TLDR;
This interview explores the life and background of Suresh Kochattil, a senior journalist and political analyst. It covers his early life in Kerala, his education in Hyderabad, and his family's influence on his career path. The discussion also touches on his reading habits, his passion for cinema and music, and his views on the importance of discipline and humility.
- Suresh Kochattil's early life and education shaped his career.
- Family history and reading habits influenced his journalistic interests.
- Hotel management taught him discipline and respect for labor.
- He emphasizes the importance of bullet points and following one's passion.
Introduction [0:04]
The host introduces Suresh Kochattil, a well-known senior journalist and political analyst, noting his widespread presence across various media channels. The interview aims to explore his background, knowledge, and experiences, which are considered inspirational for aspiring journalists and the youth. The host expresses curiosity about Kochattil's ability to stay updated on diverse topics and provide insightful analysis.
Early Life and Family Background [1:03]
Suresh Kochattil was born in Kerala and has two siblings: a younger sister and a brother. His brother lives in Muscat, Oman, and his sister studied at the University of Hyderabad. His father worked in the railways, specializing in bridge construction, while his mother was a homemaker. The family moved to Chennai (then Madras) when he was three years old and later settled in Hyderabad. Reading was a significant part of his family life, with access to comics, magazines, and newspapers. His maternal grandmother, Pochatil Kalyani Kutti Amma, was a writer who traveled to Europe in the 1960s and wrote a book about her experiences. She also interviewed prominent figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose. Kochattil's family has a history of journalism, with his cousin Kochattil Gopinath being a senior journalist in Hong Kong. His family has diverse backgrounds, with his mother's side belonging to the Nambeesan community and his father's side belonging to the Nair community. His maternal grandfather was a medical doctor in the British Indian Army during World War II.
Education and Early Influences [5:23]
Kochattil began his schooling in a Marathi school in Kachiguda, Hyderabad, before transferring to Model School under Osmania University. He credits Model School for fostering his reading habits and providing opportunities for public speaking and debate. He was the editor of the school magazine and participated in inter-school competitions. Despite the school's current struggles, he and other alumni actively support it. His father emphasized the importance of education, encouraging his children to pursue their interests. Kochattil's siblings excelled academically, with his sister studying political science at the University of Hyderabad.
College Years and Career Aspirations [9:49]
After Model School, Kochattil attended St. Joseph's College and later Railway Degree College in Tarnaka. He continued his involvement with college magazines and even created a controversial daily news board. Although his father wanted him to become an engineer, Kochattil was more interested in architecture and the arts. He attempted to get into architecture college but was unsuccessful. Inspired by Arthur Hailey's novels, he considered a career in the hotel industry. Despite being an average student, he spent much of his time reading and watching movies. He acknowledges that not pursuing civil services was a regret, as several family members had successful careers in the civil service. He frequented the Osmania University library, where he read magazines and newspapers.
Time Management and Reading Habits [14:57]
Kochattil shares his daily routine, which involves waking up early to check emails and messages, followed by reading the New York Times, Washington Post, Times of India, and Deccan Chronicle. He subscribes to various news sources and reports to stay informed. He emphasizes that reading the first few paragraphs of articles is often sufficient to grasp the main points. He recalls his early days in journalism at the Times of India in Bangalore, where he learned the importance of subbing and rewriting stories.
Marriage and Return to Hyderabad [17:21]
Kochattil got married in 1991 and his wife was a student then. In 1992, he moved back to Hyderabad to join the Economic Times. He had a deep connection with Hyderabad, knowing the city well.
Memory and Learning Techniques [18:24]
Kochattil attributes his good memory to reading and shares his learning techniques, such as identifying patterns in past question papers and focusing on bullet points. He advises against memorizing everything and emphasizes the importance of understanding key concepts. He also encourages following one's passion, a lesson he learned from his father.
Hotel Management Education [20:14]
After completing his degree, Kochattil briefly studied electrical work at an ITI before deciding to pursue hotel management. He chose hotel management over journalism, influenced by Arthur Hailey's novels. He joined the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology in Chennai. His father supported his decision but reminded him of his limited financial resources. The hotel management program instilled discipline and a respect for labor. He recounts an incident where the principal made students clean toilets to teach them humility. He emphasizes the importance of dignity of labor and treating all jobs with respect.
Early Career and Transition to Journalism [26:35]
Kochattil's first job was at the ITC Hotel Banjara in Hyderabad. He had initially been selected for Oberoi but the offer was rescinded. He accepted a position as a steward at ITC, despite his mother's initial disapproval. Within six months, he was promoted to captain. He then worked at the Taj Group in Bangalore and Vizag. Eventually, he transitioned to advertising sales at the Times of India, where he learned the importance of advertising revenue for media organizations.
Family Life and Personal Interests [29:30]
Kochattil has a married daughter who studied journalism but works in technical recruitment. He and his wife live in Alwal, Hyderabad. Despite his focus on news and current affairs, he enjoys movies and music. He prefers serious films and old songs, particularly from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. He laments the decline in quality of Telugu film music and lyrics.
