Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church –36

Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church –36
Paul Valappila

“Even though he moves with humility into his eighties, the humanitarian who is not far from receiving the blessings of a thousand full moons remains active with the zeal of an eighteen-year-old. Dressed in a long khadi shirt and mundu, with a dark pair of shoes and socks, and carrying a tattered bag over his shoulder, he has been walking through Thrissur city for years, from Kunnamkulam to the cathedral. His body, a reflection of his strong bones with only a thin layer of flesh and fair skin, carries no sign of bowing down in life. Despite establishing himself in the shadow of Thrissur’s Puthenpalli, he remains indifferent to communal extremism. His life has been solely dedicated to bearing witness to the truth, embodying humility and selflessness. Even after seven decades of life, this virtuous man, who has lived more for the nation and society than for himself, is none other than Paul Valappil, the beloved figure of Thrissur.” This excerpt is from an article written by Thomas Parannoor on June 30, 2003, in the magazine Progress.

Paul Valappila, the legendary figure, was born on July 3, 1923, in Thrissur. His father was Chalissery Valappil Lonappan and his mother was Rose. He completed his education at St. Thomas College High School, Thrissur, and later joined St. Thomas College, Thrissur for intermediate studies.

At that time, pursuing education was a burdensome responsibility. Paul’s family was financially struggling from his student days. He financed his college education through his own efforts. After his studies, Paul joined Malabar Bank and became a well-known I.N.T.U.C. (Indian National Trade Union Congress) activist in Thrissur. He was recognized as a Congress member of high ideals. Alongside his political work, he was actively involved in community service. It was during this period that Paul Valappil first met Brother Vadakkan, who had come to replace another teacher in the Biblical studies class at Thrissur Puthenpalli. Paul Valappil, who was then the headmaster of Biblical studies, suggested inviting Brother Vadakkan as the speaker for the Mariya Sakhyam annual function at Kuriachira Church. Thus, Brother Vadakkan’s first speech took place at Kuriachira. Recognizing the impact of this speech, Paul Valappil and Fr. Jacob Chovalloor organized Brother Vadakkan’s first anti-communist speech at a meeting held on the second floor of the Sanny Readings building in Thrissur East. Following this, Brother Vadakkan continued his speeches against communism throughout the city of Thrissur, as advised by Paul Valappil and others. The Anti-Communist Front was later established in the room of the parish priest at Lourdes Church in Thrissur, where Paul Valappil, along with others like Manjil Kunjuvarikutty, was a key figure. Paul Valappil became the first General Secretary of the Anti-Communist Front. He played a crucial role in organizing study classes across Kerala, opposing the growing influence of communism after India’s independence.

In 1957, when Kerala shifted to communist rule, and anti-communist front activists faced severe repression and violence, Paul Valappil endured significant sacrifices to keep the worker’s newspaper running amidst severe financial constraints. His contributions to the liberation struggle, resistance to the post-independence government, and anti-communist protests, including the Kottiyoor march and various farmer movements, are numerous and notable.

Paul Valappila was the principal organizer of the Kottiyoor march, successfully arranging reception events and other activities from Kottiyoor to Thiruvananthapuram. He was also a secretary of the K.T.P. and worked as an organizer for the Malanad Farmers Union. In 1971, when the worker’s newspaper ceased publication, Paul Valappil played a significant role in collecting advertisements for nearly two decades. Despite the financial losses from leaving his bank job and the challenges faced, he succeeded in redirecting his efforts into another form. In 1977, he founded Valappil Advertising Service, which soon flourished under the management of his children John Valappil and J.P. Valappil. Thomas Parannoor notes, “With the support of his children John Valappil and J.P. Valappil, the business quickly grew. Paul Valappil, with the advanced advertising techniques of the modern world, created a new legend in Malayalam advertising. Valappil Communications, under this new crown, grew into a giant with modern and attractive offices in Thrissur Basilica Building and regional offices in Kochi and Kozhikode, along with mobile units unmatched in Kerala. The success story of his advertising firm reflects the unending goodwill and recognition from the community that Paul Valappil has earned.”

The financial loss from leaving the bank job, the absence of any other income, and the sacrifices made to keep the worker’s newspaper running were all severe trials. Nevertheless, the reward for his perseverance and hope was the establishment of Valappil Communications, as a divine blessing.

Paul Valappila was also active in various religious organizations. He served for a long time as the first Diocesan Secretary of the Catholic Congress, President of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, President of the Legion of Mary, Secretary of the Pastoral Council, and more. He worked as a Biblical studies teacher and headmaster at Thrissur Puthenpalli for forty-two years. He was also the executive editor of the Puthenpalli Platinum Jubilee Souvenir. In recognition of his 68 years of esteemed service, he was honored with a golden shawl by Mar James Pazhayattil at the Basilica Platinum Jubilee in Thrissur.

Paul Valappila, who supported all the good initiatives started by Fr. Vadakkan and worked tirelessly behind the scenes, was deeply saddened by Fr. Vadakkan’s departure. The social initiatives such as housing and community marriages that Fr. Vadakkan had begun continued uninterrupted due to Paul Valappil’s efforts. He was elected as the president of the trust formed for these initiatives. In his old age, Paul Valappil, with the zeal of youth, is continuing to fulfill Fr. Vadakkan’s aspirations and remains dedicated to making his old age as meaningful as his youth was filled with sacrifice and commitment.