20/04/2023
Meet Palaam Kalyanasundaram: A Librarian Who Has Been Donating Every Rupee He Earned To The Poor For 30 Years!
Born at Melakarivelamkulam in Tamil Nadu, Kalyanasundaram lost his father when he was just one. His mother raised him all by herself, inspiring him to help the poor and underprivileged sections of the community. As he grew older, he inclined himself towards higher education and became more passionate about helping the tribal community. He wanted to do his masters in Tamil, but as he was the only student in that subject, the college administration asked him to opt for another area of specialization. But he was determined to take up Tamil and did not give up.
His dedication impressed the founder of MTT College, and he happily admitted him into his establishment and even took care of his educational expenses. In spite of having such strong and kind motives, Kalyanasundaram faced his own share of difficulties. Having a shrill, high-pitched voice, he was troubled by this “flaw” and wanted to commit su***de. Meeting Thamizhvaanan, a writer of self-improvement books, changed his life.
His tryst with social service came when he listened to Jawaharlal Nehru’s plea to contribute to the defense fund during the Indo-China war. “I went to Chief Minister Kamaraj and gave him my gold chain"
Kalyanasundaram took up odd part-time jobs to earn his daily bread and butter while he donated all his savings and regular income to those in need. With each passing day, he became clearer about his intentions to dedicate his life to the poor. He slept on railway platforms and pavements to personally experience what the poor of the country go through. He did not even get married as he wished to spend his entire income helping the poor rather than his family. After he retired as a librarian, he even donated his Rs. 10 lakhs pension!
He mostly worked around children for 45 years, and after his retirement, he thought of extending his services to others. He founded an organization called Palam that helps donors to reach out to the poor. The organization collects money and material from those willing to donate and distributes them to those who need them.
A gold medalist in Library Science and MA in Literature and History, Kalyanasundaram has received various awards, including Padma Shri, in 2023. His total prize money of Rs. 30 crores has been promptly donated to those in need.
The brightest of the heroes are those who constantly throw light on society without being noticed or expecting anything in return. Thus, Kalyanasundaram is one man whose benevolence fed hundreds of hungry men.
