Born as the fifth child to late S.VR.Y.KN.Kannappa Chettiar who was adopted to Devakottai from Kandramanickam.Had schooling in native town. Graduated thro Loyola College, Chennai. Obtained M.A.Degree in Tamil from Presidency College Chennai. Secured second rank in the University of Madras.
Had a brilliant career as lecturer in Tamil in Thiagrajar college Madurai. Rose to emninence as an orator in Tamil and an expert in conducting Pattimandrams. Some of his famous students are solomon Pappiah, Kaviko Abdul Rahman, Kavingarkal Mu.Metha, Naa.Kamarajan, Inkulab,tamil,scholars Ku.Gnansambandan, Abdul Kadher, and the late K.kalimuthu the speaker of Tamilnadu Legisalitine Assembly. Travelled widely and spoke in various forums all over the Tamil communities in Malaysia, Singapore, Ceylon, UK and U.S.A.
Known for ready wit and humour he is fondly called "Nagaicchuvai Imayam".

Has three daughters and two sons. All of them are grauduates. Two daughters and one son are settled abroad. Prof KN.C has 10 grandchildren.