Mathrubhumi's new era: Shreyams Kumar hands over digital evolution torch to Mayura, Devika

The Mathrubhumi Group has been integral to Kerala’s social fabric for over a century. For many years, MP Veerendra Kumar and MV Shreyams Kumar have stood as the guiding pillars of the institution, shaping its legacy. Now, the Mathrubhumi Group is transitioning into a new era, with the next-generation business leaders, Mayura MS and Devika MS, taking on the reins to lead it forward.

Mayura and Devika MS are the third-generation leaders from the Kumar family, who have led the group since the late 1970s when MP Veerendra Kumar was elected to the group's board of directors. The Mathrubhumi Group is no stranger to the passing of the baton, but each generation brings its unique perspective. As a result, the wave of transformation is always evolving, driven by new ideas and innovations. The first copy of Mathrubhumi was published in 1923, carrying an intense patriotic tone, stressing the need for real freedom from disparity, divisions and distortions. Today, the group is increasingly diversifying its media businesses to stay ahead of the curve while remaining truthful to its values. 

Each generation of the Kumar family has helped modernise the 100-year-old institution. MV Shreyams Kumar, the Managing Director of Mathrubhumi Group, has been instrumental in introducing and expanding multimedia formats. Now, Mayura MS, Director - Digital Business, and Devika MS, Director - Operations, are stepping up to take the group’s digital businesses to the next level, equipping the company to stay in sync with the times.

MV Shreyams Kumar, trained in the trade by his father, now finds himself in a similar position. He candidly shares: “I can't expect my daughters to get the same training I got, and I cannot keep referencing how I solved something 15 years ago. Their problems are different, and the solutions also need a new lens.”

Refraining from the perils of micromanagement, he tries to give them the space they need to grow, much like his father did for him. “I allow them the space to realise something and correct it instead of forcing a correction. They surprise me quite frequently by bringing in their outlook and coming up with different solutions,” he says. 

Sharing glimpses of his early experiences at Mathrubhumi, he reflects on the pressure he felt as he worked to shape himself into his role. “Everyone at Mathrubhumi trusted my father. When I took over, I had the task of ensuring the good remained and that I could grow the company with it, taking people forward. I ended up being a tough guy, known as a terror!”

He was never encouraged to be exactly like his father. Rather, to build his character and find his place. It’s something he is paying forward to his daughters. “My daughters are facing different challenges than I did. They also have certain comforts for which I suffered. Now, they have to prove themselves. They will have to find their place in the industry. They can't ride on the back of my work and name,” he shares.

Echoing the challenges of building one’s name in the industry beyond the family legacy, Devika says, “Building trust and establishing our own credibility, especially during such a turbulent period in the industry, has been a demanding task. However, we view these challenges as opportunities to think creatively and push the boundaries of what’s possible.”

Mayura and Devika began their careers at the company as entry-level executives, learning everything step-by-step to grow into their current roles. According to Shreyams Kumar, Mayura has a creative mind and a deep interest in music, making her a great fit to lead the creative teams. Devika, on the other hand, is more process-oriented as she looks at the nuts and bolts of everything, becoming an asset for operations.

Their elevation into leadership roles coincided with the turbulent times of the pandemic and major floods. Pretty much from day one, their focus was on operational stability, pushing them to think outside the box and get creative with problem-solving. 

In her leadership role, Devika primarily focuses on operations and revenue. “My role is multifaceted, encompassing various aspects of our business,” she shares, adding that she is also passionate about event management, where she can combine strategic thinking with creative vision to bring the team’s ideas and vision to life. 

Mayura, who started her career in radio, is also tasked with growing the company’s digital presence. She is also actively involved in building Club FM, Kappa CULTR and Mathrubhumi Books. “I'm a big believer in diversification, and I'm always looking for new ways to help our company grow and explore different areas,” Mayura says. 

The sisters are currently working on fostering a culture of innovation at the group, steering the institution to adapt to changing times. “Whether addressing policy revisions or streamlining operational procedures, navigating change within such a deeply established organization demands careful planning, effective communication, and a commitment to ensuring a smooth transition,” Mayura shares.

Speaking about the lesson she has learned from her father, Devika shares, “Something he has always instilled in all of us is the power of knowledge. If you have your facts right and are deeply immersed in understanding the field you're working in, no matter what it may be, it will take you a long way.” She also lists the importance of continuous learning and the need for a strong work ethic as crucial guiding principles. 

Mayura adds to the list with her lessons: The need to face challenges as a means to grow, how comfort can be limiting, the importance of never overlooking the details, and making the most of what one has instead of dwelling on what they don’t. “Passion and drive are key for anyone to stay happy when working with you, so drive that as much as possible,” she adds.

As Mayura and Devika steer the group forward, the next-gen transformations are just beginning to unfold at the Mathrubhumi Group. “While the buck stops at me, I never participate in day-to-day operations,” says Shreyams Kumar, who looks forward to seeing them efficiently lead the institution, while challenging him for the better — at every turn.