FROM THE HEADQUARTERS OF SYNTHITE GROUP, KOCHI

THE DISCIPLINED SOLDIER OF  THE  SYNTHITE FAMILY

The year 1997, Riviera Suites, an apartment hotel at Kochi had just been getting ready...to be thrown open to the guests…few more days left for the soft opening...that was the time, George Paul, the then Director, Riviera Suites thought that it will be the most ideal time to address the employees... The date and time for the Town Hall was announced... Finally George Paul started addressing the employees… He was speaking in English.... After some time, George Paul intuitively knew that some people may not understand English... He paused for a while and bounced a question in Malayalam: In case, if you can't understand what I am speaking in English, please let me know.....

Nobody dared to say anything...that time one staff member got up and said: Sir, I am very sorry; I could not follow what you have been talking.... Please speak in Malayalam... George Paul re-started his talk... But, this time it was in Malayalam.

The staff member who got up and spoke was none other than K P Mathai - an example of his uprightness and candour has been this response. Synthite Industries ventured into spice oleoresin. Manufacturing in a modest way with 20 employees in 1972.Today, it dominates spice oleoresin exports, with revenues touching Rs 1,200 crore mark commanding 30 percent of the global market share. Under the dynamic leadership of George Paul, Managing Director ,Synthite Group is propelling itself to meet the ambitious goal it has set for itself- to become a Rs 3,000 crore group by the year 2020.

Let me introduce the Hero of this story  K P Mathai...he is the disciplined Soldier of Synthite family. Presently, he is working as the Security Manager, in the Riviera Suites located in Thevara, Kochi. Hardwork and loyalty always pays rich dividends; Mathai is known for his dedicated work, 24 x  7.

Mathai got connected with C V Jacob, (presently, the Chairman, the Synthite group of companies) when he was 16 years; come August 15, Mathai will be completing 60 years. This many years, he has been serving in different capacities; with unabated regularity; has been contributing consistently...has been working with Synthite group as an OWNER.

"Sheer poverty forced me to discontinue my studies when I was in the 9th class" quipped Mathai, popularly known as "Mathai Chettan". (Mathai happens to be the Malayalam version of Mathew; Chettan in Malayalam means elder brother).

It was Industrialist C V Jacob who introduced Mathai to George Paul, a common friend.  George promptly, cherrypicked him; starting as a Runnerboy, he elevated himself as the most trusted worker.

Next six years, he donned the role of rent-collector, moved to Munnar, as Caretaker of the Cardamom Estate...lived there for 18 years; in 1993, came to Kochi, to be part of the Synthite Properties, joined Riviera Suites in 1997, when land acquisitions process started for the Ramada property, was deputed there again as Caretaker....finally retired two years back as Security Manager of Riviera Suites...only to rejoin on the same post immediately.

At 60; he refuses to hang up the boots...selflessly he collaborates even today...it is not just about building one's reputation; for Mathai, it really is about being there for the Synthite group members. Being a Giver, he signalled his unique skills, demonstrated his values, and always displayed his good intentions.

Married to Leelamma, he is blessed with two sons, one daughter and six grand children. He is living in Kizhakkambalam (Ernakulam District) with his wife and father Patrose (82). His son Jimmy is also an employee of Synthite Industries, Kolenchery.

I had the good fortune of meeting George Paul (Managing Director, Synthite Group of Companies) yesterday, at their headquarters in Kolenchery, Kochi. During lunch, I just bounced the idea, that I will be publishing a story on Mathai.

Very articulate George Paul asserted: "Oh, Mathai is a very loyal and committed worker".

I am not surprised at all. An 8th std boy has risen to the post of  the Security Manager of an hotel that happens to be a sister concern of Synthite Group of Companies.......inspiring story indeed.

R KESAVA MALLIA, in Kolenchery, Kochi