V.J Mathai

Vettath John Mathai (25 February 1901 – 5 August 1954), also known as "The Lion of Cochin", was an Indian politician who was a member of the Cochin Legislative Council from 1938 to 1945, representing the plantation-owning class. He is best known for being the first Indian to defeat a European in a democratic election in Indian history.

Early life Mathai was born to a Malayalee Syrian Christian Vettath family in Mulanthuruthy village. At the time, Mulanthuruthy was part of the Kingdom of Cochin, a princely state under the British Raj.

Being one of five sons, his father, John obtained a loan from an acquaintance to have Mathai and his brothers educated. With these funds, Mathai took his graduate and law degrees from Madras.

Political career As a lawyer, Mathai was known for his criticism of British colonial rule.

According to contemporary accounts, E. M. S. Namboodiripad, who later became the first Chief Minister of Kerala, would travel several kilometres to attend Mathai's public speeches.

As a legislator, Mathai advocated measures for the protection of approximately 4,500 temples in the Cochin State and supported the allocation of public funds for their maintenance.

Mathai was associated with several social welfare initiatives. He sold approximately 300 acres of land in Nelliyampathy and another 50 acres in Arakunnam, using the proceeds to assist women from economically disadvantaged and socially marginalised communities with marriage expenses.