Venugopalan.T

T Venugopal, retired as Deputy Editor of Mathrubhumi daily in 1988. He had contributed a lot to the modernization of Malayalam journalism. He joined Mathrubhumi in 1952 after completing his studies at Kozhikode Zamorins college and Kerala Varma college, Thrissur

He was the recipient of the first Swadeshabhimani-Kesari award instituted by the Kerala government. The award, instituted in memory of legends in Malayalam journalism Kesari Balakrishna Pillai and Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai, was to recognize his outstanding contributions in political, cultural, developmental and journalistic fields. He also had bagged MV Paili award and Sahithya academy award and many other major awards.

He was very active in the trade union field of journalists. He worked as KUWJ general secretary for three terms and contributed much for the welfare of journalists. Concentrating in giving professional training to all sectors of journalism even in the ‘60s, he was instrumental in formation of a training group in KUWJ which led to the institution of Kerala Press Academy in 1979. He was an authority in newspaper designing. After retirement from Mathrubhumi he had short stints in Madhyamam, Mangalam amd Malayalam Express. He along with BRP Bhaskardid the first ever media criticism column in Asianet Television.

His major writings are ` Rajyasnehiyaya Raajadrohi', the authentic biography of Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai. Nattu Vishesham, a professional guide to reporters, he wrote jointly Thomas Jacob, senior journalist and Editorial Director of Malayal manorama.

He was a poet and literary critique too.

He died on August third 2012.