Alagappa Alagappan

Alagappa Alagappan was the founder of the Hindu [Temple Society of North America].

Early life

Alagappan was born in Kanadukathan, India. Alagappan graduated with bachelor's and master's degrees from Presidency College in Chennai. Alagappan later received a master's degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science in international relations.

Career

In London, Alagappan worked for BBC. Remarkably, while working at BBC, Alagappan interviewed a pope. After working at BBC, Alagappan returned to India and became a journalist for The Hindu. He went on to work at the United Nations in Bangkok and transferred to New York in 1961. Alagappan worked at the UN for 30 years and served as the deputy director of the natural resources and energy division.

The Hindu Temple Society of North America

Algappan, along with a few others, established the Hindu Temple [Society of North America] in 1970. He served as the chairman of the temple till 2000.