Date Published: January 13, 2026
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group
Worth the Risk
Mountains to Cross is a narrative of the author’s pursuit of purpose
through his transformative social contribution. George shares his remarkable
life story and offers guidance on finding satisfaction and joy in helping
others. More than a personal memoir, this book motivates those who want to
address systemic poverty and inequality but are unsure where or how to start.
Through personal stories and lessons from his experiences, readers can develop
their own understanding of what it means to lead a life of conviction and
engagement. For social entrepreneurs, educators, philanthropists,
policymakers, or anyone interested in grassroots change, it provides practical
insights to help them achieve their goals in serving those in need.
The author offers his story not as a blueprint for service but as an
invitation to consider a path of purpose through compassion. Written in a
storytelling style, he shares his life experiences to provide insights into
social work for those who wish to help the impoverished.
What readers will learn from Mountains to Cross
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- Lessons from transitioning from a high-pressure corporate world to grassroots
philanthropy. - Practical insights on finding purpose in life through impactful actions to
alleviate poverty. - Overcoming adversity to find meaning and fulfillment in life.
- Lessons from transitioning from a high-pressure corporate world to grassroots
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EXCERPT
Preface
Mountains to Cross is a narrative account of my pursuit
of purpose through social service. More than a personal
memoir, this book is to inspire those who wish to address systemic
poverty and inequality but are uncertain about where or how to begin.
Drawing upon personal stories and lessons from my experiences,
readers might form their own perspective on what it means to lead a
life of conviction and contribution. For social entrepreneurs, educators,
philanthropists, policymakers, or those interested in grassroots
change, this book offers practical insights and guidance to accomplish
their goals in service of others.
From an early age in India, I was troubled by the social and economic
injustice that had entrapped an entire section of society for
centuries. Caste-based prejudice and discrimination have hindered
the progress and welfare of the lower strata of society. Despite prevailing
oppressive practices, I held firm the conviction that everyone
deserved a fair chance to succeed and enjoy a life of dignity.
From the age of twenty-one, I studied in the United States and
pursued a successful business career. Consistent with my mission
to help those in need, I returned to India after a twenty-five year
absence to fulfill my life’s purpose I had long sought. Accordingly, I
undertook several diverse yet interconnected projects to improve the
living condition of marginalized communities. I focused on education,
women’s rights, access to health care for the poor, promoting a
free and independent press, and environmental health. As a result of
the work we undertook, thousands of families have been able to break
free from generational poverty and oppression.
Of these projects, I am most proud of the pioneering approach
we took to alleviate poverty through an empowering education and
a nurturing environment for children from a very young age. I was
fortunate to find like-minded individuals who shared this vision and
dedicated their lives to the cause. With great enthusiasm and care for
one another, we worked together to overcome insurmountable challenges
to accomplish our goals. In my pursuit of change, I encountered
both unforeseen resistance and unexpected support from the communities
I worked with, which challenged my impressions of the rural
population. It has been an emotionally charged journey of profound
self-discovery with a transformational impact.
I have learned many valuable lessons over the past 30 years of
my social work career. Firstly, I recognize that humanitarian projects
call for passion and drive. Before embarking on them, sufficient
thought must be given to the reasons for being involved, whether
it be a moral, social, or religious duty. Only if those motivations are
compelling is one likely to devote the energy to make the effort successful.
Patience and perseverance are essential to overcoming hurdles
in social endeavors.
I have observed that poverty is not inherently due to a lack of
resources but often the result of societal practices that prevent certain
groups of individuals from achieving upward mobility. Social equality
that offers fundamental rights is essential to improving the economic
status of those at the bottom of society.
Social justice cannot be achieved when the upper class has the
power to oppress those below. Those who are discriminated against
find it challenging to overcome prejudices and improve their financial
situation. Only with economic strength can they challenge
long-standing practices and attain equality. The path to social justice
lies in economic opportunity, and there is no better way to achieve it
than through an excellent education of young people.
Oppressed people usually have limited expectations for their future,
as they do not know a way out of their predicament. They tend to
believe that nothing good will ever happen in their lives and no one
will really help them. Trust is a rare commodity in those who struggle
to make ends meet each day and cannot think of tomorrow. Social
projects succeed only when beneficiaries recognize the longer-term
value of the service provided and derive hope from it for a better future.
Significant wealth remains in the hands of a relatively small
minority. At the same time, billions of people continue to suffer
because of their deplorable economic conditions. If some excess
wealth is channeled to proper use for the benefit of those deprived,
poverty can be significantly reduced. The most effective use of financial
resources is for enhancing knowledge and developing skills. The
precondition for a satisfying outcome is an excellent education that
supports the progress of children from disadvantaged homes.
I offer my story not as a blueprint for service but as an invitation
to consider your own path of purpose and find joy in a world surrounded
by compassion. Written in a storytelling style, I have shared
my life experiences to provide insights into social work for those who
wish to help the impoverished.
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