Today’s guest is Dr. Abraham George and we’re chatting about his memoir, Mountains to Cross: Finding Life’s Purpose in Service.
Bio:
Dr. Abraham George is the author of the memoir Mountains to Cross: Finding Life’s Purpose in Service, a powerful reflection on his extraordinary journey from soldier and entrepreneur to social reformer. He began his career in the Indian Army as an artillery officer stationed at the Se La mountain pass on the India–China border, then the highest battleground in the Himalayas. Following his military service, he moved to the United States, where he earned two master’s degrees and a PhD in business administration from New York University. For nearly twenty-five years, he built a successful entrepreneurial career before returning to India in 1995 to confront systemic discrimination and economic oppression of the underclass.
Over the decades, Dr. George has championed social justice and expanded opportunities for the underprivileged through groundbreaking educational and healthcare initiatives. His projects include founding a school that provides world-class education to socially and economically disadvantaged children, creating a postgraduate institution to foster an independent press, and establishing a rural hospital serving fifteen villages. His pioneering work in environmental health also played a pivotal role in eliminating leaded gasoline across India in April 2000—a milestone achievement in public health.
Dr. George has served on the boards of esteemed organizations such as Human Rights Watch and the International Center for Journalists, and he has been honored with awards, including the Hind Rattan. In addition to his memoir, he is the author of three books on international corporate finance and two on social reform, further cementing his lifelong dedication to service, justice, and education.
What inspired you to write this book?
I want to share my experiences in social work with others who wish to embark on similar paths. I have also tried to communicate the lessons I have learned, my understanding of issues related to poverty and social injustice, and how I have addressed them. Hopefully, the book will offer a perspective on the lives of those at the bottom of society and provide direction in dealing with challenges encountered.
Excerpt from Mountains to Cross: Finding Life’s Purpose in Service:
For social entrepreneurs, educators, philanthropists, policymakers, and those interested in grassroots change, this book offers practical insights and guidance to help transform good intentions into impactful action.
What exciting project are you working on next?
Most of my time is devoted to bringing up and guiding the children of Shanti Bhavan. I am conscious of the need to ensure a proper transition of the management from the current generation to those who are younger. I am also committed to replicating the Shanti Bhavan project to widen its impact.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
While writing my doctoral thesis at New York University, I found that I could communicate clearly and organize my thoughts effectively. I recall my mother telling me that every line you write must convey something new, and I adhere to her rule. I tend to be a serious writer without much direct humor, but the stories of my past are probably funny.
Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your workday like? If not, what do you do other than write, and how do you find time to write?
I do not write full-time. I find writing enjoyable but time-consuming. I spend most of my time interacting with the children in Shanti Bhavan and working with my staff. Yet, there is always enough time to write at night.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I’d say writing about the humor in my own mistakes and describing the silly things others do are always amusing.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Watching the military practice their drills on the parade ground in front of our house got me interested in becoming a soldier. Later on, as an adult, my focus shifted toward earning enough money to pursue social ventures. My career as an entrepreneur, spanning over 25 years, has been a path toward achieving that goal.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Through my book Mountains to Cross, I aim to reach those searching for a purpose in life beyond simply making money. I convey my message by sharing the lessons I have learned from the many events that have taken place in my life, from my conversations with the children I’m raising, and from reflections on my own successes and failures.
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