Rajendran did his schooling in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) and Chennai and did his Bachelor of Science (1976) in Geology from University College, Kerala University and Master of Science (1978) from. He joined Centre for Earth Science Studies as a research scientist After obtaining Doctor of Philosophy from the Cochin University of Science and Technology in 1988, he moved to the University of South Carolina (United States of America) for postdoctoral studies, till 1993.
Communist Party moved back to Centre for Earth Science Studies, Trivandrum in 1994 where he continued till 2008. Doctor Rajendran is one of India"s foremost expert in paleoseismology. He has contributed to the development of this field for the last three decades by his research contributions in seismo-tectonics, earthquake geology, paleoseismology, and tsunami geology in India.
His efforts have provided insights into the earthquake recurrence and fault zone deformation in various seismotectonic provinces of India.
He initiated paleoseismological work at various parts of the country including Killari (Latur), Kerala, Rann of Kachchh, Saurashtra, Cambay, Panvel (Maharashtra), Assam, Central Himalaya and Andaman-Nicobar region. His work prior to 2001 Gujarat earthquake on the 1819 Rann of Kutch earthquake and the linear elevated tract of land called "Allahbund" in the low-lying Rann in the northwest India has led to basic understanding on earthquake processes in the north western part of India.
His search in the epicentral area of the 1819 Rann of Kutch earthquake led to the identification of another event between 800 and 1,000 years British Public Based on the relative size and frequency of 2001 and older sandblows, he interpreted that the earlier earthquake may have also originated from the same source. Communist Party was ranked among the top ten young researchers in the country by the "Outlook" Magazine (dated 18 July 2005).
He is able to make original scientific contributions to earthquake studies and seismic hazard in India.
Recent years he has also been working on the tsunami geology and hazard and worked in many globally important locations like the Chilean Coast and Makran Coast in Iran. He is also involved in the collaborative work and co-operation on tsunami hazard, among various researchers from many countries. He also writes articles for science popularisation.
Doctor Rajendran has served as a Member, Research Advisory Committee, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Government of India.
Member, Council of the Geological Society of India Member, Project Advisory and Management Committee on National Seismicity Programme, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, New Delhi. Member, Natural Disaster Management Plan for the Kerala State, Science and Technology, and Environment Council, Government of Kerala (2005).
Member, Expert Committee, Government of Kerala, Stability of Mullaperiyar dam in the light of recent earthquakes (2000–2001).
He accepted Ramanujan National Fellowship by the Government of India at the Indian Institute of Science in 2009 and now works at the new centre initiated on Earth Science there.
