K M MATHEW

K M Mathew, Chief Editor of Malayala Manorama, the doyen in the field of Journalism, passed away at the ripe age of 93 in early morning of the 1st of August 2010. Respected by both friends and foes, he was a sincere newspaper editor and an astute business man. Under his leadership, Malayala Manorama grew multi fold, spreading its tentacles both at the vertical and horizontal space around it. His was a Midas touch, for whatever he started, grew into huge success.

I have had some interactions with him. When I was the Honorary Secretary of Kerala Management Association (KMA), we chose him for the KMA Management Leadership Award for the year 2001. I remember hearing from the Award Committee Chairman Mr. KT Chandy (Founder Director of IIM Calcutta & Former Director Hindustan Lever Limited) who was speaking very high of Mr. KM Mathew. “He excelled in all forms of Leadership, more so in man management” said Mr. Chandy. It is indeed true, in this extremely competitive journalism field, the loyalty displayed by Manorma employees is something exceptional. Only a true, selfless, considerate leader could rise to the level of commanding this organizational loyalty from its employees.

While receiving the award from the then Kerala Chief Minister Shri. A K Antony, he simply said that he did nothing but allowed people to work. He nostalgically remembered himself starting the career in Bomaby as a Balloon salesman (balloons were manufactured by his brother’s fid gelling company; Madras Rubber factory – Presently, the well Known MRF Ltd.) and the circumstances that lead him to come over to Kottayam to assist his Brother Mr. K M Cherian in the running of the Newspaper and later taking over the mantle in 1973, when his brother passed away. Yes, by simply allowing the people to work and by utilising their creativity, he grew the Malayala Manorama Group into a great newspaper empire. Heavy dose of application of technology gave the group unattainable leadership – It is known that Manorama group was the first Asian media company to have implemented SAP ERP solution, more than a decade back.

Later when I became the President of KMA, I requested him to be the Chairman of KMA’s Management Leadership Award Selection Committee for the year 2004, which he agreed. With the nominations in hand, along with the other committee members, I went to meet him at his office in Kottayam. Though we were to meet him at 9.30 AM, we could only reach his office 15 minutes late. I knew his reputation to be a person who keeps perfect time. To my apologies of delay, I remember receiving a minor chiding from him “yes it is always the traffic or the roads, but the fact is that you are late”. However he did not carry forward the irritation in to the job of evaluating the credentials of the candidates to choose an appropriate winner for that year.

In my interactions with him he came through as a simple, straight forward and considerate person. I found it difficult to take that he is the one who grew the enterprise many fold, because his attire and actions defied any businessman propositions. I realize now that perhaps his success was in keeping everything very simple. And being considerate must have attracted people towards him. In the simple attire of a white dhoti and Jubba, there existed a splendid human being whose discipline and work ethics must have invigorated the thousands around him to work hard and take the organization to still greater heights. And that indeed was his success.

Journalism, the mighty forth estate, is at the cross road today. The lure of visual electronic technology is very tempting. There are the challenges such as paid news etc. The specific agendas of the News barons in other forms of business are another greater challenge (Compare a News Editor having a diversified area of business interest, say, real estate!). In this melee the essence of people like KM Mathew is extremely significant. He was the Colossus in the field of Journalism. He maintained values and discipline. Five to six decades of legacy that he had created in the organization will stay put for ever, one is hopeful.

Here is final PRANAMS to him. May the noble soul rest in eternal peace.