K M Mathew laid to rest, thousands Pay Homage

2/8/2010

Kottayam: Marking end of an era in Indian media history, mortal remains of Malayala Manorama Chief Editor K M Mathew was laid to rest with full state honours at the Puthenpally cemetery here Monday afternoon.

Head of Malankara Syrian Orthodox Baselius Marthoama Dydimos-1, senior prelates and priests conducted the funeral prayers held at the Puthenpally Church.

Members of the bereaved family, senior politicians and cultural leaders turned up at the church to bid farewell to Mathew, who left deep imprints in the media scene of the the country for half-a-century.

Earlier in the day, people from all walks of life kept pouring in at his residence in the town to pay homage to Mathew.

The body was also kept at the headquarters of Malayala Manorama, which grew into a major institution under the leadership of Mathew.

Mourners paid glowing tributes to Mathew, recalling his services to the society and the vital role he played in in infusing professionalism and technological upgradation of regional language journalism in India.
As the funeral procession made it to the church, shops downed shutters on the way as a mark of respect to Mathew, who was an inspiring presence in all cultural activities of Kottayam, known as “the town of letters” or “Akshara Nagari”.

Mathew, 93, died at his residence here yesterday.

Besides heading Malyala Manorama, Mathew had served as chairman of Press Trust of India and held key positions in important media-related organisations of the country.

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