K. M. Mathew

Visionary Journalist, Media Pioneer and Humanitarian

Early Life and Education

K. M. Mathew was born on 2 January 1917, the seventh son of Shri K. C. Mammen Happillai, at Kottayam, Kerala. He received his early education in Kottayam and went on to obtain a degree in Economics from Madras University, laying a strong academic foundation for his future career in journalism and public life.

Leadership at Malayala Manorama

Mathew joined the prestigious daily Malayala Manorama as Managing Editor in 1954 and became its Chief Editor in 1973. Under his visionary stewardship, the newspaper achieved unprecedented growth and professional excellence, emerging as one of India’s most influential media institutions.

Expansion into Print and Electronic Media

A pioneer of media diversification, K. M. Mathew launched several highly successful publications. These included ‘Vanitha’, a leading Malayalam women’s magazine; the English news magazine ‘The Week’; and the revival of the elite literary journal ‘Bhashaposhini’. He also revitalized ‘Manorama Weekly’, which grew into India’s largest-selling weekly magazine. Under his leadership, the Malayala Manorama Group also entered the field of electronic media, further strengthening its reach and impact.

Professional Excellence and Media Modernisation

A thorough professional, Mathew restructured every aspect of newspaper production, introducing modern technology and efficient management practices. His expertise was widely acknowledged, and he rendered professional consultancy to numerous Indian newspapers, helping them modernize and strengthen journalistic standards.

Journalism with a Human Face

Mathew believed deeply in “Journalism with a Human Face”, a philosophy that guided both his editorial vision and humanitarian work. In 1993, following the devastating Latur earthquake in Maharashtra, he mobilized resources to rebuild Banegaon village within a record 15 months. After the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, he helped reconstruct homes in Chapredi and Adipure villages. In 2005, he built houses for 153 tsunami-affected families along the Kerala coast.

In another remarkable initiative, he enabled over 1,000 poor heart patients, mostly children, to undergo free heart surgery, exemplifying his compassion and commitment to social welfare.

Contributions to Kerala’s Development

Mathew played a significant role in Kerala’s development through his influential public campaigns. His initiatives were instrumental in the establishment of Kochi International Airport at Nedumbassery, the Kayamkulam Thermal Power Plant, and the Ezhimala Naval Academy. A passionate advocate of Kerala’s language, culture and traditions, he consistently worked for the state’s progress.

Service to Journalism and Sports

He served in several distinguished positions, including Chairman of Press Trust of India, President of the Indian Newspaper Society, Chairman of the Audit Bureau of Circulations, Vice-President of the Indian Language Newspaper Association, and Founder-Trustee and Chairman of the Research Institute of Newspaper Development (RIND).

As President of the Kerala Amateur Athletic Association for six years, he introduced a talent-spotting scheme and personally supported the education and training of promising young athletes.

Awards and Honours

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, the President of India conferred the Padma Bhushan in 1998. He also received numerous other prestigious awards, including the Foundation of Freedom of Information Award (1991), National Citizens Award (1992), Ramakrishna Jay Dayal Award (1995), Durga Prasad Choudhary Award (1996), B. D. Goenka Award (1996), and the Kerala Press Academy Award (1997).

Literary Contributions and Legacy

His memoir ‘Annamma’, published in Malayalam in 2004 and in English in 2005, received wide acclaim for its literary and historical value. His autobiography ‘Ettamathe Mothiram’ offers valuable insights into the social and political evolution of Kerala.

K. M. Mathew passed away on 1 August 2010, leaving behind an enduring legacy as a journalist of integrity, a compassionate humanitarian, and a visionary nation-builder.

Commemorative Postage Stamp

In honour of his exceptional contributions to Indian journalism, public service, and humanitarian causes, India Post is proud to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on K. M. Mathew, celebrating a life dedicated to truth, service, and social progress.