Palam Kalyanasundaram
Palam Kalyanasundaram | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 1940 Melakarivelamkulam, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education |
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| Occupations |
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| Organization | Paalam |
| Known for | Philanthropy, Social service |
| Awards |
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Palam Kalyanasundaram (born c. August 1940) is an Indian librarian, philanthropist, and social worker from Tamil Nadu, India. He is known for his extensive charitable work, having reportedly donated all his earnings, including his salary throughout his 35-year career as a librarian, his pension, and numerous cash awards, to charitable causes.[1][2] He was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honor, in 2023 in the field of social work.[3][4]
Early life and education
Palam Kalyanasundaram was born in August 1940 in Melakarivelamkulam village in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, India.[5] He lost his father when he was a child, and was raised by his mother, Thaayammal.[6]
Kalyanasundaram pursued higher education at the University of Madras, where he earned a gold medal in Library Science.[7] He also holds Master of Arts degrees in Literature and History. His interest in Tamil literature led the founder of MTT Hindu College to introduce the subject and sponsor his education.[6]
Career and philanthropy
Kalyanasundaram worked as a librarian for 35 years at the Kumarkurupara Arts College in Srivaikuntam, Thoothukudi district, retiring in 1998.[8] A significant aspect of his philanthropic journey was the decision to donate all his earnings.[1] During the 1962 Sino-Indian War, he donated his gold chain to the war fund,[1][9] an act acknowledged and felicitated by the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, K. Kamaraj.[9]
Upon retirement, Kalyanasundaram also donated his pension arrears of ₹10 lakh (US$12,000).[1] He is also reported to have donated prize money from various awards, including a sum of ₹30 crore (US$3.5 million) that he received with a 'Man of the Millennium' award from some unidentified American organisation.[1][2]
Kalyanasundaram founded the Paalam (meaning "bridge" in Tamil) organization in 1998 after his retirement. The organization acts as a conduit, connecting donors with those in need and facilitating various social welfare activities.[8]
Awards and recognition
- Padma Shri (2023)[10]
- Man of the Millennium, from some American organisation[4]
- Best Librarian in India (1990), from the Government of India.[11]
Personal life and legacy
Kalyanasundaram lives in Saidapet, Chennai, and remains unmarried.[1] He has pledged his body and eyes to the Tirunelveli Medical College for medical research and donation after his death.[8]
References
- ^ a b c d e f Pareek, Shreya (20 August 2014). "The 73-Year Old Librarian Who Has Been Donating Every Rupee He Earned To The Poor For 30 Years!". The Better India. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ a b James, Merin Maria (20 April 2016). "An unwavering commitment to charity". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ "Padma Awards 2023 Announced". Press Information Bureau. 23 January 2023. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
- ^ a b "Singer, snake catchers, doctor among six Padma Shri awardees from TN". The New Indian Express. 26 January 2023. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ Shukla, Gopal Mohan (30 March 2023). "Librarian of the Millennium: Palam Kalyanasundaram". Princh. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ a b Britto, F. M. (23 January 2024). "Librarian of the Millennium". The Teenager Today. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ "Palam Kalyanasundaram: The Man Of The Millenium - The Commune". 26 January 2023. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
- ^ a b c Parameswaran, Prathiba (22 August 2004). "Practising what he preaches". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 2 May 2013. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
- ^ a b Dalvi, Ramachandraa (10 November 2022). "Who is Palam Kalyanasundaram?". S R Dalvi (I) Foundation. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ "Retired Librarian Palam Kalyanasundaram awarded Padma Shri for social work". Times of India Videos. 6 April 2023. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ Warrier, Shobha (23 March 2016). "He donated EVERY rupee he earned to the poor". Rediff.com. Retrieved 15 May 2024.