Life is a journey between Karma and Dharma; Bishop Most Rev. S. Vasanthakumar.

NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044

Life, in its purest essence, is a journey. It is a sacred passage where Karma and Dharma intersect, collide, and sometimes even contradict. We should build our lives as an embodiment of service to the concept of humanity. The attempt should be to give back as much possible towards all that we receive from the universe from birth to death; or even before and after. Keeping this delicate balance is the message that we can take from the life of Bishop Most Rev. S. Vasanthakumar.

• The Legacy of Bishop Most Rev. S. Vasanthakumar

In his story, we witness a man rising through ecclesiastical ranks; with a soul wrestling with duty, justice, pain, and redemption; anchored always in the twin currents of action at the best and righteousness to the core.

Bishop Vasanthakumar is a spiritual voyager, a moral compass in troubled times and a servant leader who walked into spaces most feared to tread. Whether in the villages of Karnataka or on national platforms, he held fast to the conviction that faith without action is dead and action without faith is deadly. His life is the living testament to that truth. Do the best and to the maximum possible.

His life presents a reflective chapter woven with transformative moments from those whose lives were touched by his purest intentions. At its core, it explores how one man lived at the intersection of Karma; the realm of action and consequence, and Dharma; the call to righteousness and duty.

Through struggle and silence, through victories both public and personal, Bishop Vasanthakumar taught us that spiritual leadership is not about control, but courage. It is about standing in the gap between suffering and salvation. As you journey through his stories, you will find a remarkable man and get an inspiration to reflect, examine and redesign your path between Karma and Dharma.

First Turning Point in life; Lessons from a Village Teacher

Before the robes of the bishop, before the pulpit and the public addresses, before the long years of service and struggle, there was a village; and a teacher.

In that quiet village, tucked away from the noise of cities and the complexities of academia, young Vasantha Kumar walked to a modest school every day. The school had only one teacher. Four classes were taught in rotation. The system was simple; almost too simple, but it was brilliant in its own way.

The teacher began with the fourth standard, gave them instructions, and then moved to the third, and so on. The older children taught the younger ones in her absence, not out of obligation, but because they were trusted.

It wasn’t just a school. It was a community of learners, a small republic of mutual respect and shared curiosity. That, the Bishop recalls, was his first encounter with leadership and mentorship. It laid the foundation for how he would understand empowerment: not as something handed down, but something passed on through trust and shared responsibility. Real force behind this transformative experience was the teacher; a woman who, though lacking in institutional fame, was generations ahead in pedagogical vision. She didn’t just teach from textbooks. She opened the classroom to the world.

“Go out,” she would say, “and collect leaves from different trees. Identify them. Learn their names.” Another day, she’d say, “Pick up stones. Notice their colors. Their texture. What do they remind you of?” She transformed education into an exploration of nature, life, and meaning. Her radical approach didn’t stop at learning. It extended into social transformation. The village was, like many others, divided along lines of caste and creed; Lingayats, Kurubas, Adi Kannadiga families, and Christians. But in her classroom, there was no segregation.

“Sit together,” she would insist. “You are one.”

These were not mere words. They were seeds planted deep in young minds. Seeds of equality, unity, and compassion; values that no exam could measure, but which life would later demand. The children absorbed it all; equality at the lunch mat, solidarity in homework help, kindness in how they referred to one another. There was no division between “us” and “them.” There was only “we.”

Years later, when that teacher passed away at her daughter’s home in Bangalore, the village boy she once taught had become the Bishop of Bangalore. Upon receiving the news, he halted his official journey and called the family.

“Please wait,” he said. “Don’t bury her until I arrive.” He returned, not as a bishop, but as a student, and performed her final rites with reverence and gratitude. That moment, he often says, was not about ritual. It was about honouring a life that had shaped his own. “That was the first turning point of my life,” he says. “There are many others. But this one gave me my foundation.”

He never forgot her. In every annual gathering of the 1,300 teachers across diocesan schools, he tells her story. “This,” he tells the educators, “is the kind of teacher I want you to become. Education is not merely teaching 2+2=4. It is shaping a person. Teaching a child to accept others. To build a better society.”

Education should be one that rejects discrimination, embraces unity, and finds meaning not just in textbooks; but in life. You cannot preach Christ and practice caste.  Bishop Most Rev. S. Vasanthakumar is very clear about his policies on human wellbeing and humanity as such. “The cross, for him, is a symbol of suffering and resurrection. You cannot remain in Good Friday when Easter is promised. We don’t have to shout; we just have to live in a way that no one can ignore our worth. That is his leadership mantra. “Even a suffering,” he often says, “was a call. Not a curse. It made me who I am.”

“I feel satisfied. I have done everything I could within my capacity. I brought reforms within the Church. I stood for what mattered.” These words reflect the deep conviction of Bishop Most Rev. S. Vasanthakumar, a leader shaped not only by theology but by lived values of justice, compassion, and inclusion. Throughout his ecclesiastical journey, he sought to bring about genuine transformation; one that went beyond rituals and reached into the heart of society.

One of the most remarkable episodes in the bishop’s public life came when Taralabalu Swamiji invited him to speak before a gathering of more than 25,000 people at Palace Grounds. Rather than speak exclusively about Christ, Bishop Vasanthakumar chose to center his message on Basavanna, the great 12th-century reformer. He eloquently narrated how Basavanna envisioned a just and equal society, one that transcended caste, status, and prejudice; a vision remarkably aligned with Christ’s own message.

In response, Taralabalu Swamiji offered a deeply respectful tribute of his own. He spoke about Jesus Christ, not from a place of religious boundary but from a shared moral platform. Quoting the Sermon on the Mount, the Swamiji highlighted how the teachings of Jesus paralleled Basavanna’s in spirit; both pointing toward love, peace, and righteousness. In that moment, Bishop Vasanthakumar and the Swamiji embodied the essence of interfaith harmony: a dialogue not of conversion, but of convergence around universal values.

Such openness to unity had its roots in the early life of Bishop Vasanthakumar, in a modest village classroom where a teacher once told her students, “Sit together. You are one.” That teacher broke all social norms of segregation. She made the children sit together irrespective of caste; whether Lingayat, Kuruba, Adikarnataka, or Christian. She emphasized learning through nature, empathy, and inclusion. The seeds of pluralism were sown in that soil; nurturing a young mind that would one day lead with the same spirit.

It was this formative influence that continued to guide Bishop Most Rev. S. Vasanthakumar throughout his life. He never forgot that early call to equality and community. Later, as a Church leader overseeing hundreds of schools and teachers, he would recount this very story during orientation sessions, urging educators to become transformational figures; not just dispensers of facts, but shapers of humanity. For him, education and faith were both tools to build a society grounded in acceptance, dignity, and mutual respect.

A Peaceful Goodbye: The Power of Care in the Final Moments

Bishop Most Rev. S. Vasanthakumar fondly recalls an experience from his days as a pastor in Bangalore, one that left a profound impact on him. It was during the Christmas season when he and his church team were going door to door, singing carols and spreading festive cheer. They reached a modest home in Munereddy Pallya, a photo of Lord Ayyappa hung high on the wall.

Every house, only two carols, one Bible reading, one prayer, and then one wish. That’s all. Nothing more than that. Even if the family asked, asked for more, you are not going to sing.

The mother, frail and suffering from cancer, was seated at the center of the room, praying quietly. The son, seeing the pain in her eyes, requested the team for one more song after they had finished their usual two. Despite the routine, something moved the pastor deeply. The son, with a pleading expression, asked for another carol for his mother’s sake. The lady had been writhing in pain throughout the carol service, yet she remained focused on her prayer. Pastor Vasanthakumar, sensing the weight of the request, gave his consent and they sang a third carol.

When the third song was over, the lady, who was wriggling with pain till then, requested for one more song. My people were really looking at me.  In a loud voice, I said, sing. We sang, and I prayed.

“In Christmas season, every day we used to go to different areas. Days later, as I was reflecting on the events, an unexplainable pull made me revisit that small house.”  

He set out quietly, without his clerical dress, hoping to find out more about the woman he had prayed for. When he arrived, It was difficult for him to locate the house. Just as he was about to leave, the young man who had invited him to their home ran up to him. With urgency in his voice, he explained that the woman had passed away the very next day, but she had passed peacefully. The news hit Bishop Vasanthakumar deeply. It was a bittersweet moment for him, but he was comforted by the thought that the mother had found peace in her final moments, something she had longed for throughout her illness.

Lessons of Leadership and Patience: Reflections by Chetan Rajuratna

Chetan Rajuratna, Principal of Hebich, Mangalore, reflecting on his time with Bishop Most Rev. S. Vasanthakumar, shares the lasting impact his uncle had on him. “I still follow the lessons I learned from my uncle,” he says, noting the discipline and wisdom imparted by the Bishop. “He was never late to office or to meetings. I remember how, even for a 9:30 a.m. schedule, he would be downstairs by 8:30, calmly sipping his coffee.” Chetan recalls how his uncle managed the complexities of the Central Diocese, which had its own unique set of challenges. “Managing the Central Diocese, which had its own complex dynamics compared to the Northern and Southern ones, he displayed remarkable composure and leadership,”

“He never reacted immediately but listened deeply before responding,” says Chetan. His uncle’s approach to life was grounded in patience and understanding. “He used to say, ‘Don’t jump and fight; first understand the situation,’ and I still see his fingers moving when he calculated things quietly before speaking with clarity and authority.” Chetan carries these lessons with him in his personal and professional life to this day.

Message for the Youth from Bishop Most Rev. S. Vasanthakumar:

“Dear young minds, always remember to be true to yourself and stay grounded in the values that shape your character. Life will present you with numerous opportunities, and it is crucial to recognize that you have received much from society. Your task now is to give back, in whatever way you can; whether through small, everyday actions or significant contributions that can transform lives. Never forget that your true success is not measured by personal gain, but by the positive impact you leave on others and the world around you.

Remember the lesson taught by your elders, especially those who have shaped you along the way. It’s not about how far you’ve come, but about how much you’ve shared with others. Education and values learned from people who cared can propel you forward, just as they did for those who came before you. Let the vision of a better society, rooted in service and kindness, guide your path.

Success to Enlightenment: The Essence of Human Transformation | The Ramapuram Story | Global TV

NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044

The Legacy of the Ramapuram Brothers is a testimony to the power of Unity, Family Values and Integrity to transform the course of their family history. The remarkable success story of Evolve Back Resorts and other business ventures is deeply intertwined with the legacy of the Ramapuram Brothers; Immanuel, Abe, Thomas, George, Cherian, Dr. John, and Jose.  Their journey is not merely about building a world-renowned hospitality brand and a reputed business group, but about upholding the values that define them as a uniquely united family.

Rooted in strong Christian principles, Ramapuram Brothers have always placed immense emphasis on faith, prayers, integrity, and ethical business practices. Their unwavering commitment to prayer has been a cornerstone of their decision-making process, guiding them through challenges and inspiring their vision.

Family core values remain at the heart of their leadership, fostering a culture of respect, trust, and unity among the family members. Their deep-rooted desire in sustaining their heritage reflects their upbringing. They give back to the society immensely by preserving the bounties of nature through responsible tourism.

Through their dedication to the family excellence with a constant moral compass set on to each of them, the Ramapuram Brothers built a brand synonymous with trust, credibility along with luxury and authenticity. They have established a long-lasting legacy of righteousness, compassion, and service to the greater good.

The Essence of the Story of Ramapuram Brothers

The story of the Ramapuram Brothers is truly remarkable, embodying the essence of a paradigm shift. Their journey offers valuable lessons on transformation; one that must come from within. Even assimilating a small part of their experience can elevate the history of families to new levels of success. This transformation is like shedding the burden of carrying a hill on your head and instead walking freely on top of it. Miracles begin with an invisible Emmaus experience.

Paradigm Shift happens at the moment we recognize the divine presence of God amongst us. God is very much alive in our positive words and good deeds. Human relationships are like crystal vessels. Each must be handled with great caution.

Even a slightest carelessness in handling human relations can lead to irreparable flaws that may cause lack of integrity. Every thought and every action must be undertaken with careful caution and approached at a greater consideration.

The Ramapuram Brothers learned this invaluable lesson from their father. Their father, in turn, learned it from his own experience. It took more than fifteen years for him to regain the momentum, after his siblings insisted to divide the ancestral property among themselves. What could have been achieved in a single year in unity took him more than a decade of hard work to accomplish it alone.

In his will document to divide his wealth among his seven sons, he explicitly expressed his wish that they should remain united and move forward together. He had ensured that the entire wealth was measured and divided among his children giving them freedom to or not to honour his wish.  All seven sons honoured their father’s wish to the fullest spirit. More than that, they celebrated it.

Two years ago, when they acquired an additional 2,800-acre estate in Coorg, it became yet another success story born out of their unity. Success stories of the Ramapuram Brothers are offshoots of their father’s integrity and their mother’s prayers. Their victories stem from the happiness of others that takes precedence over individual gain. “Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” This divine vision of seeing oneself and others as part of the same spiritual essence is deeply embedded in the philosophy of the Ramapuram Brothers.

The Legacy of Integrity

To truly understand the depth of the Ramapuram story, one must appreciate their unwavering commitment to integrity. The word “integrity” signifies a life where body, soul, words, and actions align in a singular, unwavering truth. As Gandhiji once said; “For one man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department. Life is one indivisible whole.”

Even if one compromises in the smallest aspect of life, no amount of excellence in other areas can restore the feather of integrity to one’s crown. Legacy of Ramapuram Brothers is built on the foundation of integrity and beyond.

Their father, Thomas (Sunny) E. Ramapuram, and his father, Immanuel, were men of exceptional character who left a profound impact on those around them. They lived great life and quietly influenced and nurtured their community. They were men of wisdom with an enduring desire to leave a lasting legacy, shaping their roots through the profound impact of their passion for excellence.

Immanuel arrived in Coorg at the age of 21 as a forest ranger. The region was part of the Madras Presidency then. He fell in love with Coorg. But soon he had caught with malaria. He was taken to Fr. Muller Hospital in Mangalore. Though his elder brothers took him back home in Kerala, his love for Coorg never faded.

After returning home, he pursued a law degree and became a prominent lawyer. Inspired by Gandhiji’s call, he actively participated in the freedom struggle also. Long before India’s independence, Immanuel foresaw the departure of the British as he heard about their intention to sell off their estates. In 1921, he returned to Coorg and purchased two estates from the British. This marked technically the beginning of the Ramapuram success story. Immanuel’s eldest son, Thomas, had seven sons and four daughters. The seven sons; Immanuel, Abe, Thomas, George, Cherian, Dr. John, and Jose, came to be known as the renowned “Ramapuram Brothers.” As mentioned earlier, they decided to remain united honouring their father’s wish for them to remain together as a single unit.

Abe’s Awakening: A Spiritual Encounter

Abe is the second eldest among Ramapuram brothers. Their mother, Thresiamma, was a deeply prayerful woman. She raised her children with an unwavering commitment to faith. At his mother’s insistence, he attended a retreat at the Muringoor Divine Retreat Centre. Though he believed in God, Abe also took pride in his achievements. The retreat’s minimal comforts; thirty to forty people sharing a dormitory, limited bathroom facilities etc. did not set well with him. Knowing the morning rush for bathrooms, he deliberately woke up late.

By the time he reached the prayer hall, the session had already begun. Standing at the entrance, unsure where to sit, he suddenly heard a voice: “Here, I have reserved a seat for you.” To his amazement, he found an empty chair waiting for him. He sat down, feeling an unexpected sense of comfort, completely unaware that a profound and life-changing moment was about to unfold before him.

Though seated far from the stage, he distinctly felt as if God was speaking directly to him when he heard the voice: “What do you truly own? Is not everything you have a gift from me?” These words pierced his heart, stirring a deep realization that would stay with him forever. From that moment on, his heart was filled with nothing but gratitude. Today, for the Ramapuram Brothers and their future generations, an annual family retreat is mandatory. This family retreat has become a great blessing. A family of about a hundred members now reaps abundant rewards, reminding themselves and one another that everything is by the grace of God. It is their prayers that keep them together more than their achievements, binding them with a faith stronger than any worldly success.

The Constitution of the Family

From the moment they chose to stay together, the family began to evolve and grow in ways that would not have been possible otherwise. Ever since, they have moved forward with a unique determination. Eventually, they even drafted their own family constitution. Their unwavering commitment to unity goes beyond mere togetherness. They are filled with a deep-rooted belief that their strength lies in staying connected, supporting one another, and upholding shared values, ensuring that every generation carries forward this legacy of oneness.

The family’s wealth remains undivided. Though daughters receive their share at the time of their marriage, they and their children are still welcome to participate in the family business, enjoying salaries and other benefits like everyone else.

Everyone understands that the stronger their unity, the greater their prosperity. By rising above the concept of mere familial harmony, the Ramapuram brothers’ family stands tall, offering a mesmerizing vision of togetherness. Their deeply ingrained spiritual outlook not only binds them but also serves as a source of inspiration, making their journey truly remarkable.

Reflecting on the legacy of the great Alexander, who came into this world empty-handed and left the same way despite all his conquests, the Ramapuram brothers often engage in profound philosophical discussions, gaining deep insights into life. In their family, all children receive full financial support for their needs, along with salaries. Sons have equal rights to family property, ensuring fairness and unity. Those working outside the family are not expected to accumulate personal wealth but are encouraged to contribute to charity, reinforcing their commitment to a higher purpose. Here, every individual is like an open book, fostering an atmosphere of trust and transparency. What a beautiful concept it is, a family that not only prays together but also stays together, bound by faith, generosity, and shared values.

Annual Family Retreat and Daily Family Prayer

As mentioned earlier, once a year, the entire family gathers together for a spiritual retreat. This is an outstanding experience where children, in-laws, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren come together. Only a few ever miss it, and even they must ensure they attend another retreat within the year. When it comes to such matters, there are no compromises in the Ramapuram family’s constitution.

Family prayers are an essential part of life. Every day at 8:30 PM Indian time, all family members gather for prayer. Those in different time zones also join online whenever possible. Prayer is an experience, and so is every action in this family. Their foundation is built on a God-centred way of life.

A Disciplined Approach to Life and Business

The contrast between personal life and business is striking. Life can be simple, but business demands strategy and precision. Yet, integrity remains non-negotiable. Expecting bribes here would be a mistake because this is not how the Ramapuram family operates. Their ventures, particularly in the tourism sector, stand out for their unwavering commitment to the highest professional standards. Excellence is their hallmark, setting them apart in a competitive industry.

Despite operating across various countries and states, the Ramapuram family remains deeply rooted in prayer and devotion, ensuring that faith and values continue to guide their journey.

A Transparent Story and a Role Model for Families

The lessons to be learned from the Ramapuram brothers are not just about unity; they also impart wisdom about humility, faith, and pure intentions.

We all walk around carrying cheque books signed by God. The real question is whether we have the faith and determination to stand firm like a mountain. There is no doubt that the first thing we need to acquire is God’s signature in our lives.

Success requires a clear sense of purpose and unwavering focus. When Peter saw Jesus’s walking on water, he too wished to walk. Jesus allowed him, and Peter took his first few steps. However, the moment his focus shifted from his goal to the troubled waters, he began to sink. What really happened there?

The Ramapuram brothers firmly believe that unity and family cohesion are irreplaceable. True success is not just about ambition but about walking forward with unwavering faith, clarity of purpose, and an unshakable belief. Everything is a divine gift. When faith becomes the foundation, and determination fuels the journey, even the most turbulent waters cannot shake one’s path. It is this profound understanding that transforms not just actions but entire ways of life.

Let us reflect; Shall we learn lessons from this humble family?

Human existence is a journey. Many times, we move through the streams, valleys and hills of pride. Sometimes we may get into ignorance and arrogance. We keep climbing the hills of ambition as an ongoing process. Those who are fortunate may ascend the heights of wisdom. At the core of this journey lies transformation, a shift from illusion to truth, from self-importance to self-awareness.

This transformation is not merely about acquiring knowledge or wealth but about undergoing a fundamental change in how we perceive ourselves, others, and the world. It can be a movement from the Hill of Ego, where the self is at the centre, to the Hill of Enlightenment, where wisdom and interrelation define our reality.

Many of us are at the peak of our egos. The Hill of Ego is a false summit, one that deceives individuals into believing they have reached the pinnacle of success and understanding. It is a place where pride, rigid beliefs, and attachment to power overshadow humility and openness. Many people, organizations, and even entire civilizations spend their existence here by operating from a paradigm that values control, dominance, and material gain over deeper wisdom.

History and personal experience repeatedly show us that such hills, however high it may seem, ultimately crumbles under the weight of its own limitations. We get into various paradigms ultimately to get into the paradigm of transformation. It often begins with a crisis; a moment of reckoning that shakes the very foundation of one’s assumptions. This could be personal loss, failure, an encounter with a profound truth, or a realization of the futility of ego-driven pursuits.

Such moments force individuals and societies to descend from their false summit, questioning long-held beliefs and recognizing the limitations of their current way of being. This descent, though painful, is necessary; without it, the journey to higher understanding cannot begin. This has to happen to make the life of many of us set right and to take it to the next level to set everything bright.

As one moves away from ego and toward enlightenment, a shift in consciousness occurs. The focus shifts from control to surrender, from competition to cooperation, from self-centred ambition to a greater sense of purpose. This is the essence of human transformation. The ability to let go of outdated paradigms and embrace new perspectives that align with truth and wisdom. It is not merely an intellectual process but a transformation of the heart and spirit, where one no longer sees the world as fragmented but as an interconnected whole.

The Hill of Enlightenment is not reached through force or external achievement, but through inner stillness, deep reflection, and openness to truth. The realization that the true power comes not from controlling others but from understanding oneself. The enlightened individual or society recognizes that real growth is not measured by material accumulation or external validation but by wisdom, compassion, and a sense of service to something greater than oneself.

Throughout history, great thinkers, spiritual leaders, and changemakers have embodied this journey. From the Buddha’s renunciation of worldly illusions to modern-day movements for justice and sustainability, the path remains the same. It is a shift from self-centred existence to a more profound engagement with truth. The story of the disciples in the Bible beautifully illustrates this transition: they move from despair and blindness to realization and enlightenment, not through external changes but through a transformation in perception.

At its core, the journey from the Hill of Ego to the Hill of Enlightenment is the essence of human existence. It is the path we are all called to walk, whether consciously or unconsciously. The question is not whether change will come, but whether we will embrace it with resistance or with wisdom. True transformation is not about discarding the self but about refining it. Elevating our consciousness so that we may live in alignment with truth, love, and purpose.