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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE EXCEPTIONAL LIFE OF PHILIP KALAYIL, CHAMPION OF THE INDIAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY, EDUCATOR AND DEDICATED HUMANITARIAN
WHEREAS, Philip Kalayil, an exceptional man whose life was devoted to family, faith and improving the community died at the age of 86 leaving behind a devoted family, countless friends and a community profoundly enriched for having known him; and
WHEREAS, Philip Kalayil represented the best qualities of citizenship and humanity through his tireless work building bridges in the Asian-American community and educating people. He will long be remembered for his work as a leader and organizer of the Indian-American community; and
WHEREAS, Philip Kalayil was born in the village of Keezhoor in the Indian state of Kerala. In 1956, he came to Chicago to study at Loyola University, where an uncle, a priest, was also studying. In 1959, his wife, Annamma, joined him in Chicago, briefly leaving their children in India. In 1964, she and their daughter Ann, who was born in Chicago, returned to India. Kalayil followed in 1965 to teach and be the librarian at St. John's Medical College in Bangalore. In 1967 Philip and Annamma decided to make the United States their home and to raise their family in Chicago. The two raised extraordinarily accomplished children who have each continued the family's proud legacy of commitment to community service; and
WHEREAS, Philip Kalayil's career was multidimensional but shared a common theme with his community service; in each he guided people to achieve their potential. He taught at a local business college briefly before going to work as a social worker for Catholic Charities in Chicago. In 1970, he went to work for the city of Chicago in its Department of Human Services. He was assistant director of emergency services with the department when he retired; and
WHEREAS, Philip Kalayil worked to bridge gaps between Asian-American groups divided by ethnicity, religion, and socio...
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