K M Mathew | File PhotoThe eternal inspiration that was K M Mathew continues to show the way on his birth centenary. A shining star in the annals of journalism in Kerala, the chief editor is a leading light for all journalists and public personalities to this day. He stands out among editors with his interventions that proved journalism was a vocation instrumental in nation building. This all-inclusive approach resulted in a vernacular daily that reaches millions of readers today.
Mathew’s mission was not an easy one. When he returned to Kottayam from Mumbai in May 1954, at the age of 37, Malayala Manorama was selling only 30,000 copies. He put in hours of hard work with an open mind ever since he took over the reins after the demise of the then chief editor K M Cherian in 1973. He remained on top until he departed on August 1, 2010, exploring uncharted territory for Malayalam media throughout his legendary career.
The strength of the foundation he laid is revealed when Malayala Manorama approaches the enviable milestone of 25 lakh readers. Many weeklies, magazines and other publications catering to different sections of society followed on the way he paved. Many of them became national leaders in their segments. India has not seen another editor who could make so many publications unrivaled in circulation. Mathew’s vision led the group into audio, visual and online media too.
He believed that journalism had a greater role than the dissemination of information. He saw it as an agent of social change. Malayala Manorama took the initiative in harnessing succor from the readers when earthquakes shattered Latur in Maharashtra and Bhuj in Gujarat. The same spirit was shown in the aftermath of tsunami, taking responsible journalism to new heights.
Mathew’s contributions stand unparalleled in the history of Malayalam journalism. His life continues to be a beacon of inspiration.
