Robinson Koilpillai’s Biography 'Among Friends'

For over fifty years in Canada, Robinson Koilpillai has influenced, challenged, inspired, and sometimes provoked his students, colleagues and friends. By his energy, his vision, his courage and his intelligence he has supported social and economic justice, recognition, inclusion and respect for all Canadians, whatever their background.

He is much admired for his tireless commitment to the advancement of multiculturalism as the best framework for pursuing these goals and the inherent rights of all people, in Canada and in other parts of the world.

Among friends : Robinson Koilpillai - teacher, citizen of Canada, advocate for common humanity, by Allan Sheppard includes topics such as:

  • Childhood, education and early teaching career in India
  • Years in the United States as one of the first recipients of a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship
  • Years in Ethiopia as a teacher and school administration
  • Early years in Canada, teaching in Athabasca, Alberta, where he became aware of the challenges faced by Aboriginal Canadians
  • Years teaching in the Edmonton Public School System
  • Community involvement in Edmonton and Alberta: Council of India Societies, Millwoods Welcome Centre for Immigrants, Alberta Cultural Heritage Council
  • National Association of Canadians with Origins in India, Canadian Heritage Council,
  • Federal Ministers’ Advisory Councils of Multiculturalism and Racism
  • International involvement: Friends of Nepal, Alberta Council for Global Co-operation, Canadian Council for International Cooperation
  • Human rights involvement: Canadian Human Rights Commission
  • Multiculturalism Advocacy: Canadian Multicultural Education Foundation
  • Recipient of the Order of Canada
  • Passing the torch

In this biography we learn that even though in his mid eighties, Robinson Koilpillai still has a lot to contribute as a visionary and a thinker.

The book was funded by Maanaw Seva Association with generous contributions from individuals and organizations. It is our vision to distribute this inspiring true story to children who will learn what one person is capable of achieving.