A Tribute to Koshy Mathew
Editor, Friend, and Tireless Servant of YMI
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Koshy Mathew, a cherished friend of our Movement and one of the most devoted editors Y’s Men International has known.
For two decades, Koshy served YMI with exceptional dedication. He held many roles – from Club President to Regional and Area leadership – but it was as Editor of YMI World, a responsibility he carried for nearly ten years, that he left one of the most enduring legacies. His commitment to publishing the magazine regularly and with purpose kept our global community connected across borders and time zones.
In 2016, Koshy played a pivotal part in modernising our identity. Drawing from discussions at the Mid-Year Meeting in Bangalore, he proposed renaming Y’s Men’s World to YMI World, ensuring our official publication better reflected the Association’s inclusive and evolving character. This forward-looking change took effect from the first 2016/17 issue and continues to shape how we present ourselves today.
Koshy’s influence extended far beyond a single publication. He was instrumental in creating the Information Nuggets, the concise and widely appreciated learning series that has helped members and leaders strengthen their understanding of YMI. His instinct for clarity and precision made the Nuggets an invaluable resource.
He also played a major role in preparing the Legacy Stories Series – a collection of 100 stories published for YMI’s centennial in 2022. This landmark project captured the spirit, history, and people of YMI, and Koshy’s careful stewardship ensured that this once-in-a-century tribute was both meaningful and memorable.
He described himself as an “information-miner”, and all who worked with him knew the truth behind that modest phrase. He was meticulous, curious, quietly determined, and deeply committed to presenting YMI’s story with care and integrity.
Koshy built lasting friendships through kindness and reliability. His loyalty, warmth, and willingness to help made him a valued colleague to many across the world.
In his final days, he offered one more remarkable act of service to YMI – one that reflected both his generosity and his lifelong love of stamp collecting. Koshy donated his personal philatelic collection to support the Building Fellowship programme.
This fund, founded in 1931, has long used philately as a creative way to support international travel grants, youth fellowships, and cross-cultural exchange.
His contribution helped inspire the launch of the BF Philatelists Team and the release of a commemorative six-stamp souvenir during the Deepavali celebrations on 30 November. This special collection symbolised both a celebration of culture and a heartfelt gesture of support to a cause he deeply believed in. Plans to release further philatelic souvenirs bearing the Y’s Men emblem – some to be auctioned for the fund – stand as a living continuation of his final gift.
Through this act, Koshy once again transformed something simple into something meaningful – turning stamps into fellowship, connection, and support for future generations.
We give thanks for his life, his service, and the invaluable contributions he made to the story of Y’s Men International. His impact will be felt for many years to come.
Our thoughts are with his family, his friends, the Bangalore club, and all in India Area who mourn his passing.
May he rest in peace, and may his memory continue to inspire us.