Thrissur: P Chitran Namboothiripad, a prominent figure in the fields of education and literature, has passed away in Thrissur. He served as the Director of Public Instruction of Kerala and played a pivotal role in shaping the state school arts festival (Kalolsavam). 

Additionally, he held esteemed positions such as SSLC board member, education advisory committee member, union government’s secondary education advisory committee member, and Kerala Kalamandalam secretary. He retired in 1979.

Notably, Namboothiripad had a profound connection with the Himalayas, undertaking more than thirty journeys to the region. 

Born on January 6, 1920, in Mookkuthala, Malappuram district, he published books such as "Punyahimalayam" (a travelogue) and "Smaranakalile Poomukham" (an autobiography).

Namboothiripad pursued his intermediate studies at Thrissur St. Thomas College, actively engaging with the Left students movement during his academic journey. After completing his graduation from the University of Madras, he established a school in 1947 on a five-acre plot of land in Mookkuthala. However, after a decade, he handed over the school to the Kerala government for a nominal sum of one rupee.

His experience as a spectator at the Delhi inter-university arts festival in 1956 triggered the idea of a school festival in Kerala. At that time, the Director of Education in Thrissur district, CS Venkateswaraya Iyer, invited Namboothiripad, among others, to discussions. This eventually led to the school arts festival. It has now evolved into Asia's largest youth festival.

Furthermore, he played a crucial role in advocating for the rights of pensioners, leveraging his close relationship with C Achutha Menon. Through political and legal efforts, he contributed to the establishment of a unified pension system, bringing uniformity to the diverse pension schemes.