Southern States - Kerala   

A versatile Keralite

By Ammini Joseph

Mrs. K.M. Mathew, Chief Editor of Vanitha, one of the most popular women's magazines in India, was a unique personality. She was the quintessence of ability, womanly grace and humility and a relentless fighter against illness. She was also a versatile writer, a keen social worker, an eloquent exponent of Kerala cookery and a connoisseur of Indian classical music. At the same time, she was so gentle and pious that no one who saw her for the first time could fathom that so much of talent, ability and grace were hidden in her.

Over the years, she had written many books on cookery, especially Kerala cooking. A Keralite herself, she was an authority on the ethnic cooking of the land and one of the foremost exponents of culinary art. She would spend hours experimenting with different ingredients before she finalised her recipes. Her interest did not stop with cookery. She wrote books on health, beauty and hairstyle, and travelogues. She was still a prolific writer.

As the Chief Editor of Vanitha, she brought the magazine to the foremost position. Her ability, leadership, tenacity and foresight made the magazine the largest selling and one of the most popular women's magazines in India. Mrs. Mathew was also a very keen social worker. The `Kasturba Social Work Centre' is a testimony to her efforts as a social worker. From very humble beginnings, it has blossomed into one of the foremost social service centres in Kerala. The place is always vibrant, with innumerable activities. It is engaged in activities for women, young girls and children from all walks of life. There is also vocational training with courses in tailoring, secretarial practice and cookery. The place also runs a crèche for working women. It holds free medical camps and organises many other useful activities. Mrs. Mathew coordinated all the activities and the day-to-day working of the institution. One of her greatest assets was her ability to coordinate and take all the office-bearers along with her.

She was one of the best housewives I have come across. She kept a meticulously clean and beautiful home. In spite of her varied activities and commitments, she kept her home a haven for her husband, children, grandchildren and relations.

As the wife of Mr. K.M. Mathew, one of the eminent public figures in Kerala, she was a perfect hostess. She turned out the simplest food, a treat for a king. Her culinary efforts were famous all over. She was actively sought for conducting cookery classes in different parts of the State, opening beauty saloons, flower shows, exhibitions and fund raising activities. She never said `no' to those who sought her help, but somehow tried to adjust and accommodate all these activities in her busy schedule. She was a good speaker also and knew how to crack jokes at her own expense.

Her day started at 4 a.m. She practised her music for an hour everyday. Then she made a list of all her planned activities for the day and allocated work to her assistants. Afterwards she got ready and went for a walk by herself. The walk ended up in a church, where she spent some time in meditation and prayer. She then returned home, by which time everyone was up and ready for the daily chores. In the recent period, ill-health prevented her from taking her morning walk.

Annamma was generous to a fault and very religious in her own way. It was her faith in God and herself that helped her courageously face many illnesses.

We rarely come across such a versatile and special person as Mrs. K.M. Mathew. Neither age nor illness could stop her from her activities and commitment.

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