By TCN News,
New Delhi: Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has condoled the death of senior journalist and Malayala Manorama Chief Editor K.M. Mathew. In a message to his son Mammen Mathew the PM noted K.M. Mathew’s commitment to the cause of excellence in journalism and his contributions to promoting the freedom of the press.
“I was deeply grieved to learn of the sad demise of your father Shri Kandathil Mammen Mathew. Shri K.M. Mathew was a leading light of the Indian press fraternity and played a key role in making Malayala Manorama one of the major dailies in the country after he became its Chief Editor in 1973,” the PM said in his condolence message.
For his commitment to the cause of excellence in journalism and for his contributions to promoting the freedom of the press, Mathew was honoured with the Padma Bhushan. He had distinguished tenures as Chairman of the Press Trust of India, President of the Newspaper Society of India, and as member of the Press Council of India. “In his death the country, particularly the state of Kerala, has lost a true champion of the highest traditions of Indian journalism,” the PM said. He offered his heartfelt condolences to Mathew junior and other members of the bereaved family and to his numerous friends, associates and admirers.
K M Mathew passed away at his residence in Kottayam today on August 1. Born on January 2, 1917, Mathew joined Malayala Manorama family as Managing Editor in 1954 and became chief editor in 1973.
93-year-old Mathew is survived by three sons, Mammen Mathew, Philip Mathew and Jacob Mathew and a daughter. His funeral will take place at Puthenpally church cemetery on August 2.