K. E. Mathai was born on 14 November 1924 in Kunnam, a small village near Mavelikkara in Alappuzha district of the south Indian state of Kerala to Kizhakkepainummoottil Kunjunaina Easo and Sosamma.[1] His early schooling was at the local primary school in Kunnam and later, he joined Chettikulangara High School but he could not complete his education as his father died in 1939, leaving Mathai to take over the responsibility of the family. Subsequently, he joined the Indian Army in 1944 as a havildar in Pioneer Corps.[2] He served the army for 21 years before superannuating from service in 1965. On his return to Kerala, he founded Saritha Press, in Mavelikkara.[1]
Mathai was married to Ammini, the marriage taking place in 1952. He died on 30 December 1981, at the age of 57.[1]
Parappurath was involved with literary organizations such as the Sahithya Pravarthaka Co-operative Society (SPCS), where he sat on the Board of Directors from 1974 to 1977, and again from 1980; in 1981, he was elected as its president, a position he held at the time of his death.[1] His film career covered 15 screenplays, of which 14 were based on his own stories.[2] Altogether, he wrote dialogues for 19 films and acted a small part in Aranazhika Neram.[5]
