Shri. M.N.Govindan Nair, veteran Communist leader, fondly called MN, was born on December 10, 1910.

After graduation, he actively participated in the freedom struggle. In the initial stages of an eventful career, he had spent a year in Wardha Ashram and was very much active in Harijan Upliftment. Shri. M.N. had also to give up Law studies due to active participation in the Travancore State Congress movement. Later, he became a member of CPI, and served as Secretary, Travancore Unit of CPI, Member, CPI Central Secretariat, Member, National Executive of CPI and the Secretary, CPI Kerala Unit.
Shri.M.N. had previously served as a member of TCLA during 1952 -1954.

Shri. M.N. Govindan Nair became elected to KLA from Punalur in 1967 and from Chadayamangalam in 1970, and served as leader, CPI Legislature Party. He was the Minister for Agriculture and Electricity in the EMS Ministry from 06.03.1967 to 21.10.1969. He also served as the Minister for Transport and Electricity in the C.Achutha Menon Ministry from 25.09.1971 to 25.03 1977.

Shri. Govindan Nair served also as a member of Rajya Sabha from 1962 to 1967, and member of Lok Sabha from 1977 to 1979.

Married to Smt. Devaki they have one son and one daughter.

Shri. M.N. Govindan Nair passed away on 27.11.1984.

The Assembly paid its homage to him on7-3-1985