Sri. Ramakrishna Suryabhanji Gavai is the 15th Governor of Kerala State. He is a veteran from Maharashtra (Darapur village at Amaravati) and is a known social activist and a reputed writer. He is the author of several books. He was a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council from 1964 to 1994, its deputy chairman from 1968 to 1978 and chairman from 1978 to 1984. He was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1998 and to the Rajyasabha in 2002. Sri. R. S. Gavai was conferred the National Integration award for peace and harmony and was the recipient of the prestigious Kustha Mitra Award.