He is the second-longest-serving general secretary of the organization (after founder Mannath Padmanabhan), who has served 28 years in the post.

Narayana Panicker was born on 27 August 1930 as the first son and third child of the seven kids of Vazhappally Padinjarubhagam Pichamathil A. N. Velu Pillai and Lakshmikutty Amma.

University Syndicate, member of Guruvayoor Devaswom and also as the president of Changanassery Lions Club.

On New Year's Day in 1984, he became the General Secretary of NSS, succeeding Kidangoor Gopalakrishna Pillai.

He was also the serving President of Nair Service Society when he died, having elected less than a year ago.