Anecdotes on success

Padma Bhushan K.M. Mathew is a legendary figure. The Eighth Ring: An Autobiography reveals what makes him one. At the very outset, two aspects mark it out: One, though the cover says this is an autobiography, the author reveals “this is in no way the life story of a person named K.M. Mathew; on the contrary it is a book about the misfortunes our family endured and about the rebirth of Malayala Manorama”. Two, despite the fact that the translation from Malayalam is exemplary, the translator prefers to remain unidentified. In short, both the author and the translator consider their personality and identity secondary to the work. The socio-economic and cultural turbulences and transitions that visited Kerala during the last century form the background of the book. Bitter experiences of the tyrannical rule by a dictatorial dewan of a well-meaning monarch; the dawn of freedom together with the onslaught of modern science and technology following the Second World War; the unification of Kerala; the phenomenal rise and fall of the world’s first democratically installed Communist Party government; the fallout of grievous turns at the national level and all other trends or incidents that transformed society provide the background for the narration. How these events affected Malayala Manorama and how the newspaper in turn influenced thought and lifestyle in Kerala, and at the national level, is recorded with impassionate observation and evaluation with a precision no less than surgical. Detachment, wisdom, humility, wit, perseverance, courage, compassion, simplicity, honesty and sincerity make this simple narration unique. A super career guru’s presence is in evidence throughout the book. Here is a well-illustrated manual for all those seeking success in life. One must observe the way impossible situations are handled with composure: all opposition is won over; success, however great, is not allowed to carry one away; a helping hand is never forgotten but every hurt is; rushing to the rescue of a one-time foe makes for sheer bliss. Also important are the miracles that positive thinking and undying hope can make happen, even as we see how people of different dispositions and tempers are managed with insight and sincere love! The entire human resource in Malayala Manorama, why even the machinery there, was Mathew’s family! At the same time, deep underneath, there was an untamable streak of adventurism. I remember a speedboat drive from Kottayam to Ambalapuzha. We were going to visit Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai. Looked like the driver knew the routine very well. He moved away as we boarded and Mathew took control. It was a ride I can never forget! We jumped sky-high on swells caused by other boats, almost capsized on sharp turns, nose-up angle was often 50-60 degrees — I am sure, if clocked, it was nothing short of a world record in covering that distance! Fortunately for me, I have had the life-saving chance to know him and work with him. For those less fortunate, this book is the next best bet. Luckily for them it is a book in which the author is literally alive and fully present throughout. Indeed, the ring glows bright. It is a magic ring. Believe me it can help one prepare oneself to acquire the ability to convert any failure into success and every sorrow into happiness.