read
the interview with MR. SUNNY KULATHAKAL at http://www.malayalasameeksha.com/2012/01/blog-post_7123.html
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Friday, August 26, 2011
A Man on a Quest
Interview with Sunny Kulathakal
“Seeing people
get the right
information
is my dream.”
Sunny Kulathakal,
Managing Editor,
SUNLIZ Publications
Sunny Kulathakal is a man on a mission, a quest that can be traced back to his maiden
publication of Gulf Who's Who Directory that featured profiles and portraits of leading decision
makers of all nationalities settled in the Middle East since 1978. A chance tour of the Gulf region
on an assignment about Indians settled in the region changed his world. The journalist turned
publisher recollects: “I was amazed to find a lot of Indians holding key management positions in
the Gulf defying the notion that most of the Indians who land up there can only take up menial
occupations.” Since then, he has been publishing a 600 odd page directory on Bahrain covering
rules and regulations on how to start business ventures and providing an assessment of the
present economic situation in the kingdom.
The directory published by SUNLIZ Publications provides details of the Economic Development Board. Ministries, embassies, Civil Service Bureau, Shura Council, members of parliament, Chamber of Commerce find prominent space.
The latest edition of the Gulf Who's Who Directory 2011- 2012 focuses on Bahrain's Economic
Vision 2030, with a third of its pages dedicated to it. It features 160 interviews and a full listing
of airlines, travel agencies, hotels, restaurants, manufacturers, jewellers, associations and
schools, in addition to details of media and advertising agencies. Garden City College occupies
pride of place in the publication. The articulate and debonair persona was at Garden City College
recently where he presented the latest edition of the book to His Excellency Dr Joseph VG,
Honorary Consul of the Republic of Maldives in Maldives in Bangalore and Chairman Garden
City Group of Institutions.
In a freewheeling interview with budding journalists at GCC,
the SUNLIZ Publications Managing Editor shares some insights on the directory and explains how the book has grown from a simple business listing to a useful, information-packed guidebook for both residents and non residents of Bahrain. Excerpts from the chat:
Ms. Ankita Ray: How difficult is it to bring out a publication like ‘Who’s who’ single
handedly?
Mr. Sunny Kulathakal: I had started working for the first edition of ‘Gulf Who’s Who’ in
1977. I wanted to dispel the notion that Indians in the Gulf were only there to take up menial
jobs. Though initially I had faced problems in regards to acceptance of the book, it gradually
gained worldwide popularity. This book is considered a bible by those who are into business
and other occupations all around the globe. Since I handle the entire publication alone, I do face
problems like providing the place of choice for the personalities I feature in the book. However,
I have managed to handle the same maintaining cordial relations with all of them.
Networking isanother very important thing that I have always kept in mind because until one is in good terms with others, the business or exchange of information cannot be done successfully.
Ms. Nameeta Renchi: Bringing out “Gulf Who is Who directory” is not an easy task, what are
the major problems that you faced in compiling the book?
Mr. Sunny Kulathakal: The designing of the directory cover itself was a trifle difficult. The
cover has the pictures of people introduced inside the book. Every one of them wanted their
pictures to be printed on the front page of the directory which was practically impossible. So this
book is an exercise on human relationships. Maintaining good human relationship is the most
satisfying but a difficult task to achieve.
Ms. Ankita Ray: What is the criterion for choosing the profiles featured in your book?
Mr. Sunny Kulathakal: Gulf’s Who’s Who is a directory that provides information that one
would require for engaging into business with Bahrain in all its sectors. Therefore, I see to it
that all the necessary and required information that one would look forward to for proposing
a business deal in Bahrain is readily available in my book. In the latest edition, I have also
included details about Bahrain’s vision 2030 where an overall perspective on development of
the country is featured. To be precise, I choose managerial business proprietors, ministers,
diplomats and personalities who have made a mark or excelled in their respective fields to be
featured in my book.
Ms. Ankita Ray: What is your take on media and its changing role in today’s world?
Mr. Sunny Kulathakal: I have always believed that media and judiciary are the two most
important and obligatory part of every society. With the change of times, we have seen how
the media has altered its role as well, which has sometimes proved to be disastrous. But still
the significant job of bringing awareness and disseminating information to the masses that the
media does, cannot be neglected. Therefore, media always needs to be highlighted. I personally
believe that there are no limits to journalism when practiced for the good. Another thing that I
would like to mention is that India needs a lot of good newspapers that would cover local news
which are most of the time do not fine space in the pages of the main stream newspapers. Thus,
encouragement to community newspapers in my opinion is the need of the hour.
Ms. Nameeta: Gulf is not only a work place for many Keralites but their second home. But in
many Malayalam programmes like Pravaasi Malayalam depict adverse situations that a person
should go through in the Gulf. What is the reality?
Mr. Sunny Kulathakal: Well, the reality is that people before migrating to Middle East believe
that residing in Gulf is a life time fortune. They will take up jobs with low pay or fly out there
to make money only to lose the little they had. The Indian embassy has in the past helped such
people to return home. I have a simple advice. Be careful with the visa you opt for and adhere to
the regulations in place.
Ms. Greeshma: It is not so often that we find couples working together successfully in their pursuits. What is that comfort zone you share with your wife, Elizabeth in the work place?
Mr. Sunny Kulathakal: She has stood with me as a pillar of support and a shade of comfort
behind all my successes. She also enjoys the kind of work I do and the benefits that come with it.
We often get to travel across the world to market the book.
Ms. Greeshma: Gulf Asian Magazine that you were associated with as the editor has not been published for quite some time now. Do you have any plans to revive it?
Mr. Sunny Kulathakal: Indeed it is my wish to revive the publication. It did not happen earlier
because of the economic crisis in Bahrain. But now that we are out of the woods, things are
looking up. When I bring out a magazine or any other publication, I would not want to do so
just for the sake of it. Rather it should serve the people. So when the time comes I will do that
accordingly.
Ms. Nameeta Renchi: Students after completing their higher secondary education in Bahrain or any other parts of Middle East, come down to India to pursue their higher studies. It is the same in the case with NRI’s. Is it because of the quality of the education provided here?
Mr. Sunny Kulathakal: Yes, India has good universities and colleges compared to the Middle
East and greater learning opportunities. Many students from Bahrain are studying here as well. I have been working on ways to help deserving students from the Gulf come to study in Bangalore and other Indian cities.
Ms. Ankita Ray: How different is life in Bahrain when compared to India?
Mr. Sunny Kulathakal: I have lived a non resident life but my mind has always been rooted
in my home soil. I am contact with my homeland at all times. Bangalore remains my favourite
city for its allure and charm. I am in love with its attractions, the greenery, climate, educational
institutions, and just about everything the city boasts of. Recently, the Prime Minister of Bahrain
asked me the best place to visit in India. I recommended Bangalore without any second thoughts.
It is India’s naturally air conditioned city.
Ms. Ankita Ray: What is your message to the students of Garden City College?
Mr. Sunny Kulathakal: Firstly, I would like to salute His Excellency Dr Joseph VG, Honorary
Consul of the Republic of Maldives in Maldives in Bangalore and Chairman Garden City Group
of Institutions for his astute leadership and guidance. The way he has gone about building ‘this
educational haven’ shows his devotion and the undivided attention he has been providing the
college for the welfare and all round development of the students. I would be happy if the
students utilize the facilities provided to them and be the agents of publicity for the college.
Graduates from this college have the potential to compete with the best from any part of the
world.
BOX ITEM along with his picture....
ABOUT SUNNY:
A native of Marammon, Kerala Sunny Kulathakal completed his journalistic training
in Malayala Manorama and later became a dynamic activist in YMCA. Widely
travelled in India and abroad, he served as Development Director of Bangalore United
Theological College for eight years. Settled in Bahrain at present, he is running an
own publication named SUNLIZ Publications along with his wife SK Elizabeth. Sunny
as he is affectionately known has made commendable marks in the fields of public
relations, media consultancy and advertising. He is the Managing Editor of Gulf’s,
Who’s Who Directory and Gulf Asian Magazine. Aside, he served as feature editor of
the Anglo-Arab Magazine, Nazreth Al Khaleej and worked as correspondent in different
newspapers being published from Dubai. His books, Story of a Martyr, The World of
Drugs and The World of Prostitutes have been well received. The Kulathakal’s are
blessed with three children, all of them settled in the US.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
160 interviews on VISION 2030 of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Shaikh Salman Bin Isa Al Khalifa CEO of Bahrain International Circuit applauded the latest edition of the Gulf Who's Who Directory 2011- 2012 with 160 interviews on VISION 2030 of the Kingdom of Bahrain.After receiving the Directory from the Managing Editor, Mr.Sunny Kulathakal , Shaikh Salman said that the timing of this publication has a global importance as the whole world will have a glimpse of what the Govt
of Bahrain has envisaged for its citizens. The BIC has agreed to support distribution of the Directory globally.
Mr. Kulathakal presented a memento of a snake boat to Shaikh Salman who evinced keen interest in seeing the famous annual snake boat race in Kerala.
Gulf Who's Who Directory 2011- 2012
Shaikh Salman Bin Isa Al Khalifa CEO of Bahrain International Circuit applauded the latest edition of the Gulf Who's Who Directory 2011- 2012 with 160 interviews on VISION 2030 of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
After receiving the Directory from the Managing Editor, Mr.Sunny Kulathakal , Shaikh Salman said that the timing of this publication has a global importance as the whole world will have a glimpse of what the Govt
of Bahrain has envisaged for its citizens. The BIC has agreed to support distribution of the Directory globally.
Mr. Kulathakal presented a memento of a snake boat to Shaikh Salman who evinced keen interest in seeing the famous annual snake boat race in Kerala.
After receiving the Directory from the Managing Editor, Mr.Sunny Kulathakal , Shaikh Salman said that the timing of this publication has a global importance as the whole world will have a glimpse of what the Govt
of Bahrain has envisaged for its citizens. The BIC has agreed to support distribution of the Directory globally.
Mr. Kulathakal presented a memento of a snake boat to Shaikh Salman who evinced keen interest in seeing the famous annual snake boat race in Kerala.
Monday, May 31, 2010
justice V R Krishna Iyer writes
Commendable
The propriety of publishing as a book, the different articles written by Sunny Kulathakkal at various occasions is quite commendable. The book is full of the recollections of how he had overcome a lot of tough experiences and negative situations through his hard and sincere efforts after his migration to Gulf through a little bit of political clout after his initial stint as a journalist in India. It is commendable that he found time to care for his family matters while struggling to build up his future. One of his distinctive contributions was the Gulf directory which he compiled for the benefit of Gulf Malayalees while he was in the Middle East.
I consider that this series written in beautiful and stylish language without a tinge of exaggeration on several subjects of interest to the ordinary people are highly informative. There is no doubt that this book will give an interesting and informative reading to the Malayalees in Gulf and especially their relatives back home. I would also like to particularly point out that the Keralites and Non resident Malayalees are equally obliged to him for this venture.
The propriety of publishing as a book, the different articles written by Sunny Kulathakkal at various occasions is quite commendable. The book is full of the recollections of how he had overcome a lot of tough experiences and negative situations through his hard and sincere efforts after his migration to Gulf through a little bit of political clout after his initial stint as a journalist in India. It is commendable that he found time to care for his family matters while struggling to build up his future. One of his distinctive contributions was the Gulf directory which he compiled for the benefit of Gulf Malayalees while he was in the Middle East.
I consider that this series written in beautiful and stylish language without a tinge of exaggeration on several subjects of interest to the ordinary people are highly informative. There is no doubt that this book will give an interesting and informative reading to the Malayalees in Gulf and especially their relatives back home. I would also like to particularly point out that the Keralites and Non resident Malayalees are equally obliged to him for this venture.
Malayalee mind strengthened by sand dunes
sunny kulathakal
profile by aravind
Sunny Kulathakkal has of course to say a lot about the distance from Maramon to the seat of success in Bahrain. Most of them are stories of his hurdles and setbacks. The biography of a journalist who changed crises into glistening pearls of success! Apart from being an excellent organizer, journalist, sincere social worker, humanist, Sunny Kulathakkal is hard work personified.
There are many who have achieved success in life by utilising the opportunities wisely. But, only those who are brilliant and talented can turn adversities into steps of success. That is what Sunny Kulathakkal is. The story of Sunny is that of rising to the position of an editor in Gulf from running a newspaper distribution firm in Bangalore. That too of a renowned publication in Gulf!
Sunny’s assets were his hard work and sincerity. Sunny didn’t waver even when purity of his intentions were questioned. Instead he tried to understand people better, cast the net by rightly reading the sea and got hold of an empire. “The Gulf Who is Who Directory- today that name is Sunny’s own.
Now at his 60, Sunny has no complaint against anyone. The reason for his influence in Karnataka politics is his Journalistic stint. His close relationship with leading political personalities like former Maharashtra Governor P C Alexander, Former Union Minister late A C George, Meghalaya Governor M M Jacob and Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy provided his enough opportunities to build friendships with many a key figure in Karnataka politics. What proved to be a break in his life was his coming to Bangalore after post graduation. For eight years he was the Development Director of the United Theological College (UTC) of Bangalore.
It was his Bangalore life which has opened up the doors to Gulf. Sunny who started as a distribution agent and later the correspondent of Malayala Manorama later became the correspondent of the Illustrated Weekly. Reaching Gulf to write a series about the problems of Gulf Malayalees, Sunny succeeded in hoisting the victory flag in his professional career. It was in 1977 that sunny reached Gulf. The mission was to study the life of Malayalees to write a feature. In those days several Indian publications had come out with Sunny’s stories about Gulf Malayalees who reached heights as well as those who had to sacrifice their life mid way through. It was his thinking of how to make use the information he had collected without returning to India that led to the publication of the “Gulf Who is Who Directory”. It was in 1978, the first edition came out. He is genuinely satisfied and proud of the fact that it has turned out to be an authentic reference book in Gulf.
It was through Malayala Manorama’s Balajana Sakhyam that Sunny made his debut into public life and journalism. While studying in S B College, Chenganacherry, he managed to get an opportunity for journalistic tranining through corresponding with Malayala Manorama Chief Editor K M Mathew. It was his five months’ training in Malayala Manorama that helped him to become an excellent freelancer.
Born to a priest of the Orthodox Church, it was at the age of eight sunny had become a member of the Balajana Sakhyam. For years he has served as the central committee member of the organisation. This paved the way for him to become a brilliant organizer. He was elected as the president of the Sakhyam succeeding Oommen Chandy who later became the Kerala Chief Minister. Manorama used to pay TA and DA when he used to come to Kottayam for work related to the Sakhyam. Later many used to stay in lodges outside and claim more money from Manorama. But Sunny used to spend his time in the daily’s editorial and library and return to Maramon in the newspaper van of Manorama at 3 0 clock in the morning. Palai K M Mathew who was the then representative of Sankarachettan had always been informed about the TA he was claiming this way.
From childhood itself Sunny had a special quality to change anybody whom he meets as a friend. This has helped him in several crucial moments. Malayala Manorama’s photographer John was a great help to him in several occasions. It was John who introduced Sunny to Mannathu Padmanabhan and his wife Thottakkattu Madhaviamma while they had come to attend a conference in Maramon. Instantly Sunny requested Madhaviamma to give an autograph. “I wish all the best for my son Sunny” she wrote. He then turned to Mannam to write in the next page. He refused saying that his wife had already given the autograph. But he came down following Sunny’s insistence and wrote his best wishes.
It was Sunny’s habit to collect the signature and message of prominent persons he happened to meet. Two of them written by senior journalists of Manorama-Varghese Kalathil, editor of Manorama Weekly and Babu Chenganoor-were something special. The former wrote “Do not give the key of your heart to anyone” and on the other side of the page was the latter’s advice “Give the key of your heart to only one”. And it so happened that finally he gave the key to Elizabeth, an employee of State Bank of India.
He fondly recollects that it was Elizabeth who stood as a pillar of support and shade of comfort behind all his success. Elizabeth at present is the Director of the Bahrain based Sunlis Publications.
When looking back Sunny has so much to be proud of. Mainly, he could give the best education for his children. Son Biju, an aeronautical engineer is running his own computer establishment in Chicago. The second son Binu and his wife Ranjini are doctors. Both of them are doing their post graduation in World renowned John Hopkin’s University in Baltimore. Youngest daughter Bindu is working in “World Education”, a Non Governmental Organisation based in Boston. A financial assistance programme is now undergoing under her leadership for the poor children of Raichur District in Karnataka.
It was while he was undergoing training in Ernakulam YMCA after his studies in 1966 that Sunny got the opportunity for secretarial training of YMCA at Bangalore. Since journalism was his dream he used to regularly send news reports and features to Malayala Manorama and used to write feature series in Mathrubhumi Weekly. Once, while visiting the Mathrubhumi office in Kozhikode to hand over a feature series, he also dropped into the Manorama office during which he was asked to submit an application for the post of a newspaper agent for the daily in Bangalore. Thus for this youth who aspired to become a journalist got an opportunity to learn a lot about the field of news distribution. But what attracted him was the permission given to file news reports and articles. For sunny journalism was never a breadwinner. On the other hand it was a part of his life. Those days Sunny, his brother and their two friends used to wait at Majestic waiting for the newspaper vehicle coming from Kozhikode. Then they rush in their scooters to newspaper stands.
After a short while, copies of Mathrubhumi daily started reach Bangalore in the early hours in a private bus named S K S. The bus owner refused the request to bring also the Manorama news paper because it was such an exclusive contract they had with Mathrubhumi.
But this was brought to the attention of M M Jacob and Union Mnister Henry Austin who came to participate in the AICC session in Bangalore as Kerala representatives of the party. Henry Austin conveyed this issue to Karnataka Transport Minister Asees Sait. It was under the threat of Sait the Bus owner started to bring Manorama too from Kozhikode. It was in the presence of Sunny, the minister talked to the bus owner in his office. The minister threatened to cancel the bus permit if Manorama copies were also not transported. Following this Manorama also started arriving in the morning.
It was in 1968, Sunny got appointment as the official secretary of the Thiruvalla YMCA. Sunny is happy that he could manage to construct an own building for the YMCA within a year. It was after this he got the letter appointing him as the Assistant Director in the Department of Development in the United Theological College in Bangalore. The help of R D Cooper a foreigner who was an all India office bearer of YMCA only had made it possible. Soon he was elevated as Director.
While working with the Ernakulam YMCA in 1966, he had taken initiatives to organize district/state level seminars for college students. A souvenir also was published in this connection. The then office bearers of YMCA might have felt that a new comer was overtaking them. It was when he was undergoing YMCA’s Secretarial training in Bangalore that he got a letter from the secretary of Ernakulam YMCA seeking explanation about the missing from the accounts of a sum of Rs 50 received from a Company in Ernakulam for the souvenir. A copy of the letter was sent to Cooper too. Since it was attempt to tarnish him, Sunny set off to Ernakulam with the permission of Cooper. It was proved that the amount in question was handed over to another person while Sunny was not in the office. Sunny still keeps the letter of apology from the secretary of Ernakulam YMCA.
Sunny had an eight year stint in UTC and had an unceremonious exit. Sunny attributes the same to personal animosity. The first allegation was that he created hurdles for the College principal’s Gulf visit. Following this the Principal Dr J R Chandran served a show cause notice to Sunny. The reason was that he did not attend the Governing Council meeting. The next notice was based on flimsy grounds. The Governing Council’s rejection of Dr Chandran’s request for an extension also was used as a weapon against Sunny. Shortly Sunny’s application for eight months leave was granted by the Governing Council. It was after this the dismissal notice was issued. Those who pulled the strings to get rid of Chandran from the post were making use of Sunny also. They used Sunny to trace the age certificate of Chandran from Thiruvananthapuram secretly. Coming to know of this the Principal influenced the Bangalore City Police Commissioner. Though an attempt was made by the police under the instructions of the Commissioner to block Sunny when he landed in Trivandrum to get the certificate he escaped with the help of Oommen Chandy. In the case filed by Sunny against his dismissal from UTC, the verdict of the Civil, High Court and the Supreme Court was to reinstate him. By that time Sunny had built up his empire in Bangalore and Gulf. He did not need the UTC job or its benefits anymore. But he considers as invaluable the judgment that states that he is not guilty. As a journalist Sunny used to accompany any political leaders who landed in Bangalore. Those who maintained close relationship with him included A C George, M M Thomas, M M Jacob, and Oommen Chandy.
Sunny recalls that A C George was a leader who gave extreme importance to personal relationships. Whenever he was in Bangalore Sunny used to be with him throughout.
Since his Balajana Sakhyam days Sunny had a personal relationship with P C Alexander This helped him a .lot in his life. Alexander used to rely on Sunny several times to get information relating Karnataka.
Sunny had the opportunity to closely watch the practical hurdles to implement the decision taken by Prime Minsiter Rajiv Gandhi to remove Veerendra Patil from Karnataka Chief Ministership. The proposal for P C Alexander’s intervention in the matter was Sunny’s. This was conveyed to Moopanar through Oscar Fernandes. Thus the party leaders could get out of the entanglement after having talks with Rajiv Gandhi at the latter’s house along with Moopanar.
Sunny was also a small star in the backstage of the drama enacted by Veerappa Moily to become the Karnataka Chief Minister. Veerappa Moily had used Sunny’s closeness with Alexander to his benefit. Sunny could arrange meetings between Alexander and Moily several times. Sunny was with them till the stage when Alexander gave an assurance on the lines of “may you been seen in a different position next time”.
It was Sunny who went to Mumbai with the congratulatory message of Moily when Alexander was appointed as Maharashtra Governor. But when Moily turned against former Chief Secretary J Alexander, a Malayalee, Sunny was in the forefront fighting against the move. The article written by Sunny in Kalakaumudi in 1994 against the step motherly attitude being adopted by Moily towards the people of other states proved to be an excellent example of daring journalism. (The correspondences between Sunny and Moily on this issue were also noteworthy). Exposed in the article was Moily’s growth from nothingness to a millionaire, the gap between his preaching and practice and his thanklessness.
What made Sunny to be out of the good books of Moily was the former’s move to organize Malayalees and other communities against the denial of justice to Alexander. For years Sunny had been a frontline fighter of all the struggles for the cause of the Malayalee community in Bangalore.
Sunny also was in the forefront of the prolonged agitations organised on the issue of the missing of two Malayalee girls-Lilly and Lissy- in Bangalore. Those days he was pillion rider on the scooter of Fr Mani Gayles, the then Christ college principal and later the Mananthawadi Bishop for several of his trips to submit representations on the issue. He could manage to bring this issue to the attention of the then Karnataka Chief Minister Mr Devaraj Urs and later Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, through A C George and Oommen Chandy. Sunny’s name is quite familiar to the early Malayalee community of Bangalore.
As a freelance journalist he could undoubtedly draw the attention of the authorities to many pressing issues of the Malayalee community through his features in many a publication.
The feature titled “The World of Drugs” by Sunny serialized in Mathrubhumi those days was highly appreaciated. It was NBS which distributed the same as a book. The series titled “The World of Prostitutes” was probe into the World’s oldest profession. It was published by NBS. It was Vidhyarthi Mithram which published another serial titled “The Story of a Martyr”
Sunny also was the local guardian of many who have landed in Bangalore for higher studies and other purposes. Sunny says that crises and hurdles had turned only to be blessings to him. It was with an excellent idea that Sunny who went to Gulf to write a serial on the problems of the Malayalee Community came back. This he implemented successfully.
Tens of thousands from Kerala and other Indian states are working in top position in various companies in Gulf. It was a time when there were no means for them to know each other. The idea of a Gulf Directory dawned while thinking about a solution for this issue. Sunny also had a feeling that such a venture would make it known to the world that
Malayalees are not that inferior.
After coming back from Gulf, he had detailed discussions with D C Kizhakemuri about bringing out such a directory. The initial thinking was to bring out the same in Malayalam. Then it was decided to publish the same in English since it was felt that then it would benefit more people. The first edition came out in 1978. It contained the details of the prominent Indians in Gulf. It was at that time the idea of launching an English magazine from Gulf sprang up. In 1983, “Gulf Asian Magazine” came with sunny as the editor. The Magazine which was uniquely different from many other contemporary magazines turned out to be an instant hit. However its publication had to be discontinued following the government decision to ban English Publications as solution to increase the circulation of Arabic publications.
His return to Bangalore in 1984 helped him to provide better education for his children. According to Sunny he was reeling under severe financial difficulties during the educational period of the children. Understanding the difficulties at home the children also took care to minimize the expenses and reached higher positions.
According to laws in vogue in Karnataka at that time if a student has to get admission to Medical College under merit quota he or she had to be resident of the state for at least 15 years. Since he had come back in 1984 this stipulation could be met. He returned again to Gulf only after the education of the children was over. This paved the way for bringing out the second edition of the “Gulf Who is Who directory”. The second edition which was published after a gap of 23 years today is an authentic reference guide on the business/industrial establishments and prominent personalities.
Sunny who first reached Gulf on the invitation of a friend, could realize the existing limitations of personal relationships. The idea of Directory was a small attempt to help overcome this limitation. But with the dawn of the days of globalization, the relevance of such kind of a publication has increased. Personal acquaintances, the savings from his journalistic career, when processed in the workshop of the directory, it resulted in the formulation of one of the best reference book.
This book which presents prominent personalities at governmental level and major businessmen/industrialists and companies with photos also contain details like their phone numbers, E mail, and postal address.
This is one of the ideal contributions a person could give to the business world. A portion of the income from this publication has been set part for scholarship for the students from Gulf coming for higher studies in Bangalore.
Sunny who is currently in the workshop of bringing out a Global Indian Directory has also plans to revive his Gulf Asia Magazine. Last year Sunny was selected for the best social worker award of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin. It was from Prime Minsiter I K Gujral, he received the award in Delhi.
The success secret of Sunny who gives extreme importance to human relationship is his friendships. He says that even those who had worked against him also used to come to
Gulf and Bangalore seeking his help and hospitality. What makes Sunny distinct as a person is his good will to extend a helping hand to even such persons.
Though there are many Malayalees who have mined Gold in Gulf, Sunny Kulathakkal is a different Non Resident Malayalee. He also has plans to bring out separate directories containing the listings of Malayalees in different gulf countries. In next November work on Dubai Malayalee Directory is scheduled to commence.
profile by aravind
Sunny Kulathakkal has of course to say a lot about the distance from Maramon to the seat of success in Bahrain. Most of them are stories of his hurdles and setbacks. The biography of a journalist who changed crises into glistening pearls of success! Apart from being an excellent organizer, journalist, sincere social worker, humanist, Sunny Kulathakkal is hard work personified.
There are many who have achieved success in life by utilising the opportunities wisely. But, only those who are brilliant and talented can turn adversities into steps of success. That is what Sunny Kulathakkal is. The story of Sunny is that of rising to the position of an editor in Gulf from running a newspaper distribution firm in Bangalore. That too of a renowned publication in Gulf!
Sunny’s assets were his hard work and sincerity. Sunny didn’t waver even when purity of his intentions were questioned. Instead he tried to understand people better, cast the net by rightly reading the sea and got hold of an empire. “The Gulf Who is Who Directory- today that name is Sunny’s own.
Now at his 60, Sunny has no complaint against anyone. The reason for his influence in Karnataka politics is his Journalistic stint. His close relationship with leading political personalities like former Maharashtra Governor P C Alexander, Former Union Minister late A C George, Meghalaya Governor M M Jacob and Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy provided his enough opportunities to build friendships with many a key figure in Karnataka politics. What proved to be a break in his life was his coming to Bangalore after post graduation. For eight years he was the Development Director of the United Theological College (UTC) of Bangalore.
It was his Bangalore life which has opened up the doors to Gulf. Sunny who started as a distribution agent and later the correspondent of Malayala Manorama later became the correspondent of the Illustrated Weekly. Reaching Gulf to write a series about the problems of Gulf Malayalees, Sunny succeeded in hoisting the victory flag in his professional career. It was in 1977 that sunny reached Gulf. The mission was to study the life of Malayalees to write a feature. In those days several Indian publications had come out with Sunny’s stories about Gulf Malayalees who reached heights as well as those who had to sacrifice their life mid way through. It was his thinking of how to make use the information he had collected without returning to India that led to the publication of the “Gulf Who is Who Directory”. It was in 1978, the first edition came out. He is genuinely satisfied and proud of the fact that it has turned out to be an authentic reference book in Gulf.
It was through Malayala Manorama’s Balajana Sakhyam that Sunny made his debut into public life and journalism. While studying in S B College, Chenganacherry, he managed to get an opportunity for journalistic tranining through corresponding with Malayala Manorama Chief Editor K M Mathew. It was his five months’ training in Malayala Manorama that helped him to become an excellent freelancer.
Born to a priest of the Orthodox Church, it was at the age of eight sunny had become a member of the Balajana Sakhyam. For years he has served as the central committee member of the organisation. This paved the way for him to become a brilliant organizer. He was elected as the president of the Sakhyam succeeding Oommen Chandy who later became the Kerala Chief Minister. Manorama used to pay TA and DA when he used to come to Kottayam for work related to the Sakhyam. Later many used to stay in lodges outside and claim more money from Manorama. But Sunny used to spend his time in the daily’s editorial and library and return to Maramon in the newspaper van of Manorama at 3 0 clock in the morning. Palai K M Mathew who was the then representative of Sankarachettan had always been informed about the TA he was claiming this way.
From childhood itself Sunny had a special quality to change anybody whom he meets as a friend. This has helped him in several crucial moments. Malayala Manorama’s photographer John was a great help to him in several occasions. It was John who introduced Sunny to Mannathu Padmanabhan and his wife Thottakkattu Madhaviamma while they had come to attend a conference in Maramon. Instantly Sunny requested Madhaviamma to give an autograph. “I wish all the best for my son Sunny” she wrote. He then turned to Mannam to write in the next page. He refused saying that his wife had already given the autograph. But he came down following Sunny’s insistence and wrote his best wishes.
It was Sunny’s habit to collect the signature and message of prominent persons he happened to meet. Two of them written by senior journalists of Manorama-Varghese Kalathil, editor of Manorama Weekly and Babu Chenganoor-were something special. The former wrote “Do not give the key of your heart to anyone” and on the other side of the page was the latter’s advice “Give the key of your heart to only one”. And it so happened that finally he gave the key to Elizabeth, an employee of State Bank of India.
He fondly recollects that it was Elizabeth who stood as a pillar of support and shade of comfort behind all his success. Elizabeth at present is the Director of the Bahrain based Sunlis Publications.
When looking back Sunny has so much to be proud of. Mainly, he could give the best education for his children. Son Biju, an aeronautical engineer is running his own computer establishment in Chicago. The second son Binu and his wife Ranjini are doctors. Both of them are doing their post graduation in World renowned John Hopkin’s University in Baltimore. Youngest daughter Bindu is working in “World Education”, a Non Governmental Organisation based in Boston. A financial assistance programme is now undergoing under her leadership for the poor children of Raichur District in Karnataka.
It was while he was undergoing training in Ernakulam YMCA after his studies in 1966 that Sunny got the opportunity for secretarial training of YMCA at Bangalore. Since journalism was his dream he used to regularly send news reports and features to Malayala Manorama and used to write feature series in Mathrubhumi Weekly. Once, while visiting the Mathrubhumi office in Kozhikode to hand over a feature series, he also dropped into the Manorama office during which he was asked to submit an application for the post of a newspaper agent for the daily in Bangalore. Thus for this youth who aspired to become a journalist got an opportunity to learn a lot about the field of news distribution. But what attracted him was the permission given to file news reports and articles. For sunny journalism was never a breadwinner. On the other hand it was a part of his life. Those days Sunny, his brother and their two friends used to wait at Majestic waiting for the newspaper vehicle coming from Kozhikode. Then they rush in their scooters to newspaper stands.
After a short while, copies of Mathrubhumi daily started reach Bangalore in the early hours in a private bus named S K S. The bus owner refused the request to bring also the Manorama news paper because it was such an exclusive contract they had with Mathrubhumi.
But this was brought to the attention of M M Jacob and Union Mnister Henry Austin who came to participate in the AICC session in Bangalore as Kerala representatives of the party. Henry Austin conveyed this issue to Karnataka Transport Minister Asees Sait. It was under the threat of Sait the Bus owner started to bring Manorama too from Kozhikode. It was in the presence of Sunny, the minister talked to the bus owner in his office. The minister threatened to cancel the bus permit if Manorama copies were also not transported. Following this Manorama also started arriving in the morning.
It was in 1968, Sunny got appointment as the official secretary of the Thiruvalla YMCA. Sunny is happy that he could manage to construct an own building for the YMCA within a year. It was after this he got the letter appointing him as the Assistant Director in the Department of Development in the United Theological College in Bangalore. The help of R D Cooper a foreigner who was an all India office bearer of YMCA only had made it possible. Soon he was elevated as Director.
While working with the Ernakulam YMCA in 1966, he had taken initiatives to organize district/state level seminars for college students. A souvenir also was published in this connection. The then office bearers of YMCA might have felt that a new comer was overtaking them. It was when he was undergoing YMCA’s Secretarial training in Bangalore that he got a letter from the secretary of Ernakulam YMCA seeking explanation about the missing from the accounts of a sum of Rs 50 received from a Company in Ernakulam for the souvenir. A copy of the letter was sent to Cooper too. Since it was attempt to tarnish him, Sunny set off to Ernakulam with the permission of Cooper. It was proved that the amount in question was handed over to another person while Sunny was not in the office. Sunny still keeps the letter of apology from the secretary of Ernakulam YMCA.
Sunny had an eight year stint in UTC and had an unceremonious exit. Sunny attributes the same to personal animosity. The first allegation was that he created hurdles for the College principal’s Gulf visit. Following this the Principal Dr J R Chandran served a show cause notice to Sunny. The reason was that he did not attend the Governing Council meeting. The next notice was based on flimsy grounds. The Governing Council’s rejection of Dr Chandran’s request for an extension also was used as a weapon against Sunny. Shortly Sunny’s application for eight months leave was granted by the Governing Council. It was after this the dismissal notice was issued. Those who pulled the strings to get rid of Chandran from the post were making use of Sunny also. They used Sunny to trace the age certificate of Chandran from Thiruvananthapuram secretly. Coming to know of this the Principal influenced the Bangalore City Police Commissioner. Though an attempt was made by the police under the instructions of the Commissioner to block Sunny when he landed in Trivandrum to get the certificate he escaped with the help of Oommen Chandy. In the case filed by Sunny against his dismissal from UTC, the verdict of the Civil, High Court and the Supreme Court was to reinstate him. By that time Sunny had built up his empire in Bangalore and Gulf. He did not need the UTC job or its benefits anymore. But he considers as invaluable the judgment that states that he is not guilty. As a journalist Sunny used to accompany any political leaders who landed in Bangalore. Those who maintained close relationship with him included A C George, M M Thomas, M M Jacob, and Oommen Chandy.
Sunny recalls that A C George was a leader who gave extreme importance to personal relationships. Whenever he was in Bangalore Sunny used to be with him throughout.
Since his Balajana Sakhyam days Sunny had a personal relationship with P C Alexander This helped him a .lot in his life. Alexander used to rely on Sunny several times to get information relating Karnataka.
Sunny had the opportunity to closely watch the practical hurdles to implement the decision taken by Prime Minsiter Rajiv Gandhi to remove Veerendra Patil from Karnataka Chief Ministership. The proposal for P C Alexander’s intervention in the matter was Sunny’s. This was conveyed to Moopanar through Oscar Fernandes. Thus the party leaders could get out of the entanglement after having talks with Rajiv Gandhi at the latter’s house along with Moopanar.
Sunny was also a small star in the backstage of the drama enacted by Veerappa Moily to become the Karnataka Chief Minister. Veerappa Moily had used Sunny’s closeness with Alexander to his benefit. Sunny could arrange meetings between Alexander and Moily several times. Sunny was with them till the stage when Alexander gave an assurance on the lines of “may you been seen in a different position next time”.
It was Sunny who went to Mumbai with the congratulatory message of Moily when Alexander was appointed as Maharashtra Governor. But when Moily turned against former Chief Secretary J Alexander, a Malayalee, Sunny was in the forefront fighting against the move. The article written by Sunny in Kalakaumudi in 1994 against the step motherly attitude being adopted by Moily towards the people of other states proved to be an excellent example of daring journalism. (The correspondences between Sunny and Moily on this issue were also noteworthy). Exposed in the article was Moily’s growth from nothingness to a millionaire, the gap between his preaching and practice and his thanklessness.
What made Sunny to be out of the good books of Moily was the former’s move to organize Malayalees and other communities against the denial of justice to Alexander. For years Sunny had been a frontline fighter of all the struggles for the cause of the Malayalee community in Bangalore.
Sunny also was in the forefront of the prolonged agitations organised on the issue of the missing of two Malayalee girls-Lilly and Lissy- in Bangalore. Those days he was pillion rider on the scooter of Fr Mani Gayles, the then Christ college principal and later the Mananthawadi Bishop for several of his trips to submit representations on the issue. He could manage to bring this issue to the attention of the then Karnataka Chief Minister Mr Devaraj Urs and later Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, through A C George and Oommen Chandy. Sunny’s name is quite familiar to the early Malayalee community of Bangalore.
As a freelance journalist he could undoubtedly draw the attention of the authorities to many pressing issues of the Malayalee community through his features in many a publication.
The feature titled “The World of Drugs” by Sunny serialized in Mathrubhumi those days was highly appreaciated. It was NBS which distributed the same as a book. The series titled “The World of Prostitutes” was probe into the World’s oldest profession. It was published by NBS. It was Vidhyarthi Mithram which published another serial titled “The Story of a Martyr”
Sunny also was the local guardian of many who have landed in Bangalore for higher studies and other purposes. Sunny says that crises and hurdles had turned only to be blessings to him. It was with an excellent idea that Sunny who went to Gulf to write a serial on the problems of the Malayalee Community came back. This he implemented successfully.
Tens of thousands from Kerala and other Indian states are working in top position in various companies in Gulf. It was a time when there were no means for them to know each other. The idea of a Gulf Directory dawned while thinking about a solution for this issue. Sunny also had a feeling that such a venture would make it known to the world that
Malayalees are not that inferior.
After coming back from Gulf, he had detailed discussions with D C Kizhakemuri about bringing out such a directory. The initial thinking was to bring out the same in Malayalam. Then it was decided to publish the same in English since it was felt that then it would benefit more people. The first edition came out in 1978. It contained the details of the prominent Indians in Gulf. It was at that time the idea of launching an English magazine from Gulf sprang up. In 1983, “Gulf Asian Magazine” came with sunny as the editor. The Magazine which was uniquely different from many other contemporary magazines turned out to be an instant hit. However its publication had to be discontinued following the government decision to ban English Publications as solution to increase the circulation of Arabic publications.
His return to Bangalore in 1984 helped him to provide better education for his children. According to Sunny he was reeling under severe financial difficulties during the educational period of the children. Understanding the difficulties at home the children also took care to minimize the expenses and reached higher positions.
According to laws in vogue in Karnataka at that time if a student has to get admission to Medical College under merit quota he or she had to be resident of the state for at least 15 years. Since he had come back in 1984 this stipulation could be met. He returned again to Gulf only after the education of the children was over. This paved the way for bringing out the second edition of the “Gulf Who is Who directory”. The second edition which was published after a gap of 23 years today is an authentic reference guide on the business/industrial establishments and prominent personalities.
Sunny who first reached Gulf on the invitation of a friend, could realize the existing limitations of personal relationships. The idea of Directory was a small attempt to help overcome this limitation. But with the dawn of the days of globalization, the relevance of such kind of a publication has increased. Personal acquaintances, the savings from his journalistic career, when processed in the workshop of the directory, it resulted in the formulation of one of the best reference book.
This book which presents prominent personalities at governmental level and major businessmen/industrialists and companies with photos also contain details like their phone numbers, E mail, and postal address.
This is one of the ideal contributions a person could give to the business world. A portion of the income from this publication has been set part for scholarship for the students from Gulf coming for higher studies in Bangalore.
Sunny who is currently in the workshop of bringing out a Global Indian Directory has also plans to revive his Gulf Asia Magazine. Last year Sunny was selected for the best social worker award of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin. It was from Prime Minsiter I K Gujral, he received the award in Delhi.
The success secret of Sunny who gives extreme importance to human relationship is his friendships. He says that even those who had worked against him also used to come to
Gulf and Bangalore seeking his help and hospitality. What makes Sunny distinct as a person is his good will to extend a helping hand to even such persons.
Though there are many Malayalees who have mined Gold in Gulf, Sunny Kulathakkal is a different Non Resident Malayalee. He also has plans to bring out separate directories containing the listings of Malayalees in different gulf countries. In next November work on Dubai Malayalee Directory is scheduled to commence.
The culture of education
Yohannan Metropolitan has said that the control of education should be vested with educational experts and representatives of education be consulted when drastic changes are attempted in the educational policy. He has made these remarks during an interview with him in Bangalore just before his return to Kerala after the last two months rest. Excerpts from the interview:
sunny kulathakal
As you were also a teacher, what are your comments about the educational system in Kerala?
It is very clear that the educational policy of Kerala is not at all helpful for good of the students or the mental and ideological development of the upcoming generation. The representative character of those who comprise the senate or syndicate constituted as per law is a witness to this fact. Earlier there was over-representation for college principals. The number of public representatives was meager. Now things have turned upside down.
Another thing is the appointment of college teachers. In high schools, only those who have the required training are being appointed. But no such training is required in the case of college teachers. One can teach in a college immediately after post graduation. In fact the first two years should be a training period. The principal and department are the right persons to judge whether the new appointee is well suited for teaching and interacting with the students. In the present state of affairs, it is the vice chancellor who has the ultimate say in that. Is just a single year of teaching make one eligible or earn one the right to be confirmed as a teacher? Just think whether this will help raise the standard of education. At the same time it has to be admitted that many principals and college councils have not done enough justice to the junior lecturers working in their institutions.
Apart from this, it is evident from many experiences that it was by throwing to the wind the norm that the control of education should be the responsibility of educational experts that the University Act is being implemented.
Hope your grace will not mind expressing your personal opinion about the incidents occurred in Mahatma Gandhi College?
I have read about the confrontation between the principal and the University in the newspapers. It was an unnecessary incursion into the power and authority of the principal. It is the principal who should take decision on the attendance of students and their disciplinary behaviour. But the present attitude of the University is that it is the responsibility of the Vice-Chancellor. This will only make things difficult for running a college for the good of the students. There might be principals who behave highhandedly and in selfish manner. The authorities have the power to take penal action against them. But the present day trend of hurting the dignity of the teacher and destroying the responsibility and discipline of the students is wrong.
Strike
What is your comment on the recent teachers strike in Kerala?
I should say that the teachers strike was very shameful. It can be said that it was caused by the education department of the state. The representatives of the teachers organizations should have been consulted and their view points been given due weight when drastic changes were being brought about in high school education.
Making changes in educational policy according to the whims and fancies of the concerned minister has become a common practice these days in Kerala. The standard of education has also come down accordingly. For raising the standard of education what needed is to provide the required facilities and necessary encouragement to the teachers to make use of the prescribed periods and teaching days properly and sincerely instead of raising the working days and teaching periods. What needed is to fix the working hours of teachers as six hours without increasing the working days from the existing 200 days. Teachers also should agree to spare at least three periods in a week for co curricular activities. I sincerely expect the newly constituted problem solving committee will take into account this humble suggestion.
Is there anything wrong in teachers resorting to strike for genuine causes?
I am of the strong view that it is wrong on the part of teachers to go on strike for whatever be the cause. During the strike of the college teachers some of them had stated that this opinion of the metropolitan was an outdated coin which had lost its value. The same will be the criticism of some school teachers. But I am not at all ashamed to introduce in the market the same coin to draw the attention of teachers.
Strike is a weapon of the workers. A factory worker will not find any difficulty in resuming his normal work once he gets reinstated after a few months of strike. He is dealing with inanimate objects only. This is not the case of teachers. They are interacting with students who have thinking power and who expect discipline and guidance from the teachers. Once a teacher loses his credibility with the students, he loses a part of his job.
Don’t you think that the teachers strike could have been avoided if the government had made some advance efforts?
The government which takes the stand that it will open its eyes only if the employees resort to strike is equally responsible for strikes. I had tried to probe into state of mind of the students who block buses and cars in the name of strike. That is the one and only language which the government understands, they reply. I wonder whether the striking method of Japanese workers, about which there was an editorial in Malayala Manorama will ever become a model for our teachers. But many of the strikes could be avoided if the government takes a proper decision before things getting worse.
sunny kulathakal
As you were also a teacher, what are your comments about the educational system in Kerala?
It is very clear that the educational policy of Kerala is not at all helpful for good of the students or the mental and ideological development of the upcoming generation. The representative character of those who comprise the senate or syndicate constituted as per law is a witness to this fact. Earlier there was over-representation for college principals. The number of public representatives was meager. Now things have turned upside down.
Another thing is the appointment of college teachers. In high schools, only those who have the required training are being appointed. But no such training is required in the case of college teachers. One can teach in a college immediately after post graduation. In fact the first two years should be a training period. The principal and department are the right persons to judge whether the new appointee is well suited for teaching and interacting with the students. In the present state of affairs, it is the vice chancellor who has the ultimate say in that. Is just a single year of teaching make one eligible or earn one the right to be confirmed as a teacher? Just think whether this will help raise the standard of education. At the same time it has to be admitted that many principals and college councils have not done enough justice to the junior lecturers working in their institutions.
Apart from this, it is evident from many experiences that it was by throwing to the wind the norm that the control of education should be the responsibility of educational experts that the University Act is being implemented.
Hope your grace will not mind expressing your personal opinion about the incidents occurred in Mahatma Gandhi College?
I have read about the confrontation between the principal and the University in the newspapers. It was an unnecessary incursion into the power and authority of the principal. It is the principal who should take decision on the attendance of students and their disciplinary behaviour. But the present attitude of the University is that it is the responsibility of the Vice-Chancellor. This will only make things difficult for running a college for the good of the students. There might be principals who behave highhandedly and in selfish manner. The authorities have the power to take penal action against them. But the present day trend of hurting the dignity of the teacher and destroying the responsibility and discipline of the students is wrong.
Strike
What is your comment on the recent teachers strike in Kerala?
I should say that the teachers strike was very shameful. It can be said that it was caused by the education department of the state. The representatives of the teachers organizations should have been consulted and their view points been given due weight when drastic changes were being brought about in high school education.
Making changes in educational policy according to the whims and fancies of the concerned minister has become a common practice these days in Kerala. The standard of education has also come down accordingly. For raising the standard of education what needed is to provide the required facilities and necessary encouragement to the teachers to make use of the prescribed periods and teaching days properly and sincerely instead of raising the working days and teaching periods. What needed is to fix the working hours of teachers as six hours without increasing the working days from the existing 200 days. Teachers also should agree to spare at least three periods in a week for co curricular activities. I sincerely expect the newly constituted problem solving committee will take into account this humble suggestion.
Is there anything wrong in teachers resorting to strike for genuine causes?
I am of the strong view that it is wrong on the part of teachers to go on strike for whatever be the cause. During the strike of the college teachers some of them had stated that this opinion of the metropolitan was an outdated coin which had lost its value. The same will be the criticism of some school teachers. But I am not at all ashamed to introduce in the market the same coin to draw the attention of teachers.
Strike is a weapon of the workers. A factory worker will not find any difficulty in resuming his normal work once he gets reinstated after a few months of strike. He is dealing with inanimate objects only. This is not the case of teachers. They are interacting with students who have thinking power and who expect discipline and guidance from the teachers. Once a teacher loses his credibility with the students, he loses a part of his job.
Don’t you think that the teachers strike could have been avoided if the government had made some advance efforts?
The government which takes the stand that it will open its eyes only if the employees resort to strike is equally responsible for strikes. I had tried to probe into state of mind of the students who block buses and cars in the name of strike. That is the one and only language which the government understands, they reply. I wonder whether the striking method of Japanese workers, about which there was an editorial in Malayala Manorama will ever become a model for our teachers. But many of the strikes could be avoided if the government takes a proper decision before things getting worse.
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