Be a BRIDGE Builder in the New Year!
My dear friends,
I must begin this letter with some sad news. Before BRIDGE was founded nearly ten years ago, I had discussed the idea with a few close friends and some eminent personalities whom I believed could offer valuable insights. Among them was TJS George — veteran journalist, author, Padma Bhushan awardee, and above all, an extraordinary human being who, unknown to many, supported countless genuine causes besides students from disadvantaged communities.
I still remember my first meeting with him a decade ago, accompanied by our common friend Balu, in the gardens of the Bangalore Press Club, as we spoke about the BRIDGE initiative. Known for being guarded in expressing his views and often cynical about those of others, he surprised me with his enthusiasm. After that meeting, he called me again a few days later, handing me a collection of newspaper clippings about unusual projects and inspiring people. “Study these,” he said. “There is much to learn.” When BRIDGE was finally launched, he handed us a cheque of ₹5 lakh and continued to remain a mentor and a blessing to our work.
Friends, George Sir is no more. He passed away on October 3 at the age of 97. Remarkably, he remained active until very recently—still driving his car and continuing to inspire people directly and indirectly. With his passing, BRIDGE has lost a great well-wisher and guide. May his values continue to light our path.
As we approach the end of 2025 and prepare to welcome a new year, my thoughts turn to the many families who lost their breadwinners this year. I have noticed a worrying rise in such cases. Not all these families are financially weak, but the vacuum that death creates is not easy to fill. Some lives were lost to sudden cardiac arrests, some to strokes, and a few tragically chose to end their own lives. For these families, the new year brings little cheer or hope.
At BRIDGE, we make it a point to reach out to as many such families as possible—not with funds alone, but with our presence. I earnestly request my friends to do the same whenever you hear of such families in your neighbourhood or circles. Usually, people gather around immediately after a tragedy, but soon return to their routines, leaving the bereaved to cope with their grief and new realities alone. It is in these moments—weeks and months after the tragedy—that our presence matters most. A visit, a phone call, or even a small gesture can make a world of difference. Money comes later; compassion comes first.
This is my message to you for the new year: let us resolve to reach out to affected families regularly—through visits, phone calls, and when necessary, through financial support. As I said in the early years of BRIDGE: God cannot be everywhere, and therefore He built BRIDGE.In the same spirit, let me add:BRIDGE cannot reach everyone, and therefore, please be BRIDGE builders in your own communities.When we do this, we realise how fulfilling our lives can truly be.
Last week, I visited a family and returned home with mixed emotions. Biju and Sheena have been married for about ten years and have two school-going children. He was a rubber tapper, and she works as a temporary teacher at a government-run anganwadi. Their life was simple and pleasant until Biju met with a bike accident four years ago, suffering severe head injuries. Though multiple surgeries saved his life, his memory and senses have been affected, leaving him confined to bed.
Sheena now cares for him with the tenderness of a mother caring for a child. I was happily moved by the devotion she and her children show him. But I was saddened to learn that due to his brain damage, Biju often becomes physically aggressive—pulling the children’s hair, hitting them, or throwing things. Yet the family never complains. As one of the children told me, “Papa doesn’t realise what he does, then how can we be angry at him?” The family survives largely on the kindness of people in their area. But there is also what we call ‘kindness fatigue’ when help thins out. BRIDGE has now included them in our Livelihood Support Scheme, offering a fixed monthly amount.
This reminded me of another family that BRIDGE supported until the lady of the house went abroad and began earning. Her husband, also affected by a head injury, behaved similarly with their children. Fortunately, grandparents are around to help manage the situation. Though we no longer support them financially, BRIDGE continues to stay in touch.
I share these stories to remind us how unaware we often remain of the silent suffering around us while we stay comfortable in our own worlds. Remarkably, most such families do not blame fate or God—they simply pull on with courage.
There is another family in North Kerala where the father, the lone breadwinner, is in the final stage of cancer. His wife works as a maid in nearby homes, and they have two children. BRIDGE has part-funded his medical treatment and continues to support them.
A nursing student from Mangalore, whom BRIDGE and others have been supporting, experienced a double tragedy recently. His mother, who was mentally challenged, passed away after a prolonged illness. His father had left the family earlier, which is when we began funding the student. Two months ago, while working part-time as a food-delivery rider, he met with an accident and required surgery. He has recovered and is back in college, though it will be some time before he can resume work.
Another heart-breaking case was introduced to me by a close associate and philanthropist. A Class 12 girl was diagnosed with kidney failure shortly after losing her father in September this year. Her mother has volunteered to donate her kidney, but the surgery cost—₹12 lakh—was far beyond their means. My friend began a crowdfunding campaign, and BRIDGE joined in a small way. He also arranged for a surgeon friend to take up the case. The surgery is scheduled for December 15.
We were also introduced to a school in Thodupuzha where 28 tribal students—orphans or children without parental support—are studying. The project is part of a local police initiative, supported by well-wishers. Last month, BRIDGE joined in and contributed towards helping these children integrate into the mainstream.
Additionally, we have supported a few more students after reviewing their marksheets and certificates. Two of our beneficiaries have secured jobs and are now supporting their families—a source of great joy for us.
I realise this letter has become rather long. Let me conclude by extending my warm wishes to each of you for a joyous and meaningful New Year. May we find fulfilment in touching as many lives as possible in the year ahead.
God bless all!
Thank you
Shibu
A BRIDGE Over Troubled Waters
The Anchor for the Anchorless
Ph: 9739218181; 080-26830545