What does it take to break the cycle of social discrimination in India?
Dr. Abraham George
In this inspiring episode, host Nicole Jansen is joined by the visionary philanthropist and social entrepreneur, Dr. Abraham George. As the founder of the Shanti Bhavan School in India, Dr. George has dedicated his life to empowering children of the most marginalized communities by providing opportunities through education. Over the past 27 years, the school has changed the lives of over 15,000 children. 98% of its students are college graduates, with many making it to Ivy League institutes like Stanford, Dartmouth, and Princeton.
Discover how Dr. George’s life journey, from the Indian military to a successful business career in the U.S., led him to his true calling: breaking down the systemic barriers of the caste system in India through a holistic educational approach. This bottom-up strategy not only focuses on academics but also nurtures the mindset and self-worth of each student, propelling them to previously unimaginable heights.
Dr. Abraham has authored multiple books on social justice, including India Untouched, and is writing another one about Shanti Bhavan that is due for a release soon.
What We Discuss in this Episode
- What inspired Dr. George to dedicate his life to breaking cycles of poverty?
- How does the caste system in India perpetuate economic inequality?
- The role of nurturing belief in students from marginalized communities.
- What are the greatest challenges faced when establishing a school like Shanti Bhavan?
- How can global citizens contribute to alleviating poverty around the world?
- The importance of economic justice as a path to social justice.
- Overcoming obstacles: Dr. George’s journey from Wall Street to social impact.
- The significance of action and how it transforms compassion into tangible change.
- How can we motivate others to participate in acts of service and philanthropy?
- The long-lasting impact of transforming young lives and its ripple effect on society.
Podcast Highlights
0:21 – Breaking the generational cycle of poverty with education
2:17 – Dr. George’s journey from the Indian military to U.S. entrepreneurship
5:51 – Understanding India’s caste system and its impact
10:17 – Transforming mindsets: nurturing belief in marginalized kids
15:06 – Challenges faced in establishing Shanti Bhavan School
20:41 – Empowering global citizens to contribute positively
25:22 – The link between economic and social justice
31:03 – The joy of giving and making a lasting impact
34:54 – Action as a catalyst for true transformation.
Favorite Quotes
Economic Justice: “The path to social justice is through economic justice.”
Transformative Action: “Compassion without action is of no use. It doesn’t benefit the other person; it only makes you feel good.”
Episode Resources 
Award-winning 2017 Netflix Documentary: Daughters of Destiny
Follow and Learn More about Shanti Bhavan
- Website: https://www.shantibhavanchildren.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShantiBhavan
- Instgram: https://www.instagram.com/shanti_bhavan
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ShantiBhavanSchool
- X: https://x.com/ShantiBhavan
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