registration No.
7/1968
Registered On
2 February 1968
Nature
Cultural Charitable Society
80G Status
Income Tax Exemption Eligible
Location
Thrissur, Kerala
Fully compliant with all applicable statutory requirements
Guiding the Club's Vision
Our Patrons
The Kathakali Club, Thrissur is privileged to have distinguished cultural, administrative, and medical luminaries as its Patrons — lending their unparalleled legacies to the Club's mission.
Padmasree Dr. Kalamandalam Gopi
Patron
A national treasure and global icon of classical dance, Gopi Asaan has been the Club's esteemed torchbearer for over a decade. Renowned for his mastery of the Kalluvazhi school, he is celebrated for his legendary portrayals of Nala, Karna, and Arjuna. His illustrious career spanning over six decades has been recognised with the Padma Shri (2009), the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the Kerala State Kathakali Award, and the Kalidas Samman. As a former Principal of Kerala Kalamandalam, his contribution extends beyond the stage, having mentored generations of artists.
P.K. Vijayakumar, IRS (Retd.)
Patron
A distinguished member of the 1978 IRS batch, Sri P.K. Vijayakumar retired as Director General of Income Tax (Inv.), Kochi — equivalent to Additional Secretary to the Government of India. His 33-year career spanned major metropolises including Mumbai, where he managed the taxation of India's largest corporate entities. He subsequently served as Insurance Ombudsman for Kerala and Lakshadweep. Today he serves as Managing Director of Unity Hospital, Kunnamkulam, and holds advisory roles at KMML and Jubilee Mission Hospital.
Dr. E.T. Neelakandan Mooss
Patron
Ashtavaidyan Dr. E.T. Neelakandan Mooss is a leading figure in Ayurveda and Managing Director of the renowned Vaidyaratnam Group, carrying forward a 200-year-old healing legacy as head of the illustrious Eledath Thaikkattu Mooss family. Recently conferred with the National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award (2025) by the Ministry of Ayush, he also holds the esteemed title of Guru at the Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth. Beyond his clinical brilliance, he is a steadfast supporter of Kerala's classical arts.
Current Leadership
Office Bearers
The day-to-day administration of the Club is managed by elected office bearers, each performing defined roles contributing to the smooth functioning and continuity of the Club's activities.
#1
K.P. Radhakrishnan
President
A dedicated Kathakali enthusiast for over 40 years, having joined in 1984. He served as Club Secretary from 2015 to 2021 before being elected President in 2022. Under his visionary leadership, the Club realised the Kalamandalam Hyderali Smarakam project. Professionally, he is Chairman & Managing Director of Southern Plastowares and Honorary Secretary of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Thrissur Kendra.
#2
Nandakumar Alath
Vice President
A retired senior banker with a distinguished career in financial management. A member of the Club for over two decades, he was inducted into the Executive Committee in 2023 and elected Vice President in 2025. A passionate devotee and advocate of Kathakali, he is also active in Thrissur's cultural and literary circles.
#3
Prasanth G. Menon
Secretary
A devoted supporter of classical arts who served as Club Treasurer (2021–22) before becoming Secretary. President of Rotary Club of Thrissur Central, Financial Advisor to Paramekkavu Devaswom, and organiser of the Thrissur Pooram Exhibition. Professionally, a Partner at Varma & Varma, Chartered Accountants, Thrissur — Fellow Member of ICAI with 15+ years of experience.
#4
Gopikrishnan Eradath
Joint Secretary
Served as Executive Member in 2021 before being elected Joint Secretary in 2022. His deep-rooted connection began in his childhood, inspired by his father, the late Sri Peethambara Panickar, who served the Club for many years. A dedicated Mridangam artist and Carnatic music enthusiast, he meticulously coordinates the Club's monthly performances across its vast artiste network.
#5
Rajashree Achuthan
Joint Secretary
Deeply associated with the Club since childhood, having attended programmes alongside her grandfather — also a member. A trained classical singer with a profound interest in dance and drama, she was elected Joint Secretary in 2025. Professionally, she serves in the Government Mental Health Sector and holds M.Phil. and post-graduate degrees in English, Social Work, and Journalism.
#6
K. Rajeev Menon
Treasurer
Served as Executive Member in 2021 before being elected Treasurer in 2022. A highly successful industrialist, builder, and film producer, he brings sharp professional acumen to financial management. A founding member of the 'Sarvamangala' Trust promoting classical arts in Thrissur, and former President of the Peruvanam-Arattupuzha Pooram Central Committee.
Extended Leadership
Executive Committee Members
The Executive Committee comprises members drawn from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds. Their collective expertise ensures balanced governance and shared institutional responsibility.
#7
Adv. Charles Karl
Executive Member
A stalwart of the Club since 1982 and Executive Committee member since 1992. He served as Club Secretary for the 2021–22 term. An Advocate with a Post Graduation in Corporate Laws, he also holds multiple master's degrees in management and clinical psychology. Over four decades of dedicated service make him a guardian of the Club's enduring legacy.
#8
T.M. Narayanankutty
Executive Member
A veteran member widely respected for his profound understanding of Kathakali. He has been a major contributor to the Executive Committee since 2004, served two terms as Joint Secretary, and was elected Club Treasurer. He retired as a Manager from the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).
#9
Dr. A.N. Krishnan
Executive Member
A distinguished academic and authority on Kathakali (M.A., Ph.D.) and member since 2006. A retired Associate Professor with UGC Emeritus Fellowship in Kathakali, he served as Club President (2021–22) and as Director of the Nila Campus at Kerala Kalamandalam (2017). Author of five books and recipient of the prestigious 'Idassery Award' for his work 'Arthasamvadam'.
#10
K.M. Anoop
Executive Member
A lifelong Kathakali follower whose connection to the Club began in 1982 when his father first joined. Executive Member since 2009, he served as Joint Secretary for the 2023 and 2024 terms. An Assistant Engineer in the Local Self Government Department (LSGD), he balances public service with deep devotion to preserving classical heritage.
#11
K.P. Sankaran Bhattathirippad
Executive Member
Son of K.P.C. Narayanan Bhattathirippad — a foundational figure who held leadership roles in the Club since its inception. Executive Member since 2017, he is also a founding member, Joint Secretary, and Trustee of 'Vedika', a prominent arts organisation in Thrissur. He retired as Head of Insurance at a premier hospital in Thrissur.
#12
K.R. Narayanan Chakkiar
Executive Member
A distinguished connoisseur with over 60 years of immersion in Kathakali. Son of the legendary Koodiyattam exponent and Kendra Sangeet Natak Academy Award winner, the late Kidangoor Rama Chakkiar. Executive Committee member since 2019, he serves as Sub-Editor of the Club's Annual Souvenir and is an insightful writer on Kathakali and Koodiyattam for various periodicals.
#13
Adv. O.M. Ravi
Executive Member
A dedicated Kathakali enthusiast and active member since 2005. Hailing from the renowned Olappamanna Mana, he served as Club Treasurer from 2015 to 2018 and as Vice President from 2022 to 2025. With over two decades of association, he remains a steadfast presence in the Executive Committee.
#14
Babu Krishnan Kapplingattu
Executive Member
Active Executive Member since 2022, he chaired the 84th birthday celebration committee for the legendary Dr. Sadanam Krishnan Kutty Asan. Founder President of Sreebhadram Kala Aswadaka Samithi, Paliakkara. A distinguished Chartered Accountant and seasoned Tax Consultant with expertise in Indian taxation, investment advisory, and MSME consultancy.
#15
Anilkumar P. Balakrishnan
Executive Member
A Chartered Accountant by profession and dedicated artist at heart, he joined the Club in 2019 and has served in executive leadership since 2021. He is the creative force behind the Club's visual identity — designing monthly activity posters and managing the Club's social media presence to connect heritage with modern audiences.
#16
Krishnadas Kizhakkedath
Executive Member
Son of the late Unnikrishnan Elayath, a renowned Sanskrit Literature Professor at Kerala Kalamandalam. Grew up in close proximity to legendary artists, sparking a lifelong devotion. A Life Member and Executive Committee member since 2018, he also serves as Treasurer of 'Vedika', the classical arts association in Kerala.
#17
Jaya Avanoor
Executive Member
Granddaughter of club founder member Chittor Kunjan Namboodiripad and daughter of the late Sri C.K. Narayanan Namboothiripad, who devoted a major part of his life to the Club. A trained Carnatic singer and distinguished B-Grade Kathakali Padam artist who served with All India Radio, Thrissur for nearly three decades. Executive Committee member since 2022.
#18
Unnikrishnan I.
Executive Member
A distinguished Chartered Accountant with over 30 years of experience spanning consulting, auditing, treasury management, and investor relations. Joined the Executive Committee in 2024. Promoter, Managing Director & CEO of Yogakshemam Loans Limited (NBFC, RBI registered). Also serves on the Board of Chobe Business Solutions and as Associate Secretary of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Thrissur.
#19
Sreekumar Palliyil
Executive Member
A dedicated Club member since 2016 who served as Club Treasurer for two years, ensuring fiscal health during a critical growth period. A veteran Chartered Accountant with over 40 years of experience across various industrial sectors, he continues to provide valuable guidance as an Executive Member.
#20
Suresh KV
Executive Member
A seasoned management professional with over three decades of industrial expertise. Having completed engineering and management education from the country's most reputed institutions, he served the engineering industry with distinction before retiring to pursue his passion for Kerala's classical arts. Joined the Executive Committee in 2025.
Collective Leadership
Committee Responsibilities
The overall administration and policy direction of the Club is entrusted to an elected Executive Committee. The Committee functions collectively, ensuring decisions are taken in the best interest of the institution and its cultural objectives.
Strategic planning and policy decisions
Organisation and oversight of monthly Kathakali programmes
Financial management and approval of expenditures
Sponsorship and donor engagement
Statutory compliance and governance oversight
Long-term planning for institutional growth and sustainability
Anniversary celebrations and special events
Outreach, education, and documentation initiatives
Financial Integrity
Financial Governance
The Kathakali Club, Thrissur, follows prudent financial practices to ensure responsible utilisation of funds. All financial activity is subject to Executive Committee oversight and is conducted in full compliance with statutory requirements.
Accounts maintained systematically and transparently
All income and expenditure subject to Executive Committee approval
Donations, sponsorships, and CSR funds utilised strictly for cultural and charitable objectives
Financial records maintained in compliance with statutory requirements
Commitment to financial discipline and donor confidence
80G Certification
Income Tax Exemption
The Club holds valid Income Tax exemption under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, making all eligible donations tax-deductible for donors.
Donations eligible for tax exemption per applicable laws
Official donation receipts issued for all eligible contributions
Registration certificates and 80G documentation available on request
Our Commitment
Commitment to Transparency & Public Trust
The Kathakali Club, Thrissur, recognises the trust placed in it by members, donors, artistes, audiences, and public institutions. The Club remains committed to ethical governance, openness in communication, and responsible stewardship of cultural and financial resources.
Institutional Integrity
Six decades of ethical governance and adherence to founding principles
Financial Transparency
All funds accounted for and utilised strictly for cultural objectives
Donor Confidence
Official receipts, 80G certificates, and documentation provided to all donors