To Jose Sir, with love...

I KMPA’s Monday meeting regularly because of Jose Sir’s constant intervention. That’s how I got involved in the day-to-day activities. Later, he entrusted me with some responsibilities of KMPA, and he would call regularly to check the status. He guided me to ensure that everything was on the right track. He made me understand how to execute the works of the association so that it benefited the industry.

During this time, I was asked to become the chairman of the training and HRD committee of KMPA. I held the post for three terms from 2010 to 2016. The Kerala state government awarded KMPA’s printing course under an additional skill acquisition programme (ASAP). Training for various trades, including printing, was provided under ASAP. It was a herculean task to execute various courses under printing for the 11th and 12th students all over Kerala. To execute this course, the syllabus had to be prepared for each subject which had to be approved by the Kerala government before it was printed as a reference book for students. As the chairman, I had to travel in order to seek permission from the government at the ASAP office in Trivandrum. I also had to visit each school recommended by the government for the supervision of the course. I was able to manage all these due to the mentorship of Jose Sir.

The Print Miracle expo was Jose Sir’s dream. For several years, KMPA was planning to host an exhibition for the Kerala print industry in Ernakulam. After considering various parameters, we decided to join hands with Ashok Neelkanth of Showcase Trade Fairs to understand and study how to host an exhibition. And so, R Gopakumar and I were asked to be present at the Chennai expo. Later, Jose Sir and other senior members visited Chennai. On the last day of the exhibition, he was not keeping well. So, we consulted with a doctor in one of the Chennai hospitals.

Since then, he was not active at KMPA and was undergoing treatment (he never disclosed his ailment). He used to be in contact over the phone. As per his vision, the Print Miracle Expo was conducted with the support of Showcase Trade Fairs and Business Media at the CIAL convention centre in Kochi. It was a huge success. Even though Jose Sir was not physically fit, he marked his presence by attending the exhibition in a wheelchair. He monitored all the activities and made sure that everything was perfect. Even while he was recuperating, he was thinking about the future of KMPA. KMPA was his second home.

He played a crucial role regarding the antidumping duty of plates. He made a lot of effort to collect valuable data against the antidumping duty of plates. The report Jose Sir had prepared was accepted by most printers in India. The document was appreciated by the All India Federation of Master Printers. He fought for the justice of printers all over India. This was one of Jose Sir’s finest qualities.

Once, Jose Sir came to know that one of the printers was summoned to the police station in connection with the sale of an offset printing machine. We came to know the deal was not executed and the buyer lodged a complaint. Due to Jose Sir’s timely intervention, the matter was amicably resolved through a settlement. Jose Sir handled the matter with dignity and poise. This is where Jose Sir stood apart from others.
KMPA used to host its evening programme. He would be the first person to be present in the hall. He would fret about the members not coming on time. He knew, if there were insufficient members, there would be no quorum to start the function. By 7.30 pm, the hall would be full. Jose Sir would be beaming.

That was Jose Sir. Small things made him happy. He lived for the KMPA.

He did not just stand for the members of KMPA, for him, the press owner and the staff were equal. And so, other than press owners, even staff used to approach him with their problems. He used to patiently listen to their problems, study them and find time to resolve their issues. He was quite a generous person and helped many of the staff in the printing industry through financial support.

In 2009, he used to come to the Monday meetings in a silver-coloured Maruti van and his chauffeur used to carry one big flask full of tea for the members. As a newcomer, I asked him why he brought tea from his house. He replied that the association did have the funds and as a member, this was his small contribution. His reply moved me. I understood the importance of funds to function. And how it is the duty of each member to generate funds.

From the seniors of KMPA, I came to know that KMPA had built the office building with great difficulty. Once again, Jose Sir was one of the key people to generate funds and set up his own office building for KMPA in Kaloor, Ernakulam.

Jose Sir never held any official post in KMPA. He never believed in holding a post. Many times, many of our members had requested him to hold a post, but every time he refused. Jose Sir always used to say, “In order to function in KMPA, the printer does not require any official post.”

Jose Sir was always there for everyone at any time. If there was an issue at KMPA, he would be the first person to get involved voluntarily and share his views.  

Jose Sir used to call me to share and discuss the functioning of KMPA. This practice went on for years. During his last days, his calls were restricted, so we did not have regular calls but I was always in touch with him. Once when I called him, he expressed his desire to see me. I went to his house and had a long discussion with him. He was lying down as he had a wound under his palm but he never disclosed his illness. He said he will return to KMPA activities within one month’s time.

Later, he was admitted to Amrita Hospital and I was told that he was serious. O Venugopal and I went to see him in the hospital. Even at that time, he was speaking about KMPA. His voice was not clear. I believe he must have said, “It is time for me.” Jose Sir held O Venugopal’s hands and said, now you take care of KMPA.

I would like to share two incidents. In our printing unit, a trade union was formed by one of our employees. It was alarming news to us, and we panicked since we had never before handled such a situation. Jose Sir, with KK Joseph, was the first person to extend support. He said, “Don’t panic and concentrate fully on the business.” Those kind words from Jose Sir gave us moral strength. We believed that we were not alone, but a huge group of people was there to support us.

At another time, an accident occurred in our unit wherein one of our staff members lost his fingers while working on a programme cutting machine. This is a mystery for us. This accident occurred on a Sunday. The staff member was taken to a speciality hospital in Ernakulam. I was depressed, and not able to answer the questions raised by friends and colleagues since I was not in the printing unit. From a distance, I could see Jose Sir watching me. Later, he came to me and gave me a handshake. He said, “Be bold and face reality.” Then he added, “We are with you.” I was relieved. He stayed with me for quite some time. Later, while leaving, he said, “I have some cash with me. Since today is a bank holiday, you may keep it, it will be of help to you.” Even my close relatives or friends never bothered to ask me, but Jose Sir offered me Rs 1,50,000 though it was not required.

I believe there are lots of KMPA members who cannot accept his demise. He was a driving force, and he lives with us, and because of his blessing, KMPA could perform so well.

I have not seen such a dedicated person who has worked for the upliftment of the printing industry. Jose Sir lived for the printing industry and loved the Kerala Master Printers Association as his second home.

He was a man with a great vision and a passionate printer.