N.N.Sathyavrathan: Teacher of Journalism.

Today (25th January 2010), N.N Sathyavrathan, former course director of Kerala
Press Academy and veteran journalist, passes away. He was also the news editor of
Mathrubhumi daily,one of the leading newspapers in kerala. He also worked in
newspapers like Kerala Kaumudhi and Deenabandhu. He was 77. Sathyavrathan is
survived by his wife Rohini and children Asha, Deepa and Rupa. He was course
director in Kerala Press Academy for 15 years. His life was dedicated to nurturing
journalists. Kerala Press Academy was the premiere institution in the state for
Journalists. I was a student there in the 2004-05 batch after my graduation in
Chemistry. I don't have any colorful memories there. I was a below average student
but I got so many dreams from there. Sathyavrathan sir always scolded me. His
assignments made me unhappy. I always found reasons to avoid his eyes. He had pet
students there but I was not one among them. Sathyavrathan sir always hated back
backbenchers. Once he threw my own assaignment on my face. But he was a good
journalist and a good teacher. He taught all the prominent journalists in the
state. I have a job now because of him.
I quote him 'self excel is the only way to success' -motivating one, isn't it? I
wrote it in diary and sometimes remember. When our course completed me I went
there to meet him with my friend. I was always a late student for the course. He
mentioned it and told me that I was hard working and improved a lot. Those words
gave me inspiration and the words still echoes in my ears.
The journalist fraternity in the state mourns on his death, I join them. I hope
his soul rests in peace, with prayers...........

Pramod Thomas