Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church-65 Pala K.M. Mathew

Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church-65
Pala K.M. Mathew
Mr. Pala K.M. Mathew is distinguished as a prominent political and social leader, an acclaimed author, a critic of children’s literature, a cultural figure, a senior journalist, and a member of parliament. Born on January 11, 1927, in Pala as the third son of Chandi Mathai and Mariamma, Mathew began his public activities during the freedom struggle while still in primary school. At the age of ten, he organized a rally at the Pala Kanadiyurumpu Primary School, where he led fellow students in passing a resolution for independence—an audacious act at the time. He continued these activities at St. Thomas School in Pala, and when aware of potential arrests, he went underground to organize freedom fighters, conducting clandestine operations in places like Ramapuram and Njandupuram.
In independent India, he engaged in multifaceted activities across various sectors. He served as the General Secretary of the Devar College Union in 1949, the Secretary of the Literacy Association at St. Joseph’s College, Thiruvalla in 1951, and the President of the Ernakulam Law College Association in 1952. During these years, he was an active member of the Indian National Congress student union and the Youth Congress.
As the President of the Muvattupuzha District Youth Congress and the first State Youth Congress Convener, he transformed the Youth Congress into a significant movement in the state. Over the next thirty years, he served as a member of the K.P.C.C., including fifteen years as an executive member, and held the position of Kottayam D.C.C. President for five years. From 2001 onwards, he was a member of the Congress Disciplinary Action Committee and the Executive Committee.
He played a pivotal role in the intellectual division of the Congress, serving as its National Convener for four years in the A.I.C.C. He organized committees in many states and has been involved in Congress activities since 1937, becoming a key ideologue and an eloquent speaker.
Mr. Mathew is the owner of the Karpurala Public Life and has been the co-editor of Malayala Manorama since 1960, also serving as the Guardian of the All Kerala Children’s Society. During this period, he guided countless children and youth in personal development and life skills. Many prominent youth leaders, including Shri Oommen Chandy, M.M. Hassan, V.M. Sudheeran, K.C. Joseph, and Thiruvanchur Radhakrishnan, consider him a mentor. He supported the early development of Shri Vayalar Ravi.
He has also served as the editor for various publications like the annual yearbook of “Manorama Kids” and the children’s magazine “Balapankthi.” He has authored 25 books, including 16 stories, plays, articles, and novels for children. His four critical works on children’s literature are the first of their kind in India. Two philosophical works, “Chinthashakalangal” and “Ulporaulum,” are grounded in moral values. After the passing of his wife, he wrote “Our Little Life,” which provides comfort and insight for those grieving.
Currently, he is the Director of the State Institute of Children’s Literature and has received numerous awards for his contributions, including the K.C.B.C. Award for literary excellence, the Bhima Award for outstanding work in children’s literature, and the 1998 Live Memorial Children’s Literature Award.
Spouse: Maryamma