~~~A News Paper Which Shaped a State~~~. Review on Malayala Manorama

While in Kerala, I cannot start a day without news paper. Out of habit, even today, whenever I am there I need to get my paper in the morning. Malayala Manorama is the chosen news paper for my family like most in the neighbourhood. Unless I am in a big hurry, I will finish reading the paper with the help of a cup of tea. Some from the neighbourhood also join the reading session and discussions follow.

When I was a little child, I was eager to read the Mandrek the majician, small cartoon which they used to publish on weekdays and Fantom on Sundays. Later, Kunchukuruppu a political cartoon series get me hooked. Then, the sports. I will eagerly wait whether Gavaskar scored a century or not. If Gavaskar was on crease the previous day, I will wake up early the next. (Later, Azaruddin and Ganguly took over the place.) While I was active in some socio religious organisations, the news related to it appear in the local news page, i.e. the 3rd page. I was not a big fan of their editorials unless the subject is of my interest. My mother's favorite page was obituary. Though I don't read the page it was good to see her read each and every person's details. My father was a good reader of all political matters, but politics generally didn't interested me much and my early knowledge was only their BIG headlines, except when elections are around. During election time I will turn each page even when I had no political sides to take. International news got my attention lately but then I have my complaint that the share is comparatively much less. The white sheets of news paper used to be our book cover later, i.e. before they start publishing colour.

The political view of the paper is not much unbaised, especially if the news in question have some communist connection. Otherwise the paper supplies the best of news in most attractive way.

Started on March 14, 1888, it is the leading daily in Kerala and in India. The circulation war leads them to highlight anything marketable. What sells? Gossips, Controversies, Sex, Expectations and complaints. The paper made it as a point to highlight them wherever possible. The other day, I was travelling with an athlete of yester years and when I told her we have seen her photos in the paper, she said, 'please don't mention about those photos where I nearly quit on fear of them'. This only tells that the paper like many others in the world didn't spare a chance to get reader attention.

One another publication from the group, 'Vanitha' (now available in Hindi too) was favorites of houses across. It volunteered the sex education for the state. In the absence of any male magazines in circulation, even today, Vanita is a magazine eagerly read by both male and females alike.

Balajanasakyam (the group of children) is an extension of the news paper which promoted talents and leadership in school children. Balarama, the children magazine also out numbered the competitors after a difficult fight in the beginning. As of now, they have an easy walk with the addition of Kalikkudukka, Amar Chithrakatha, Magic Pot and Balaram Digest.

Unlike other news papers, the news paper do not have a cinema weekly but a page or part devoted on sundays for it. Daily cinema listing was a blessing for a movie buff like me in later years. The vijayaveedhi and Thozhilveedi, publications are extensions of the paper's successful columns. Karshakasree helped a lot in the golden days of 'agriculture' in the state. I have a friend over here who is still proud of his interview appeared in the paper.

The paper's literary contribution is in the form of revived Bhashaposhini, but at least in this area Mathrubhumi took the lead. The 'Varshikapathippu' was other awaited publication from them, where I get to read nearly 40 short stories, 2 novels, a lot of articles, good pictures and advertisements (I liked some of them!) Manorma Weekly, holding another record for the number is known for 'pinekili' (sweet nothing romantic) stories breaking many hearts.

The news Paper's out of state ambition started with 'The Week' and the yearly in GK book (Hindi, English, Tamil & Bengali versions are available).

The news paper group now owns a news channel, to compete with the channel invasion and updating news in their web site 'manoramaonline'. The news paper have started its middle east version too and increasing its presence world over.

All in all, the news paper has a wide range of reach on the state and its people. Despite its commercialisation of articles it is a good choice unless you are a communist.

My rating: 3.5 stars