Dr.John Matthai

Dr. John Matthai
(Honest John: A Life of John Matthai, Bakthiar K. Dadabhoy)

This is an authentic and critical work on the life, writings, and administrative talents of John Matthai, who lived and worked during the decisive years of India’s independence movement. He stood like a colossus among the politicians and administrators of both the pre- and post-independence periods. Though he did not owe allegiance to any political party, his counsel was eagerly sought by politicians and viceroys alike. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, Rajagopalachari, and others were frequently in contact with him for one reason or another.

It is a tragedy that he could not remain long in some of the highest administrative positions he held in independent India. He was the first Railway Minister and the second Finance Minister of India. He took his responsibilities seriously and did not tolerate interference in his departments. His resignation as Finance Minister followed the creation of the Planning Commission of India, which he believed would encroach upon the functioning of the Ministry of Finance. Despite repeated requests from the Prime Minister to reconsider his decision, he remained firm. With his resignation, India lost a great administrator and financial expert. He harboured no ill feelings and was willing to continue serving the nation in other capacities, such as Chairman of the Tariff Commission. Later, he joined the Tata Group, where he had worked earlier. The Tatas regarded him as one of their own and welcomed his return.

Dr. Matthai was born into an Orthodox Christian family in Kottayam, Kerala. Later, when the family moved to Calicut, they began attending services at the CSI Church. After completing his studies at Madras Christian College, he went to England in 1913 for higher studies at the London School of Economics, with financial assistance from his brother, Cherian Matthai. He earned a D.Sc. from the London School of Economics and subsequently joined Balliol College, Oxford, to pursue a B.Litt. degree. He returned to Madras in 1918, and in 1922, Madras University appointed him as a part-time professor.

His marriage took place in 1921. His wife, Achamma, belonged to the Elanjikall family of E. John Jacob and had pursued her studies in Calcutta. One of the most painful experiences of his life was the untimely death of his beloved daughter, who had gone to the United States for higher studies and passed away there suddenly.

Dr. Matthai accepted the post of Vice-Chancellor of Bombay University but resigned due to differences with the Governor, who was also the Chancellor. He then returned to Kerala and settled in Thrissur at his family property. While residing there, he accepted the position of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kerala, maintaining his office in Thrissur. As his health deteriorated, he went to Bombay for medical examination at Tata, where he was serving as Chairman. It was then discovered that he was suffering from an advanced form of liver cancer, and doctors gave him little time to live. He passed away on November 2, 1959.

Prime Minister Nehru visited him in the hospital. Though they had differences of opinion, Nehru held him in great esteem. Dr. Matthai, however, did not share the same regard for Nehru.

At his passing, The Times of India wrote:

“In the death of Dr. John Matthai, the nation has lost a great public servant and an uncommon man. For more than four decades, he served his country with distinction, displaying a versatility rare in this age.”