Draft:John Joseph Murphy (rubber planter)
{{Short description|Irish rubber planter and philanthropist in South India. Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Recipient}}
{{Draft topics|biography|south-asia}}
{{AfC topic|bdp}}
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{{Infobox person
| name = John Joseph Murphy
| image = File:John Joseph Murphy.jpg
| caption = John Joseph Murphy (J.J. Murphy)
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1872|08|01}}
| birth_place = Ireland
| death_date = {{Death date and age|1957|05|09|1872|08|01}}
| death_place = Yendayar, Kerala, India
| nationality = Irish
| occupation = Planter, Philanthropist
| known_for = Pioneering commercial rubber cultivation in India
| awards = Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (Papal honor)
}}
John Joseph Murphy (1 August 1872 – 9 May 1957) was an Irish agricultural entrepreneur who established India's first commercially viable rubber plantation in Kerala{{cite web |last=Shah |first=Aditi |title=J J Murphy: Kerala's Rubber Man |website=Live History India |date=4 June 2020 |publisher=Peepul Tree |url=https://www.peepultree.world/livehistoryindia/story/people/murphy-rubber |access-date=2025-05-22}}{{cite web |title=Rubber: The Crop That Transformed Kerala |website=RejinCES |date=2022-07-29 |url=https://rejinces.net/2022/07/29/rubber/ |access-date=2025-05-22}}. He is considered to be the Father of Indian Rubber Plantation{{cite web |title=S. B. and the Princely Planter |website=Smusings |date=2023-04-19 |url=https://smusings.in/2023/04/19/s-b-and-the-princely-planter/ |access-date=2025-05-22}}{{cite web |title=About J.J. Murphy Research Centre |website=Rubber Park India |url=https://rubberparkindia.org/about-jj-mrc |access-date=2025-05-22}}. In recognition of his philanthropic work in Yendayar—including donating land and resources to establish the Holy Family Convent and supporting education and local welfare initiatives, Murphy was awarded the Papal honor of Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice. These contributions to the local community resulted in the John Joseph Murphy Memorial Higher Secondary School, established in his memory in Yendayar.{{cite web |last=Shah |first=Aditi |title=J J Murphy: Kerala's Rubber Man |website=Live History India |date=4 June 2020 |publisher=Peepul Tree |url=https://www.peepultree.world/livehistoryindia/story/people/murphy-rubber |access-date=2025-05-22}}
Early life and education
John Joseph Murphy was born in Ireland on 1 August 1872. As a child, he suffered from asthma and was educated at home by the Marist Brothers. His education continued at Trinity College in Dublin which he did not complete.
Career and rubber plantation
Murphy interrupted his education to join a tea plantation company in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka).
In 1897 Murphy joined Messrs Finlay Muir & Co for developing tea in the Kannan Devan Hills.{{cite journal |title=Planters Chronicle |date=September 1957 |journal=Planters Chronicle |year=1957}}
Murphy arrived in Yendayar, a remote forested area in Kerala, and began experimenting with rubber cultivation. The area’s hilly terrain and climate were ideal but the concept of rubber planting was new to the region. His work helped transform Kerala’s agricultural landscape and economy, making rubber a major cash crop.
Philanthropy
Recognition
For his community service and contributions to the Catholic Church, Murphy was awarded the Papal honor Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice.
The John Joseph Murphy Memorial Higher Secondary School, located in Yendayar, was named in his honor to continue his legacy in education.
A commemorative plaque recognizing Murphy, McPherson and Raman Kankani's contributions is installed at the nearby Nature Sanctuary Urumbi Hills, a colonial bungalow frequented by the group, currently functioning as a hotel.{{cite web |title=About Nature Sanctuary |url=https://naturesanctuary.in/about |access-date=2025-05-22}}
The J.J. Murphy Research Centre (JJMRC), dedicated to rubber research, houses a bust commemorating Murphy’s pioneering role.
Legacy
Murphy's pioneering efforts made a lasting impact on India’s rubber industry and rural development.
His grave is visited yearly by the local parish, honoring his memory and contributions to the community.{{cite web |last=Chandran |first=G. |title=Tomb of J.J. Murphy lies unattended |website=The Hindu |date=2022-04-10 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/tomb-of-jj-murphy-lies-unattended/article65414311.ece |access-date=2025-05-22}}
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