KOCHI : A teacher can be a poet, a social worker, a guiding light and much more. K M Mathew, who retired recently as a professor at School of Management and Entrepreneurship in Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, is just that.
And, it is exactly this quality that bagged him several honours, including the Manorama Teacher Excellence Award (Bolt Award) by Air India Manorama and the Best Student-friendly Teacher Award. As he winds up his decades-long journey as a teacher, Mathew says he is a satisfied man as he could spread his wings beyond the walls of a classroom. “I could do many things, help students pursue what they like and has always strived to return the society the good things it gave me,” says Mathew.
K M Mathew who completed post graduation in 1978 with rank from Calicut University joined as a professor of commerce at Devagiri College, Kozhikode, where he served as a lecture for eight years.
It was there he recognised his affinity towards English literature. It was professor Sheperd of the same college who paved his interest in literature.
“I love literature, Tagore and Rabindra Sangeeth have inspired me to great level and made me think deeply about the mankind itself,” says Mathew.
He also found the opportunity to connect to many eminent writers like M T Vasudevan Nair and Sukumar Azhikode. “It was there I found a liking for public speaking and I have made it a point to inspire and prepare students for elocution competitions. In fact, that’s a fad for me,” he adds.
He has also made his passion for sports more fruitful by serving as the accredited umpire of the Badminton Association of India.
“I could organise sport camps and swimming classes for students too which they enjoyed very much,” says Mathew.
He has also done his bit for the unprivileged ones. Mathew has organised cancer detection camps along with oncologist P V Gangadharan and has also organised a number of eye check and organ donation camps.
“Inspiration for everything I do comes from my mother. My mother is the mentor and she is the person whom I thank everyday for all the achievements in my life till the date,” says the teacher.
Mathew has also meddled with music. He has penned lyrics for Christian devotional album “Eshow Varunnu’, the songs of which were rendered by M G Sreekumar, Madhu Balakrishnan, Rimi Tomy and Remya Nambeeshan.
“Art and music always fascinates me and I love to read and write. Once Kamala Surraiya had blessed me after delivering a public speech which I think is a rare privilege,” he says.
He had translated a large number of literary works, including ‘Salve Pater Holy Father’, a book on Pope John Paul II. “Pope John Paul have inspired me in many ways and I am planning to start a study centre in his name,” says Mathew.
At present, he is translating ‘Galiyante Ethikhasam’ by Kurias Kurimplakuzhy. He had also penned some of the academic works like the accounting manual and was the staff editor at KUFOS.
At present, he is the vice-president of Newman Association of India and the director board member of Edapally Housing Society. He is also a expert for the PhD programmes at Mahatma Gandhi University. His family, comprising his wife and two sons, gives supports him in all his endeavours.