ProfileFamily Background and Education
Dr. K. V. Kaliappan was born on August 20, 1942, in Dharapuram in Tamil Nadu, India. His parents were Mr. N. Velusami and Mrs. V. Valliammal. He was strongly influenced by the values and virtues of his parents throughout his life. His family background was agricultural, but he had a drive to do something different with himself and his career at a young age itself. He received his post graduation in psychology from the Presidency College, Chennai, his post graduate diploma in medical and social psychology (DM&SP) from NIMHANS, Bangalore, and his doctorate in clinical psychology from the Department of Psychology, University of Madras. Academics Dr. Kaliappan started his career in the Institute of Mental Health, Chennai, before joining the University of Madras as a faculty. He is considered to be the Father of Applied Psychology in India. Professor Kaliappan was an expert in many areas of psychology, with wide experience in using projective tests, (like the Rorschach Ink Blot Test), behavior modification techniques, counseling and community psychology. Professor K. V. Kaliappan, or K.V.K. as he was fondly known, was associated with many academic and professional bodies like the Madras Psychology Society, Indian Academy of Applied Psychology (IAAP), Indian Society of Criminology (ISC), and served for many years as the President/Chairman of these bodies. Research Dr. Kaliappan guided more than 200 researchers on their doctorate and M.Phil. degrees. Most of the research of his students and the research papers he had published were multidisciplinary in nature and had a strong focus on benefits to the community. Administration Besides being deeply involved in the academic and applied areas of his chosen subject of psychology, Dr. Kaliappan had a strong proclivity for administration. He served as the coordinator for the National Service Scheme (NSS), and director of the Academic Staff College, University of Madras. He retired as professor and head of the Department of Psychology, University of Madras, in 2000. Social Service He had a great urge to make a difference and think "outside the box", and brought his altruistic and unconventional thinking as well as his experience as a psychologist to everything that he did. During his tenure as the chairman of the Indian Society of Criminology, Dr. Kaliappan was instrumental in creating and operating three Pudhu Vaazhvu ("New Life") centres for the prevention and treatment of drug abuse and alcoholism at Salem, Vellore and Cuddalore. Under his dynamic leadership, these centres have successfully treated more than 6000 people in rural areas. He also founded the International Society for Effective Living for providing psychological services for enhancing quality of life among various sections of people. He was the recipient of many awards and recognition for his yeomen services to the community. As the president of the Juvenile Guidance Bureau, Chennai, an extension centre of the Department of Psychology, University of Madras, he was instrumental in adopting psychological approaches in the prevention and rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents. As the coordinator of the National Service Scheme (NSS), he spread the message of personality development among youth. He undertook a major UGC (University Grants Commission) research project on ‘Personality Development of Youth towards Nation Building’ through the NSS. Students Today, many of Dr. Kaliappan's students are professors in universities and colleges, directors of national institutes and independent practitioners as counselors. He took great interest in the welfare and development of his students, both personal and professional, and was a father figure and mentor to many of them, inspiring them at every stage of their lives. Life Partner and Family Dr. K. V. Kaliappan passed away suddenly on March 15, 2015. His wife, Dr. K. Kanthimathi, a retired associate professor of zoology in the Quaid-E-Millath College for Women, had passed away just the previous month after a long illness. She had supported his work throughout their married life and provided the strong familial foundation for his career. They are survived by their two sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren. |
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In NumbersSome career highlights, in numbers:
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Appreciation“He is my academic son.”
“I have to say, I have been sitting here in awe reading his bio-data. This is an amazing man.”
“A rare combination of all in one: A lover of the poor and the needy, a dynamic leader, an affectionate guide, an able administrator.”
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More HighlightsSome more career highlights:
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