From Wall Street to the Village: Dr. Abraham George’s Journey of Purpose
What drives someone to walk away from financial success in one of the world’s most powerful industries? For Dr. Abraham George, the answer was rooted in service. In his memoir, Mountains to Cross, Dr. George recounts a remarkable journey from global finance to founding Shanti Bhavan, a school for children born into extreme poverty in India.
The transformation began with a near-death experience during his time as an army officer in the Himalayas. That moment forced him to reconsider what it means to live a meaningful life. Driven by the belief that wealth is only valuable if it serves others, Dr. George developed his “50/50 model”—a life split between building financial stability and using it to help others.
Shanti Bhavan isn’t just a school; it’s a social experiment in generational change. By educating one child per family from the poorest communities, Dr. George aimed to create a ripple effect. Today, graduates are attending top universities like Harvard and MIT, going on to lift their families and communities alongside them.
The school’s mission is deeply personal. When the 2008 financial crisis jeopardized his work, it was his mother—a trailblazing physicist—who stepped in with her life savings. Her example of quiet strength and purpose echoes through every child at Shanti Bhavan.
Dr. George’s story is more than a personal memoir; it’s a call to action. He encourages readers to find their own way to serve, reminding us that even small efforts can spark big change. Whether it’s giving time, money, or simply raising awareness, the journey begins by asking: what more can I give?
