As a journalist who has put in over three decades in his profession, that includes the current stint at a leading newspaper, preceded by varying spells at news agencies and a brief one in television, Charles Isaac has honed his skills in painstakingly handling news in a balanced manner, sans personal bias or flights of fancy.

As to his personal life and that of his family, practicality has remained his yardstick for all major decisions.

So how was it that five years ago he green-signalled his wife Reena’s suggestion that it was high time for them to take concrete steps to fulfil her long-standing dream of doing something for the not so fortunate members of society.

Not only was it an idealistic suggestion but also one that was absolutely contrarian because from his experience, such ventures are usually undertaken by people who are into stable businesses who have over time built up a comfortable cushion of resources that enables them to partake in social service. And for most middle class families such as the one Reena and Charles belonged to, leading such an initiative is usually unheard of. Then what prompted him to agree with Reena’s suggestion? Firstly, he knew how passionate she had been in nursing this ambition for well over three decades. Secondly, he too saw in it the possibility of making a small contribution to the needy around them. Even though Charles fully realised that it wasn’t going to be an easy task to start afresh in an unfamiliar field, sans any template to follow, not only did he willingly accede to Reena’s enthusiasm about the idea but also became her strong ally in it. 

Reena took the plunge and channelled proceeds from Ek Ehsaas Motivational Academy, under the aegis of which she conducts lectures and workshops across the length and breadth of India, alongside her regular job first as a school teacher, and then as school Headmistress and Principal.  Charles  chose to play a quieter role in the background, juggling job and family to leave his wife as free as was possible to pursue her dream. He was involved at all stages in the formation of the Ek Ehsaas Foundation Trust, deciding on its agenda, getting it registered, renovating their residence to make it suitable for the purposes of a home for the destitute elderly, and assisting wherever possible with the daily requirements of an initiative of this magnitude. 

Anyone who runs a family in these trying times can well imagine the challenge involved in taking care of an additional 12-14 people, mostly elderly, meeting their basic requirements and giving them the chance to lead a life with dignity.

That was how Philomena’s Paradise took off in February 2018. Since then, it has been a rollercoaster ride with moments good, bad, challenging and sometimes outright uphill. All along the journey, however,  it was as if every challenge that came up also somehow brought with it adequate timely divine and human support to meet and overcome it.  

Apart from the professional sphere and his involvement in the social work initiative, Charles prefers to maintain a low profile. His forte includes impeccable language skills and knowledge of current affairs.  His unstinted cooperation, support and sound advice, combined with an unassuming, helpful and caring attitude, have played a vital role in setting up Ek Ehsaas Foundation (EEF) and Philomena’s Paradise and in nurturing it to its present form.

During regular visits to Philomena’s Paradise, he has struck a warm, cordial and extremely friendly bond with one and all who live in this paradise for the elderly. Whenever any emergency crops up, he promptly step in to meet and overcome it. 

His positive outlook is a constant source of strength and support, be it moral, physical, spiritual or financial, to all those associated with steering EEF through its challenging early years. And as the organisation looks set to be a powerful presence, he too is eager to do his bit in its growth.