K.M. Philip, a whole-time Director of MRF Ltd and the first Asian to become the President of the World Alliance of YMCAs, died here today at the age of 104.
He was the sixth son of late K.C Mammen Mappillai, former Chief Editor of Malayala Manorama, and was a recepient of Padma Shri and many national and international awards.
The funeral will take place tomorrow morning at the Kilpauk Cemetery here.
K.M Philip is survived by wife Chinnamma, two sons, Mammen Philip, Director, M.M Rubber Co.Ltd,. Chennai, and Dr. Peter Philip , Director, Malayala Manorama, and Managing Director, The India Coffee and Tea Distributing Company Mumbai.
Born on May 2 1912 in Kottayam, Philip completed his elementary education from M.D School and C.M.S college, Kottayam, moved on to Loyola college, Madras from where he graduated in Economics (Hons).
Philanthropic by nature, he was an active member of the YMCA and brought prestige to the organisation as the first Asian to be elected as the President of the World Alliance of YMCAs with its headquarters in Geneva.
Philip also served as the President of Bombay and later the YMCAs of India for quarter of a century. He was conferred Life Membership by The World Alliance of YMCAs for long and distinguished services for the youth of the world.
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Philip was the recipient of many honours from across the globe for his illustrious and multifarious contributions in various fields.
He was awarded the' Hancock Medal" by the Plastic and Rubber Institute of U.K. Which is the highest recognition in the world for outstanding service to the Rubber industry, based on worldwide assessment. He also received Fellowships from The Royal Chartered institute of Materials U.K., Indian Rubber Institute, Plastic and Rubber Institute of London etc.
'Amul' honoured him with a gold medal and a citation for voluntary help for 15 years as their advisor in it's fledgling days.
A keen sports enthusiast and one of the oldest golfers in India, he won several trophies of the Western India Golf Association.
He started his career as the manager of Travancore National Bank in Chennai . He then moved on to the Bombay branch of the bank,as its Assistant Manager.
Philip's affable manners, simplicity and approachability brought prestige and credibility to the business enterprises he was involved in. Acknowledging his contributions to the Indian Industry the nation honoured him with Padma Shri in 2001.
With his versatility and business acumen he started The India Coffee and Tea Distributing company , Bombay better known by its founder's name ' Philip's Coffee and Tea", which has more than 100 outlets in Mumbai.
Hard working and visionary by nature, K.M Philip ventured into the diversification of rubber and its products, which made him an advisor to many Rubber Board industries in India.
He was instrumental in the establishment of Gujarat Reclaim & Rubber Products. He was also engaged in many joint ventures in Malaysia.
He was the guiding spirit of the Indian rubber industry. One of the founders of All India Rubber Industries Association, he served the organisation as its President and Hon. General secretary for decades. He was also the Chairman of the Plastics and Rubber institute,Chairman of Govt. Of India's Development panel for non-tyre industry.
Philip served on the Rubber Board of India for 17 years. He was on the board of Malayala Manorama till 1972. He served as the whole time Director of M.R.F till date.
He has also authored more than hundred articles on Indian Rubber Industry. In recognition of his services to the industry , The All India Rubber Industries Association instituted the K.M Philip Award consisting of a gold medal ,a citation and Rupees One lakh for outstanding contribution to the Indian Rubber Industry.
He had been living in Mumbai for the past 70 years.
