V. K. Krishna Menon

Vengalil Krishnan Krishna Menon (Malayalam: വി. കെ. കൃഷ്ണമേനോന്‍, Hindi: वि. के. कृष्ण मेनोन्) commonly referred to as Krishna Menon (3 May 1896 - 6 October 1974) was an Indian nationalist, politician, diplomat, and Defence Minister of India (1957–1962).

Early life and education

Menon was born at Panniyankara in Kozhikkode, Kerala, in the Vengalil family of British Malabar. His father Vakil Komath Krishna Kurup, Karanavar of Komath Tharavad and Thazhe Komath Bhagavathy Temple, Ayancheri, Vadakara, the son of the Vorllathiri Udya Varma Raja of Kadathanadu, was a wealthy and influential lawyer. His mother was the granddaughter of Raman Menon who had been the Dewan of Travancore between 1815 and 1817, serving Gowri Parvati Bayi. Menon had his early education in Thalassery and he took his B. A. degree from Presidency College, Chennai.

While studying in the Madras Law College, he became involved in Theosophy and was actively associated with Annie Besant and the Home Rule Movement. He was a leading member of the 'Brothers of Service', founded by Annie Besant who spotted his gifts and helped him travel to England in 1924.

Life and activities in England

In London, Menon pursued further education at the London School of Economics and University College, London, and at the same time he became a passionate proponent of India's freedom.

In England, he worked as a journalist and secretary (1929–1947) of the India...
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