Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church-64 K.P. John

Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church-64
K.P. John
K.P. John, a prominent industrialist and socio-cultural political activist, served as the former president of the All Kerala Catholic Congress. Born on December 26, 1926, in the historic Kandamkulathy family of Irinjalakuda to Lonappan and Thresya, he completed his high school education in Irinjalakuda before obtaining his intermediate degree from Tevara S.H. College and a B.A. from Loyola College, Madras. He later enrolled at the University of Lucknow, where he earned his M.A. and L.L.B. He married Leela, daughter of A.D. Paul of the Alappattu family.
After his education, John focused on the family’s traditional cashew industry, becoming a managing partner at Delicious Cashew Company. He also served as a member of the Cashew Promotion Council, promoting his business extensively. His enterprises employed over a thousand workers, maintaining a commendable relationship between management and staff.
While thriving in business, John also made significant contributions to social work, carving a unique path in the political and social spheres. He served as the chairman of the Irinjalakuda municipality from 1962 to 1968, playing a crucial role in its development and successfully garnering cooperation from all for municipal projects.
John led various delegations under the Cashew Promotion Council, engaging in multiple international business visits to the United States, Africa, Australia, the Middle East, Egypt, and European countries.
A skilled organizer, he hosted the All Kerala Catholic Congress’s annual event in Irinjalakuda in 1967, marking a significant assembly in the Congress’s history. This success led to his election as president of the Congress in 1968, amid pressures from community leaders and clergy. He served as president for three years, during which he worked tirelessly to expand the Congress’s activities, especially in the hilly regions of Malabar.
John was also a long-time member of the Kerala Catholic Trust’s board of directors. He participated in discussions on implementing decisions from the Second Vatican Council at regional and national seminars in Aluva and Bangalore.
Under his presidency, Kerala witnessed its first cardinal appointment when Archbishop Joseph Parakattil was elevated to cardinal. John promptly expressed gratitude to Pope Paul VI on behalf of the Kerala Catholic community and attended the cardinal’s installation ceremony in the Vatican.
In 1964, he played a crucial role in establishing the Irinjalakuda Lions Club and was elected as the governor of the 324-E2 Lions District in 1991. John has also served as chairman of K.P.L. Oil Mills and as a board member of Kerala Solvents and Extractors.
For over fifty years, John dedicated himself to serving the Christian community and the nation. Recognized for his contributions, he was awarded the Aashritha Award by the Catholic Congress, presented by the Governor of Meghalaya, M.M. Jacob, in the presence of numerous dignitaries. His commitment to upholding workers’ rights and fostering better relations with them earned him respect and admiration, culminating in the Kerala Sabha Tharam Award in 1992.