Remembrance Meeting of late V.A. Mathew
KMPA organised a remembrance meeting on 15th July, 2019, at KMPA hall, Kaloor, Kochi, for paying condolences to the family members of V.A. Mathew (68 years), Director, Anaswara Offset (P) Ltd. He passed away on 9th July, 2019, after a brief period of illness. The meeting was attended by a large number of KMPA members as well as his family. The funeral was held on 10th July, 2019, at the St. Mary’s Basilica cemetery, Kacheripady, Kochi.
Born in Pavaratty, Thrissur district, he was an alumnus of Sri Krishna College, Guruvayoor. Along with O. Venugopal and P. J. Thomas, they were the three pillars who have contributed to the success of the press. All three joined hands at the Indian Express in their printing department. “We stayed in the same room”, says Mr. Venugopal. “Mathew was an expert in lino-type which he had mastered during his stint with the Malayalam daily Mathrubhumi, before joining Indian Express. He was a lino operator there from 1975 to 1980. He was also a workaholic. Proof readers and editors used to adore him because there were no errors on his side.” According to Mr. Thomas, Anaswara has set an example of a three-man team surviving for the past 38 years with growing success each year. “Mathew’s demise is a major loss, not only to our organisation but also to our families.”
Other prominent speakers who shared their experiences included R. Gopakumar, President, KMPA; D. Manmohan Shenoy, Vice President (Central); Shaji Manjooran; Joseph Muttathottil, Past President, KMPA; K. P. Uthup; V. K. Radhakrishnan; Rajan; Jotty; Ajit Jose; and Rajesh G. The condolence resolution was passed on to Mr. Mathew’s daughter by R. Gopakumar, President, KMPA.
The meeting was presided over by R. Gopakumar, President of KMPA, while Biju Jose, General Secretary, KMPA, rendered the vote of thanks.