Dr. Abraham George has dedicated his life to addressing poverty and inequality in India. As the founder of The George Foundation, he has made a lasting impact through initiatives like the Shanti Bhavan Residential School, which offers free, high-quality education to children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Opened in 1997 in Tamil Nadu, the school empowers students to break the cycle of poverty through holistic development in academics, extracurriculars, and life skills.
Shanti Bhavan’s graduates have achieved remarkable success, securing positions in global companies such as Amazon, Deloitte, and Goldman Sachs. By tackling the root causes of inequality, the school has transformed hundreds of lives, inspiring global recognition and featuring in the Netflix documentary series Daughters of Destiny.
From India to the United States and Back
Born in Kerala in 1946, Dr. George began his career as an artillery officer in the Indian Army after graduating from the National Defence Academy. Seeking greater opportunities, he moved to the United States, where he earned an MBA, an MS in Finance, and a Ph.D. from New York University’s Stern School of Business.
Dr. Abraham George found success in the corporate world, founding Multinational Computer Models, Inc. (MCM), a financial software company later acquired by SunGard Data Systems. Despite his achievements, he was deeply troubled by the persistent inequality in India. In 1995, he sold his company and returned to India with a mission to create meaningful change.
Beyond Education: Public Health and Development
While Shanti Bhavan is central to his work, The George Foundation has also tackled critical public health and environmental issues. Project Lead-Free, one of its key initiatives, identified dangerously high levels of lead poisoning in children across urban India. This research prompted the Indian government to phase out leaded gasoline, significantly improving public health.
The foundation has also supported women’s empowerment through microfinance programs and promoted sustainable agriculture to enhance rural livelihoods. These efforts reflect Dr. George’s holistic approach to tackling poverty and inequality.
A Legacy of Compassion and Action
Dr. George’s journey from a small village in Kerala to corporate success in the United States, and back to India as a changemaker, is a story of purpose and determination. His philosophy that “True wealth is not measured by what you accumulate, but by what you give back” has inspired his impactful initiatives.
Through Shanti Bhavan and other projects, Dr. George has shown that education and empowerment can transform communities. His work continues to inspire others, proving that one individual’s dedication can create ripples of change for generations to come.
