CP Ravindran, who was born in Ottappalam in Kerala in 1952, had his education at Parli High School near Palghat, University College in Thiruvananthapuram and Government Victoria College in Palghat.

He began his career as a reporter with New Delhi-based 'India Press Agency', run by Nikhil Chakravorty. He later moved to 'Patriot' which was then edited by the legendary editor Edathatta Narayanan.

In between he was selected for a journalism scholarship in Budapest, Hungary. After the six-month course, he continued his stay in Europe visiting several countries, from the then Soviet Union to the UK. On his return to
India, he continued working with 'Patriot' until 1978 when he came to Doha to launch 'Gulf Times', Qatar's first English newspaper.

He began writing in Malayalam during his college days. His first short story, published in the 'Kunkumam' weekly, was about a man's obsession. All his later stories have been published either in 'Mathrubhoomi' or 'Kala Kaumudi' weeklies.

His stories, written in a deceptively simple style, dealt with issues ranging from loneliness to angst to apathy. Some of them are 'Sudhakarnte Ettan', 'Vamaradyan', 'Venugopalan', 'Vijayakumaran', 'Avasanavum Arambhavum' and 'Saapam'.

As the production editor of Qatar's leading English language daily he supported all the creative ideas and activities of socio cultural and educational organisations in the country and that in turn made his paper an essential element in the day to day life of people of Qatar.

Awards

Ravindran has been given the first John Abraham Award by the John Abraham Trust in recognition of his contribution to journalism and writing in Malayalam.