| R. N. Joe D’Cruz is an accomplished Indian novelist, commercial shipping professional, and documentary filmmaker in the Tamil film industry. |
| He hails from a 'Roman Catholic Paravar' background in the coastal village of Uvari, Tamil Nadu. |
| Having completed his education, he ventured into the commercial shipping sector. |
| Joe D’Cruz held significant roles such as President at NTC Logistics PVT Ltd and Vice President at J.M. Baxi & Company for over thirty years. |
| In 2004, he debuted a collection of Tamil poems named 'Pulambazhkal,' focusing on the history and lifestyle of Parathavar fishermen. |
| His novel 'Aazhi Soozh Ulagu' garnered prestigious awards in 2005, shedding light on the fishermen's transition to Christianity and the use of catamarans. |
| Joe D’Cruz directed a documentary titled 'Vidiyatha Pozhuthukal' in 2008. |
| The publication of his novel 'Korkai' in 2009, which received the Sahitya Akademi Award, depicted the ancient port city under the Early Pandyan Kingdom, centering on 20th-century pearl and conch divers. |
| He produced another documentary 'Towards Dawn' in 2010, addressing the challenges faced by Tamil fishermen. |
| Joe D’Cruz vocalized opposition to the Kudankulam nuclear project in 2011 due to concerns over its impact on fishermen's livelihoods. |
| He is actively involved with Samskrita Bharati, serving as the state president in Tamil Nadu to conserve the Sanskrit language. |
| In 2013, he contributed dialogues for the Tamil film "Maryan." |
| During the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, he voiced support for BJP PM candidate Narendra Modi, facing backlash for his public stance. |
| In 2014, the English translation of his book 'Aazhi Soozh Ulagu' was halted by the publisher and translator due to his political affiliations. |
| He raised objections in 2017 against the proposed 'International Container Transhipment Terminal' in Kanyakumari, emphasizing the development of existing ports over new projects. |
| Appointed to the National Shipping Board in 2017 by the Government of India, Joe D’Cruz remains dedicated to maritime concerns. |
| He aligns himself with Indian LGBTQA+ activist Gopi Shankar Madurai alongside writer Aravindan Neelakandan. |
| Joe previously supported Srishti Madurai, an LGBTQA+ volunteer group, under notable figures Anjali Gopalan and Bracha Ettinger. |
| In 2017, he criticized the BJP for strengthening caste systems and neglecting the poor, distancing himself from Narendra Modi's leadership. |
| Joe D’Cruz rallied against the BJP's proposed 'Maritime Container Terminal' in 2017, likening it to a natural disaster. |
| He was pictured endorsing PM Narendra Modi's 'Sampark Se Samarthan' initiative in 2018. |
| Joe D’Cruz is often seen enjoying cigars on different occasions. |
