Impressum

I am V S Syamlal, and I would like to be referred to as a public interpreter. I have set my role to research complex factual issues and then communicate an accurate and understandable version to the public as a teacher or policy advisor.

My product is intended for the general public. I want my work to be creative and analytical rather than a simple relay of raw information. I try my level best to ensure that my reporting is based on facts rather than fabrications. I always ensure that my product conveys multiple points of view.

I make my living from writing. Of course, whatever is presented on the visual medium is also written first. I want my work to be recognised by others, which helps to give it value. Knowing the power of the printed or spoken word, I entered this field. I use the power to influence people for good. I also recognise my role as a servant of the people. I never use journalism for selfish ends. I have tried hard to improve the lives of other people – remembering that they may not always agree with me on what those improvements should be.

As many journalists do, I tend to know a little about a lot of things rather than a lot about one subject. I claim to have a deep love of language, written or spoken. I try to understand the real meaning and flow of words and take delight in using them.

I aim for accuracy. Without accuracy, I may lose trust, viewers, and ultimately the job. I go out, find a story and hang on to it until I’m satisfied and have it in full. I often have to ask hard questions and risk upsetting people who do not want to co-operate. It may be painful, but in the end, I tend to gain their respect. I always try to be polite, however rude people may be. My rule is simple: be polite but persistent.

      • I have an interest in the world around me.
      • I love the languages I have at hand.
      • I have an alert and an ordered mind.
      • I can approach and question people.
      • I am polite but persistent.
      • I am friendly and reliable.
Facebooked

EDUCATION

  • Institute of Journalism, Trivandrum
    PGDJ -News Reporting, Editing, 1997 -1998
    Grade: First Rank with Distinction
    Activities and Societies: Editor of the lab journal | Co-ordinator for lecture sessions
  • University College, Thiruvananthapuram
    Master of Arts (MA) -English Language and Literature, 1995 -1997
    Activities and Societies: Leadership role in the English Department Association
  • University College, Thiruvananthapuram
    Bachelor of Arts (BA) -English Language and Literature, 1992 -1995
    Activities and Societies: Campus theatre artist | Active participation in social and cultural organisations and activities | A leadership role in students’ cultural union
  • Govt. Arts College, Thiruvananthapuram
    Pre-Degree Course -Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, 1990 -1992
    Activities and Societies: Arts Club Secretary | Active participation in social and cultural organisations and activities
  • St.Joseph’s High School, Thiruvananthapuram
    Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) -Languages, Basic Science, Social Sciences, Mathematics, 1987 -1990
    Activities and Societies: School theatre artist | Active participation in social and cultural organisations and activities
  • Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Vazhuthacaud
    Upper Primary School -Languages, Basic Science, Social Sciences, Mathematics, 1978 -1987
    Activities and Societies: School Leader | Many awards for general proficiency | Active participation in social and cultural organisations and activities

EXPERIENCE

  • Editor at Fourth Pillar
    September 2024 –
    Expertise in News Reporting, News Production, News Research, News Presentation, Webcasting, Podcasting, Social Media Management, Web Design, Layout
  • Syndicate Editor at G News
    December 2015 – June 2024 (8 years, 6 months)
    Expertise in News Reporting, News Production, News Research, News Presentation, Webcasting, Podcasting, Social Media Management, Web Design, Layout
  • News Editor at Indiavision Satellite Communications Ltd
    September 2012 – February 2015 (2 years, 6 months)
    Expertise in News Reporting, News Production, News Research, News Presentation
  • Senior Reporter at Mathrubhumi Printing and Publishing Company Ltd
    March 2001 – August 2012 (11 years, 6 months)
    Expertise in News Reporting, News Editing, News Research, Pagination
  • Sub Editor at Indiainfo.com Ltd
    July 2000 – February 2001 (8 months)
    Expertise in News Reporting, News Editing, Copywriting, Copy Editing, Web Page Design
  • Reporter at Mathrubhumi Printing and Publishing Company Ltd
    June 1999 – June 2000 (1 year, 1 month)
    Expertise in News Reporting, News Editing, News Research, Pagination
  • Sub Editor at Kalakaumudi
    December 1997 – May 1999 (1 year, 6 months)
    Expertise in News Reporting, News Editing, News Research, Pagination

HONOURS

  • Kerala State Award for the Best Broadcast Reporting
    Was presented with the Kerala State Award for the Best Broadcast Reporting, 2012
    Government of Kerala -March 2013
Receiving the State Award for the Best Broadcast Reporting from the Chief Minister Oommen Chandy
  • G V Raja Award for Sports Reporting
    Was presented with the G V Raja Award for the Best Sports Reporter
    Thiruvananthapuram District Football Association -February 2010
Receiving the G V Raja Award for the best sports reporter from the Minister for Sports, M Vijayakumar
  • Indian Delegate to China
    Was a part of the Indian Prime Minister’s Youth Delegation that visited China
    Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India -June 2009
At Guangzhou, as a member of the Indian Prime Minister’s youth delegation that visited China
  • Vakkom Abdul Khader Moulavi Award
    Was presented with the Vakkom Abdul Khader Moulavi Award for the Best Young Journalist, 1998
    Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai Memorial Trust -October 1998
Receiving the Vakkom Abdul Khader Moulavi award for the best young journalist from the Opposition Leader A K Antony
  • K M Cherian Memorial Gold Medal
    Was selected the Best Editor at the Institute of Journalism, Press Club, Thiruvananthapuram, and was awarded the K M Cherian Memorial Gold Medal
    Malayala Manorama Company Limited -July 1998
Receiving the K M Cherian Memorial Gold Medal for the Best Editor at the Institute of Journalism from the Minister for Education, P J Joseph
  • M J Krishna Mohan Memorial Gold Medal
    Was awarded the M J Krishna Mohan Memorial Gold Medal for securing First Rank from the Institute of Journalism, Press Club, Thiruvananthapuram
    The Mathrubhumi Printing and Publishing Company Ltd -July 1998
Receiving the M J Krishnamohan Memorial Gold Medal for securing First Rank at the Institute of Journalism from the Minister for Education, P J Joseph

COMMUNICATION

  • English (native or bilingual proficiency)
  • Malayalam (native or bilingual proficiency)
  • Hindi (native or bilingual proficiency)
  • French (limited working proficiency)
  • Sanskrit (limited working proficiency)
  • Tamil (elementary proficiency)

INTERESTS

Theatre | New Technologies | Gadgets | Movies | Music | Driving | Travel

PERSONAL DATA

  • Age 51 years
  • Date of birth 23rd of July, 1974
  • Spouse Devika Panikar, Associate Professor of English, Government College Kasaragod, Vidyanagar, Kasaragod -671123
  • Son Pranav Nair
Pranav Nair, Devika Panikar and V S Syamlal

V S Syamlal CARD

Last Edited on 2025-07-23