Pala K M Mathew, senior Congress leader and former Member of Parliament, is no more. The 83 year old Mathew, though active till the end, was keeping indifferent health for some time. The end came early in the morning at his town residence on Wednesday.
Born into an agrarian family in Pala, Mr. Mathew was drawn into politics by his elder brother and Congress leader the late K M Chandy. Credited with the distinction having been the organizer and first convener of Youth Congress in Kerala, he however, joined active politics only after serving on the editorial board of Malayala Manorama for 15 years.
Mr. Mathew had served as Member of Parliament from Idukki segment twice from 1989 to 1996. A multifaceted personality, Mr. Mathew has served a member of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Court and also member of Press Council.
An organization man, Mr. Mathew was the first convener of the Youth Congress (1954). He had served as member of AICC (I) and was a member of KPCC(I) for three decades. He was president of Kottayam DCC(I) from 1988 to 1992.
Mr. Mathew, a voracious reader, had focused on the ideological front of the organisation and was appointed the head of the Vichar Vibhag of the Congress party by Rajiv Gandhi.
A prolific writer, Mr. Mathew has penned over 30 volumes spread over children’s literature, politics and autobiographical works. His latest work, an autobiographical work ‘ Meenachilarinte Theerathu’ was due for release on December 26.
Mr. Mathew, a widower, leaves behind four sons and three daughters. His funeral is scheduled at the cemetery of Lourdes Forane Church on Thursday after noon.
