A Tribute to Mr. Sabu John on His Retirement
NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044
Retirement is often seen as the end of a professional journey. For journalists like Mr. Sabu John, however, it marks the completion of only a phase in life and the beginning of a more devoted stream of Career Mentoring and Connecting with much stronger themes in life. He was not merely reporting news, but serving society with integrity, fairness, and compassion. His new phase in his career with more freedom and a vast spectrum of possibilities will prove him much stronger and more powerful in the Media Space in Keralam and beyond.
Having retired as Bureau Chief of Deepika in Thiruvananthapuram, Mr. Sabu John leaves behind a legacy built over more than three decades of dedicated journalism. His long association with Deepika and his leadership in the Thiruvananthapuram bureau earned him the respect of colleagues, public officials, and readers alike. I had the privilege of working with Mr. Sabu John during 1993 and 1994 in Thiruvananthapuram. Looking back after more than three decades, what stands out is not merely his professional excellence, but the values that defined him as a person.
He belongs to a rare generation of journalists who believed that human relationships are as important as headlines. He treated everyone with dignity, whether they were senior administrators, political leaders, fellow journalists, or ordinary citizens who approached him with a story. His simplicity made him approachable, and his humility earned him lasting friendships across professional and social boundaries.
As a journalist, Mr. Sabu John was guided by a strong moral compass. He was righteous in his profession, never allowing personal interests or external pressures to compromise his commitment to truth. His reporting was balanced, unbiased, and deeply people oriented. He understood that journalism is not merely about conveying information. It is about giving voice to those who might otherwise remain unheard. In an era when sensationalism increasingly competes with substance, Mr. Sabu John’s career reminds us of the enduring values of responsible journalism. He demonstrated that credibility is earned through consistency, fairness, and ethical conduct rather than through loud opinions or fleeting publicity.
Those who worked with him will remember not only his professional competence but also his calm demeanor, his willingness to help younger colleagues, and his ability to build bridges among people with differing views. His office was often a place where conversations extended beyond news, reflecting his genuine interest in people and their lives.
Every profession needs role models. Journalism, perhaps more than any other profession, depends on individuals whose personal integrity reinforces public trust. Mr. Sabu John has been one such example. His career illustrates that one can remain principled, compassionate, and independent while earning the confidence of both colleagues and the community.
Retirement is not the closing of a meaningful life. It is the opening of a new chapter filled with opportunities that professional commitments often leave little time to pursue. It offers the freedom to spend more time with family, reconnect with old friends, nurture personal interests, and continue contributing to society in new and enriching ways. For someone like Mr. Sabu John, whose greatest strength has always been his relationship with people, retirement is certain to become another meaningful phase of service and friendship.
The experience, wisdom, and values accumulated over decades do not retire with a person. They become an invaluable gift to the community. Young journalists and those who have had the privilege of knowing Mr. Sabu John will continue to draw inspiration from his example of integrity, humility, and dedication. Retirement is therefore not an end. It is a new beginning, one that promises fresh experiences, lasting happiness, and countless opportunities to make a positive difference.
I consider myself fortunate to have known and worked with Mr. Sabu John during the early years of his distinguished career. He is among the very few journalists who have remained steadfast in their values while earning the admiration of friends, colleagues, and the public. I wish him good health, happiness, peace, and many fulfilling years ahead. His professional journey may have reached its formal conclusion, but the values he embodied will continue to inspire everyone who believes that journalism is, above all, a service to society.
