 He was a style editor with Soviet Information Office, Chennai during 1970–75 and General Editor with "Manorajyam" group of publications during 1984–86.He then, during 1988–94, worked as Director-in-Charge of "Vishwa Vijnana Kosham", an Encyclopedia published by Government of Kerala.Pavanan was Assistant Secretary of Kerala Sahitya Academy between 1975–78 and its Member Secretary during 1978–84.