Dr. K. Karunakaran is presently Professor at St. Josephs College of Commerce, (Autonomous), Bengaluru, and Academic Consultant. He retired as General Manager from the Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Ltd, Kochi, one of the largest Public Sector Enterprises in India, after a long service of 33 years. Being a prolific writer, he has published more than twenty six books, most of which are prescribed texts and study materials for the MBA and M.Com. courses of various Indian Universities. He has also published a photo-journalism themed book Temples and Legends of Karnataka which covers the details of the origin, history, architectural significance and fascinating legends of 108 temples. He has contributed several research papers and articles in leading newspapers like Economic Times, News Time, Deccan Chronicle, The Hindu and Deccan Herald. He has been a recipient of the Fertiliser Association of Indias National Level Award for the Best Article on Marketing for two years. He is also an accomplished artist and has held many solo exhibitions of his paintings. He is an active life member of the NGO People for Animals.

Dr. Karunakaran has obtained certification as an Accredited Management Teacher (AMT) conferred by the All India Management Association (AIMA), New Delhi. He is the proud winner of the Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR National Award, 2021, in Marketing Management, conferred by the Center for Professional Advancement and Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan BEST TEACHER National Award, 2022, in Marketing Management, conferred by the International Multidisciplinary Research Foundation.