Kunjunni was born on 10 May 1927 at Valapad, a village in Thrissur district in the south Indian state of Kerala to Njayapilly Illathu Neelakantan Moosath and Athiyarathu Narayani Amma.

Kaakka Paari Vannu, Paara Melirunnu (Flew in a crow, sat on the rocks)

Kaakka Paari Poyi, Paara Baakkiyaayi (Flew out the crow, stayed back the rocks) Excerpts from Kunjunni poems He was known for writing short poems which appeared to be childlike in form but conveyed a message.

Kunjunni returned to his native village in 1987 and became involved in social and cultural activities in the Thrissur area.

[6] Kerala Sahitya Akademi selected Kunjunni for their annual award for children's literature in 1977 for his work, Aksharathettu.