Tony Mathew


Tony Mathew was an Indian writer, critic and orator, acknowledged for his contributions to Malayalam language, Indian philosophy and insights on comparative religion.

Early life

Tony Mathew was born in Vennikulam, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala on 17 May 1949 as a third child of Elappunkal Pothen Mathew and Achukutty. He had his school education from Vennikulam and his college education from St. Berchmans College Changanassery, University College Thiruvananthapuram and NSS Hindu College, Changanassery. He was awarded Master of Arts in Malayalam language and Literature.

Academic career

After completing his formal education he started a weekly magazine called Harisree and have been into book publishing sector. He later worked with Chitrakarthika, a Malayalam magazine, as an editor before joining St.Thomas College Ranny in 1978. He then headed the Malayalam department and retired as a professor in 2004.
He was a former member of Kerala Sahithya Academi, MG University Board of Studies and Guru Dharma Pracharana Sabha Central Committee.

Literary career

Tony Mathew is an author of about 40 books which covers various topics including literary criticism, Indian philosophy, religion and biographies. His most famous work is Haindavadarsanam, a book on Indian Philosophy, Vedas and Upanishads. Haindava Dharshanam won several awards.
His other major works are Abhiveekshanam, Novel Parichayam, Mahakavi Vennikulam, Novel Paryadanam, Changanpuzha Snehichu Theeratha Gandharva Kavi, Rachanayude Rathimoorcha, Vedavaikhari, Bible Arulum Porulum, Islamika Dharshanam, Ambedhkar-Ayyankali Prashnothari, Bharathathe Snehichavar, Khasak Pathanangal, MT-yude Sargaprapancham, Kaatukiliyude Paattu, Thamburushruthikal, Changanpuzha - Kinnarakaviyum Paadunna Pishachum, Sree Narayana Guru oru Punarvaayana, Kristhu Haidhava Veekshanathil, Guruprabhavam Kerala Samoohathil, Velichthinte Nurungukal, Sree Shubhananda Guru etc.
He writes for many Malayalam periodicals and is considered to be a powerful orator. He periodically conduct programs in All India Radio Trivandrum and Doordarshan Malayalam which address various social and cultural issues.

Family

He married Lovely Jacob on 1978 and are parents of three children. Tony Mathew stayed at Vennikulam. He passed away on 19 December 2019 and his tomb is located at St. Johns Knanaya Jacobite Church in Thuruthicad, Vennikulam.