Jobaaj Stories
Welcome to Jobaaj Stories, a collection of inspiring stories of people who pursued their dreams and excelled in their chosen fields.
Palam Kalyanasundaram, an old librarian, exemplifies the power of kindness, showing that popularity and recognition stem from one's actions rather than wealth. Raised by his mother, who instilled in him the values of selflessness, he dedicated 30 years to serving as a librarian. He is also the adopted father of the renowned actor Rajnikanth. Let's delve into the life, education, and remarkable contributions of this great legend.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Born in Melakarivelamkulam in Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli district, Kalyanasundaram faced adversity from a young age. He lost his father at the tender age of one and was raised by his inspiring mother, Thaayammal. She taught him three valuable lessons: to avoid greed for money, allocate a portion of his income for noble causes, and perform at least one act of kindness daily.
Kalyanasundaram completed his schooling in a nearby government school and pursued a Bachelor's degree in Arts from St. Xavier College. He intended to pursue a master's degree in Tamil, but at that time, there was no Tamil specialization in his college. However, the founder of MDT Hindu College, Karumuttu Thygaraja Chettiar, recognized his exemplary behavior and granted him admission with reduced fees. Furthermore, Kalyanasundaram excelled in library science, earning a gold medal in the field.
Retirement with a Purpose
Throughout his career as a librarian, Kalyanasundaram selflessly donated his entire monthly salary to orphanages. Even after retiring, he worked as a waiter, receiving two meals a day in exchange for his service which allowed him to continue supporting through his contributions. He slept on pavements and by the sides of roads which made him familiar with the hardships and deprivation of life. Kalyanasundaram dedicated his life to helping people, hence he has no time for himself. He has never been married and currently does odd jobs to support his necessities.
Establishment of the Welfare Organization
During his graduation ceremony, he made a visit to a slum in Triplicane, Chennai which had a significant impact on Kalyanasundaram. Witnessing the poor living conditions of the children, he decided to establish the Triplicane Slum Children Welfare Organization, focusing on their education, cleanliness, and hygiene. The organization showed significant support, expanding its reach nationwide and evolving into the Indian Children's Welfare Organization. Through his connections at Chennai University, the organization extended its assistance to children in Commonwealth nations, leading to its renaming as the World Children's Welfare Organization.
Man of the Millennium
Kalyanasundaram's exceptional contributions earned him numerous awards and accolades. He was honored as the 'Best Librarian in India' by the Government of India in 1990, and Jawaharlal Nehru University recognized him as 'One of the top ten librarians of the world.' The United Nations Organizations (UNO) also acknowledged him as 'One of the outstanding people of the 20th Century.' He also received the title of 'Man of the Millennium' from an American association and was hailed as 'one of the noblest people in the world' by the International Biographical Centre, Cambridge.
Palam Kalyanasundaram's life embodies the essence of selflessness and compassion. His dedication to helping others, with his remarkable philanthropy has earned him widespread recognition and admiration. Through his acts of kindness, Kalyanasundaram has become an icon of inspiration, showing the world that true popularity and recognition come from the goodness we incorporate. In 2023, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri in honor of his selfless efforts.
Written by Harshita Kumar
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