Mr. Antony R Parimanath, popularly known as Tony Sir is the God Father of Kerala Association of Colorado. When there were only few malayalees in Colorado, he initiated to form the “Kairali Association” in the 1960’s. Jacob John introduces this legendary personality in our community, whose achievements & decades of benevolent service has been an inspiration to many of us.  

Initial Years: Born in a picturesque place, Aroor, Ernakulam, Kerala, India Mr Antony R Parimanath , alias Tony Sir was an answer to his parents prayer to have a son after the advent of three daughters and the loss of their only son. Tony Sir still keeps the evergreen memories of his hometown. 

Coming to USA: Tony left for USA when he was 25 years old. The journey by ship covering all the seven seas took him more than a month to reach the American shore. He already had a bachelor’s degree in Economics and had finished one year of two-year law school. He became the publisher and editor of a weekly named “Labor”. He got involved in political activities and the hundreds of speeches he delivered turned him into a prolific orator and much sought after speaker. It really mesmerized the audience and rendered them speechless. “The more we hear from you, the more we like you,” exclaimed one Denver fan. 

Marriage & Family: In  USA, Tony studied journalism, economics and sociology; he worked for Voice of America as an editor and broadcaster. Around this time he married Teresa Cletus, a colleague and fellow student of similar background. It was not a case of love at first sight. They were pen pals once and it was like a marriage arranged in Heaven. The marriage of two radio stars was the talk of Malayalam speaking world. The couple has three children Austin, Anita and Alisa. Austin is an engineer, Anita is a lawyer and Alisa is trying for her second Masters degree. 

Coming to Denver: Loretta Heights College brought Tony to Denver in 1962 as a professor. He served the college for 28 years in many capacities and he loved the college with all his heart and soul. For fourteen years, he was the vice president and academic dean. Later he resigned from the post due to differences with the president. The college closed in another two years, which Tony Sir remembers as the saddest day in his life. 

Kerala Association: During this time Tony Sir, took the initiative and efforts to build up the first Malayalee Association in Denver. It was then known as the Kairali Association. Though the community was very minimum in strength, the leadership, benevolence and hard work of our Founding Fathers like Tony Sir, sowed the seeds of this association to grow up to a formidable and well recognized association among the Indian community in Colorado. He also served as the President of the Indian Association of Colorado. During this period, most of the functions of the association was held at the Loretto Heights College Auditorium. Kerala Association of Colorado is ever grateful to Tony Sir for all the guidance and encouragement we are receiving.

Awards & Achievements: The Diploma Tony cherishes the most is the one from Harvard University’s Educational Management Institute. Of the many awards Tony received, three stand out :Innovator of Year 1992 by the League for Innovation in Community College, Distinguished Service Award 1986 by the Loretto Heights College Faculty, Presidents Distinguished Service Award – 1979, by the Loretto Heights College Administration. The Board of Directors of the Denver Sister Cities International Inc.  unanimously voted to honor three individuals for their dedication and service to promoting peace through friendship between  people all over the world. One such person is our Tony Sir.

Summary: "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them."So wrote William Shakespeare. Tony may not come under any of these categories of men of greatness. He was not born great, never a rocket scientist, never elected to be the head of state, and never a million dollar lottery winner, but he seemed like a unique man to countless people who have known him and loved him for his good qualities of head and heart, for "his simple act of kindness and love" for doing ordinary things in an extraordinary way like giving more than 100% of himself in an unselfish way for the well-being of fellow human beings.

Author: Kumarakom Jacob John

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