Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church –39
Leo Pauld Vithayathil
Leo Pauld Vithayathil, who drew the attention of Malayalis through his book “A Life Without a Watering Pot,” was born on November 23, 1923, in Kattur, Thrissur District, as the son of Joseph and Kunhannan Vithayathil.
After completing his high school education, he began his official career as a bank employee. Later, he worked in the railway services. During the Second World War, he joined the Indian Army. In 1947, he started working as a Co-operative Inspector in Ernakulam. He then joined St. Thomas College (Thrissur), where he completed his B.A. degree. Subsequently, he worked in various capacities including Hand Development Officer, Assistant Co-operative Registrar, Central Kerala Marketing Co-operative Secretary, Reserve Bank Special Officer, District Industries Officer, Industrial Project Officer, Deputy Commissioner, and Industrial Deputy Director, eventually retiring as the Director of Industries.
He was the founding Director of the August Club, which started in Kattur in 1946. He also served as a member of the Thrissur Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, Trustee of the Thrissur Metropolitan Cathedral, and member of the Peringandur Mandabuddhi Centre Committee.
Despite a busy life, Leo Pauld found time for literary pursuits. His first published literary work was an article titled “Christmas Tree,” which appeared in the Express newspaper in 1960. He also wrote a biography of C.R. Iyyunni, a former minister and father-in-law of his wife, in commemoration of his centenary. The book is titled “A Life Without a Watering Pot.” This book, which details political, social, and cultural history, is a valuable contribution to the biographical genre.
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