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Sri.C.M.Stephen, was a close friend to my father, more than a leader.
Hence, he influenced me in my childhood. He helped my family personally and
more over through his official stand. Related with my father's job, there
was a case reached even to the Supreme Court. He was attending the case
without our direct presence, as an Advocate.
C.M.Stephen,
a multifarious personality, occupies a prominent position in Indian politics
and parliamentary affairs. A trade union leader, journalist,
parliamentarian, union minister, A I C C general secretary, opposition
leader of Loksabha- C.M.Stephen has proved his mark in all these fields.
He was born on December 23, 1918 to Eapen Mathai and Esther of Chembakassery
house in Cherukole. Known as Thankachan, he was active in Balajanasaghyam
fright from school days. This helped him develop leader ship quality,
oratory and organizing skill. In a function attended by T.M.Varghese, he
made a speech which turned to be a turning point in his life. P.C.Koruthu of
Malayalamanorama wrote an article on Stephen ' Bala vagmi'( The child orator
), thus introducing him to the readers. After completing B L, Stephen,
started his career as a jounalist in a monthly of News Book Company
and then in Financial News. Gradually he became the owner of 'Pouraprabha'
an evening daily. Through this daily he supported the Congress Government,
attacking the rule of C.P.Ramaswamy Iyyer. In 1949, he gave up his career as
a journalist and started practising law. In 1951, he joined active politics
and in the same year became the D C C president of Kollam. Kollam congress
bhavan is a result of his hard work. He was totally against mixing politics
with religion.
C.M.Stephen was also the founder
of I N T U C. In 1960, 65 and 71 he won elections. He played an important
role in strengthening the Congress party in Kerala. In 1978 January 2 ,
Congress split into two. C.M.Stephen joined Indira Congress. It was during
this time that he became the leader of opposition in the Loksabha- the
second malayalee to be so after A K G. In 1980, when Indira Gandhi came back
to power Stephen became the cabinet minister in Information and
broadcasting. Later he moved to Postal and Telegraph department. He became A
I C C General secretary in 1982. In 1984 January 16th he passed away. Rajiv
Gandhi visited Mavelikara to pay homage to the departed leader.
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