I. Recollections by Mrs Sally Faria
Late Prof. KPM Sundharam was the Vice-President of Indo-Global Social Service Society (IGSSS), a Development Agency in India. I knew Prof. Sundharam since late 70’s when I joined IGSSS. He was a thorough Gentleman, admired and regarded by all at IGSSS. He was a Member of the Governing Body, General Body, Finance Committee and various other ad-hoc Committees formed from time to time. Prof. was a very Committed and Active Member of the Society. He was one of the first ones to come for the Meetings and was very regular till early 2000 or so. He used to drive around 40 kms to reach IGSSS. As PA to the Chief Functionary (Executive Director), I had an opportunity to talk to him very often to invite him for various Board meetings. He was always ready to attend all the Meetings whether in Delhi or outside Delhi. He gave his valuable contributions at the Regional Project Committee Meetings. He was a very straight-forward person and called a spade, a spade. He appreciated good work done by our Field Staff as well as other staff and was a source of inspiration and encouragement to the staff. We could approach him anytime with our problems.
I distinctly remember the time, I had met Prof K P M Sundharam in Oct 2015 at a regular prayer meeting that had assembled at his son’s place. After the prayer meeting was over, I sat next to Prof Sundharam to enquire about his health and also share news about various acquaintances. He was very happy to hear about IGSSS and its activities. Prof Sundharam mentioned about one Fr Lourdu in Pune whom he had been supporting for nearly two decades. Apparently, Fr Lourdu had been taking care of orphan children just through contributions from few well-wishers. It was for the first time, I came to know about the charitable work that Prof Sundharam was still continuing, long after his association with the IGSSS has ended. He requested me to find out more about Fr Lourdu and his orphanage as he had never met Father or seen his work but had only spoken to him on phone. I then approached my colleague in Pune to meet Fr Lourdu to get some more information about his work and the difficulties he was facing. Prof Sundharam was indeed very happy to hear about the positive impact of Fr Lourdu’s work. Prof Sundharam generosity and concern for the marginalised was truly inspiring.
I was fortunate to be a member of the same Parish (Church) as Prof. Sundharam and was happy to see him with Ma’am (his wife) every Sunday in the Church.
II. Recollections by Mr M. O. Peters (1966-88)
Glad to hear that you plan to celebrate the birth centenary of late Prof Sundharam. I am one of his ardent admirers. Prof Sundharam was an active member of the IGSSS Governing Body and of the IGSSS Project Committee. As Head of Project Planning Deptt, I had to present the projects finalised and recommended for funding from the IGSSS Discretionary Funds. Briefs on the projects recommended for funding had to be sent to the members of the Project Committee, at least a week in advance. Prof. Sundharam was invariably one of the few who found time to scrutinise each project briefs thoroughly. No wonder, he was always good at taking staff to task as well as to give a positive stroke, when good projects were presented well. I had visited him when he was bed-ridden. He remembered me despite his age and had good words for me for my record of work with IGSSS.
III. A Tribute to the Late Prof. K. P. M. Sundharam by Joe D’Souza
I first met the late Prof. K. P. M. Sundharam when I moved from the Bangalore office of AFPRO to its Head Office in New Delhi. He was (and continued till his passing) to serve on the Governing Body of AFPRO and, hence, in a way, also involved in the decision of bringing me to the H.O., in 1986. I hence met him several times and thus came to know him better when he attended AFPRO business meetings and grew to respect and admire him. Soon I saw him as a humane person of high integrity, compassion, care and consideration. He also was an invaluable source of advice and guidance, ‘teaching’ me not to get involved in politics of any kind within and outside the organisation. Gradually he also motivated me to feel valuable to the organisation; he was pleased to see that I did follow his ‘mentoring’ and made efforts to increase efficiency and capabilities.
There then came times when frustration crept into the work area when I came to a point of leaving in disgust. It was at this time that Prof. Sundharam dissuaded me from doing so and convinced me not to take such a drastic step. At the time, he was also on the Governing Body of IGSSS (and its Vice-President), a related organisation. Thus, when the search for filling in the position of IGSSS Executive Director, he did ask if I was interested. I didn’t feel confident enough, but he motivated and convinced me that it was to the contrary. It was thus that I considered offering my candidature was considered with others and was selected to the position.
Years later, when things within the organisation were not too conducive, Prof. Sundharam was the one who advised that I should not react in anger, frustration or any way get involved in politics of any kind. This has stood me in good stead over the years. In yet later years, even though he was not actively involved in IGSSS due to poor health, I kept in touch with him and visited him ……. even after I left IGSSS.
This is more of a personal tribute. Everyone is aware of his achievements professionally and socially, and as a mentor and guide, at least to AFPRO and IGSSS. He is missed dearly ……… to this I add my personal loss.
With such a colourful spiritual, professional and social life, he has surely attained Eternal Peace and Rest. So, the family must also be at Peace and celebrate his life always.