by Roy D’Silva, Former Executive Director, KKF/KKID, India; Presently a practicing Lawyer based in Bangalore, India
The one and only time I had the privilege of meeting with Mr. Karl Kübel was in June of 2004, he was around 95 years of age.
I was on my induction visit to acquaint myself with the functioning of Karl Kübel Stiftung (KKS) in Germany. The visit was planned to equip me sufficiently to carry forward its work in India. Although my itinerary was packed with a variety of tasks that were to be accomplished before my departure, there was only a remote ... I repeat a very remote possibility of meeting with the very man who founded the Institution.
It was an early morning call when a colleague of mine informed me that there was a good chance of meeting with the man himself. This was indeed a surprise. I was delighted and looked forward to that moment. I had heard so much about the man, of his achievements and success - as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, innovator etc., etc. And here I was at striking distance of being able to spend some moments with the legend.
"He looked at me, with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye..."
The drive from Bensheim up to his residence was quick, didn't really realize how quickly time had passed, as my colleague (Mrs. Susanne Fischer) drove on. We reached the main door and a gentle knock later, Mrs. Mary Anne Kübel greeted us and ushered us in towards Mr. Kübel.
I was taken to his private room where he was seated on a wheel chair. He was clean shaven, was well dressed and had lots of warm clothing on. His eyes were shut and he seemed to be deep in thought. My eyes paned through the living room and I was somewhat shaken to find holy pictures around him, an indication perhaps of a man with deep faith. Mrs. Kübel introduced me saying "Karl here is a colleague from India", suddenly his eyes opened, he looked at me, with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye, he shook his head as if to say hello. I quietly extended my greetings.
After a brief introduction from me, as to who I was and where I had come from, my colleague asked Mr. Kübel if he had any questions from me. Pat came the reply in German that he could ask me a thousand questions. He enquired about the work in India, and recollected the names of a number of people associated with the Foundation. He asked me if I had seen the papers that morning ... and with a sense of pride said ... look who is on the front page. His wife immediately pulling out the paper showed me the picture of his nephew Mr. Matthias Wilkes with some dignitaries. A few conversations later and after wishing me all success, he quietly leaned back and seemed to go into deep sleep.
"I truly felt that I was privileged to have met a legend in his lifetime"
I must admit that although the meeting with Mr. Karl Kübel was brief, it was very immense and deep. I was humbled by his simplicity, his concern for people, his wit, his faith and how proud he was of his people and of the work they were doing.
By the time I came to the end of my visit the greatness of the man had begun to sink in bit by bit. His influence seemed to have left impressions on every individual involved with the foundation. His touch was felt in every property that was generating revenue, and his presence was being felt in all the work that was being done for the betterment of children and their families in Germany, India and elsewhere in the world.
I truly felt that I was privileged to have met a legend in his lifetime. There was a lot to learn from him both as a person and professionally. The moments I spent with him were truly magical, which undoubtedly has had a lasting impression on me. Thank God for Karl Kübel.
