Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church -42
Matthew Madukkakuzhi
Matthew Madukkakuzhi, who has left his mark as a journalist, author, collaborator, and financial expert, was born on February 25, 1924, in Kanjirappally. His father, M.M. Matthew, was a teacher, collaborator, and author, and his mother was Thresiamma.
After passing Malayalam Higher and S.S.L.C., he studied privately for his intermediate education. He trained in typewriting, shorthand, telegraphy, and banking. From 1943 onwards, he served in various banks including Kottayam Bank, Pala Central Bank, and Commonwealth Bank. Between 1957 and 1962, he worked as a journalist with Deepika. During this period, he published a series of articles titled “Plantation Notes” in Deepika every week. He fondly remembers his interactions and the advice and support he received from Rev. Fr. Antony Narithookil, Rev. Fr. Romulus, Rev. Fr. William, and other C.M.I. clergy, as well as from literary figures like Muttathuvarkey Prof. Joseph.
As a member of an Ayurvedic family engaged in research, he has written several important Ayurvedic texts based on ancient manuscripts. His works include “The Marvelous Universe of Medicinal Plants” (two volumes), “Disease Diagnosis and Single Drug Remedies,” and “Precious Ayurvedic Treatment Methods” (four volumes). He has also authored “Through Ancient Christian Centers” (two volumes), “Muthumani,” “Muthu Chippukal,” “Nilakkal,” “Knowledge and Reflection,” “Flowers of Goodness,” “Queen of Malanadu,” “Crossing the Chaliyar River,” and “Sree Yesu Sukthas” (four volumes), among other books, including “Minna Minungu” (short stories). His articles and stories continue to be published in periodicals.
Matthew is actively involved as a committee member in organizations such as the Kanjirappally Diocesan Pastoral Council, Vincent de Paul Society Central Council, Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, A.K.C.C., and the Nilakkal Ecumenical Trust. He is also an executive committee member and bulletin editor of the Kerala Private Bankers Association and has served as the managing editor of the magazine “Sahakaranaaram.”
He is married to Rosamma, the daughter of Abraham and Eliamma, from Kanjirappally Erath.
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