After a lot of thought and prayer, I have decided to pen my life story which I trust will be a source of encouragement and blessing to all of you who may read it. I must let you know that some of the experiences that I went through as a child (both joyful and challenging) to date have all been God’s plan, purpose, and blessing in my life. I’ve seen His hand in multiple instances and continue to see His blessings flow abundantly in my life. Come join me as we relive together the life of a Karen lad.
My name is Robert Khin and I’m currently the Principal of The Bethany High School, Bangalore. I’ve been blessed to serve a school in which I was one of the first students and now with the opportunity to lead it. I also belong to a community called the Karens originally hailing from the Land of Burma (Myanmar) and now living in Bangalore, India. My life journey has taught me many valuable lessons for which I will always remain humble and grateful. I also feel that there may be something that you could take away from the many experiences in my life. For this reason, I am officially launching my blog which will consist of various adventures in my personal life, my learnings in the education sector, learnings as a leader, and some motivational thoughts.
You can expect to hear from me every week for some exciting content ahead. Please follow my blog and my social media accounts to always stay updated with my article releases. Your support will always be appreciated.
Growing Up…..
My father Saw Aung Khin and my mother Naw Ayemajee were early settlers who had migrated from Burma (now Myanmar) to come and settle in the Andaman Islands, India in the year 1925 when the British had colonized these Islands at that time.
I was born in the year 1953 at Webi village in the North of the Andaman Islands. My parents were very small time paddy cultivators and life was relatively hard for them living in such a remote location with not many basic amenities. But what we lacked in money and materials, we were provided for by nature. The Andaman Islands was very untouched and was teaming with wildlife and the best that nature had to offer. Greenfields, thick jungles, rugged terrain, beautiful rivers, and magnificent landscapes to name a few. Everything was provided to us by nature. A roof over our head and food on our table. However, don’t let the picturesque description paint the wrong picture, the Andaman Islands then was a land where few dared to go. It was a place infested with malaria and far away from a healthcare establishment of any sort. The Britishers even built a prison where criminals were sent and confined. The harsh living conditions and the rugged terrain made it next to impossible to escape. The vast ocean that lay beyond added to the dangers of a getaway.
My family, however, was happy and satisfied with the little we had to make ends meet and keep the family going. Life was stressfree, we never worried where our next meal would come from. We were three brothers Humphrey, Mysinder, and myself along with two sisters Julee and Silverine, together, living with our parents and our Uncle and Aunty.
More on my life growing up in my next post . . . . .
God Planting Seeds….
Through a missionary Rev. George David who came to the Andamans, we got to go to a school (Mulla school which means hope) that he started in our village. Out of the many students in his school, Rev. David recognized the potential in me and brought me to study in Bangalore at the age of seven. This was a major turning point in my life. I started at the primary level (grade 3) as I was eight years old when I came to Bangalore in the year 1963. My aim was to do medicine after my Pre University but since I did not get through my second language Hindi I could not apply to a medical college at that point in time. While waiting to clear the Hindi supplementary exam, I joined Bethany Home school as a PE (Physical Education) and Music teacher to help out the school where I had studied. I enjoyed my work as a teacher and did my best in the areas of games, sports, and music. I also took up the initiative to organize and raise funds for major school functions. I joined Bethany school as a teacher in the year 1971 and worked till 1976.
Back in the Andamans
I went back to the Andamans in 1976 as Rev. George David requested me to help in the school that he was running mainly for the Karen children. While teaching in this school, I also realized the need for me to be involved in social service for the community, especially for my Karen people in the Andamans. As not a lot of them had a formal education like I did, they depended on me to be the face of the community. I was trying to balance my time between the two as I felt that both needed a significant amount of my time, help, and support.
I got married in 1984 to a Karen, Naw Metay, and we were blessed with two boys – Noel and Darell. On May 13, 1989, just before Darell was born we met with a very nasty road accident and it was only God’s hand of protection that it was not fatal for any of us. My wife Metay had a difficult but safe delivery on 31st May 1989. It took me nearly a year for me to get back on my feet due to a fracture of my leg. It was a difficult time for us as a family during this year but God provided for us through family and friends. It was during this time while we needed each other the most that our family was separated primarily to receive treatment in different places. We questioned our purpose and felt rather abandoned. While we still trusted God in these challenging times, It took us a while to realize what He was stirring up for us.
It was during my treatment in the Mainland in Puttur, Andra Pradesh, that Mrs. Ryall (Daughter of the founder of Bethany School) got in touch with me and offered my family and me to relocate back to Bangalore and join Bethany school. Against the will of my people, and after much prayer and thought I came back to Bangalore and joined Bethany in February 1993 along with my family. I have since then been with Bethany High school starting off once again as a teacher, then Headmaster, and now the Principal. I am truly thankful to God for His constant Hand of leading and guidance through this journey.
Final Thoughts. . . .
From these series of blogs aimed at being published every week, I will detail incidents of my life that were difficult but truly fulfilling times. Every situation has learning points and I hope you are encouraged and motivated by it. My life in Bangalore has enabled me to reach out and meet many Karens not just in India but all over the world. I’ve been blessed and been able to bless so many of our Karen people who come to the mainland for medical treatment, education, or other purposes.
For a young Karen lad, how the world outside looked could only be of mere imagination. I’ve been fortunate to travel not just within India but to a lot of places around the world. My advice to the younger generation is to put your trust in God always and dare to dream. For NOTHING is impossible for those who believe in Him!
If it wasn’t for the accident on May 13th 1989, I would have never had this opportunity to come back to Bangalore and be associated with the school I now lead. This opportunity has also enabled me to help so many students and people that have come to our home and gone away blessed. Nothing is more fulfilling than being in a position to impact so many lives every day.
I want to dedicate the achievements that I’ve been able to make in my life to God, My Parents Saw Aung Khin & Naw Ayemajee, Rev. George David, my Uncle & Aunty, my brothers and sisters, The late Mrs. Mignon David, Mrs. E.H. Ryall, Dr. Akash Ryall, the Bethany family and my family and friends who have been a source of encouragement and support all through.
In conclusion, I would like to personally thank each one of you for taking the time and reading my article. Please leave a comment in the section below if you have any thoughts, suggestions, or even questions about the same.
God Bless you all!
Sir you have really penned down this in a very simple and thoughtful manner..it will surely inspire many
Dear Robert Sir, may Almighty God continue to use you for His purpose! Beautifully written, Sir!
Thank you, Amrita
Thank you sharing your story Sir. Waiting to read more. So happy that I’ve known you and your family!
Thank you Sanjanna
Your true dedication has got you all the way up to here sir.. I wish you many more success in your life!
Thank you Madhu
It was lovely reading about your life , it’s trials and triumphs. Looking forward to getting to know you better through your blog.
Ahbo, this story is really inspiring and you’re an amazing example for everyone out there. It’s an amazing story and thank you so much for sharing it with us.
Thank you Rolland
Thank you, Rolland
Trust in God always and dare to dream for nothing is impossible for those who believe in him.Thanks Robert Sir for the wonderful testimony of your journey so far ,that you have penned showing the goodness of God in your life.Loved reading it.May God continue to bless you in all your endeavours.
Thank you Saima
I just heard about you Uncle… But whatever I heard was a positive one…and now reading your autobiography really inspired me… Thank you for sharing it with us.
Trust in God always and dare to dream for nothing is impossible for those who believe in him.Thanks Robert Sir for the wonderful testimony of your journey so far ,that you have penned showing the goodness of God in your life.Loved reading it.May God continue to bless you in all your endeavours.
Thank you, Salomi
Poignant memories. Well written Robert Sir !!
So well written,you are too good Robert.Enjoyed reading.Your trust in God we can see while we work with you.
Thank you, Nausheen
You are an inspiration to us all fellow Karens.
God bless you abo.
Wonderfully penned. So great to remember the simple beginnings of life … I recall the day we both walked in to do our B.Ed course. Those were the days. Today, I am so happy that my grandsons Niraav and Nirvaan are under your care. Looking forward to reading the rest. Blessings!!!
Thank you, Indrani
Thank you, Aaron
Still waters run deep! Looking forward to reading Your Story
Robert Sir.
“There is no greatness where there is not simplicity, goodness and truth”- LeoTolstoy
Truly inspiring Sir. Thank you
Excellent piece.
Am sure while penning your autobiography, it must have evoked many a poignant memory of yesteryear. Great job uncle! Keep inspiring.
Sir, this is beautiful and inspiring.. Looking forward for more..
Thank you, Anagha
Appreciate your Lucid style looking forward to the next one
Very beautifully written Robert sir.waiting eagerly for the rest.
Thank you, Savitha
Thank you, Mary
I have enjoyed the first of your memoirs Robert and shall look forward to the following ones. I entered the nursery in Bethany Home School as it was then called in 1964 and started my 1st Standard in Baldwins the following year I believe. We were probably some of the first pupils of the School you now head.
I believe you have indeed had a wonderfully successfull life and career and have been an enormous asset to the establishment which is now one of the mainstreem and prominant Schools in the City.
Wishing you every success in the future.
Wonderful insight about your inspirational life story. God bless you and your family.
Thank you, Serene
Thank you, Rodney
Great job Robert! Looking forward to the future posts in this line!!
So nice. Thanks
Thank you, D.K
Thank you, Jerry
So beautifully penned, Robert Sir. Truly an inspiration.Looking forward to the rest.. God bless
Thank you, Deepa
It takes courage to be vulnerable ! Amazing to see the fingerprints of God in your life, Sir. Looking forward to some inspiring reading times ahead!
Thank you Sara
You are truly inspirkng….not juat for me but the whole generation.Kudos to your courage,faithfulness n dedication!
Thank you, Ashima
Great reading Robert and I’m looking forward to reading the rest ….. Stay blessed!
Thanks, Lillian
God bless you Robert Sir as you continue to touch lives. Your love for the Lord will help you reach greater heights. We at Bethany are blessed to have you as our Principal
Sir, your amazing story makes it seem like a wonderful life…but only you and your family know the difficult and challenging moments when the future was so uncertain. In these times we need to trust in God like you did. I hope we will have the courage like you. Please continue to inspire us. God bless you and your family.
Thank you, Yasmin
Thank you Mallika
Robert Sir,
Thanks for sharing your story. It helped me to see the hand of God in every aspect in our lives.His plan is best for our us. We just need to trust Him.
May God continue to use you as an instrument to touch many more lives.
Thank you Kathy
Thank you very much for sharing your story Sir, really inspiring.
May the Lord continue to use you for His glory. Our prayers for you. Romans 8;28.
Thank you Hepsiba
It was nice reading your life story…God bless you abundantly in all your endurance…Robert Sir
Thank you, Josephine
Thanks for sharing your autobiography with us on your blog! You are a living proof to the fact that God has great plans for each one of our lives if we’re willing to serve Him! We’re blessed to have you in Bethany!
Sir, you are truly an inspiration to all of us! Your dedication and faith in God motivates us to follow the same path. We are eager and excited to learn more about your journey of struggles and success!!
Thank you Trishala
Thank you Peace
Dear Mr Khin,
This is a beautiful autobiography that you are writing. Beautiful, Simple and captivating. We hope we will see this story as a book someday.
Truly inspiring sir……
Thank you Suja
Thank you Charanya
Thank you so much Thera, for sharing your wonderful stories and testimonies!! You have inspired me and I am grateful for your encouragement! May God continue using you to serve His peoples , and our own Karen people. May God guide your thoughts and actions!! May protects and watch over you and your loved ones!
Maw Ywa ler ah moo weh ter gha cho ghay na taw boh nay ter kay. Ta blu !!
Aboh you are a good example for all of us specially for our karen commmunity , you are an inspiring person .. May God bless you Aboh .
Thank you Amelia
You are indeed a beacon of light for many.
Thank you Sir for this testimony of VICTORY! May God bless you abundantly!!
Thank you, Roshni
A beautifully written autobiography. Awaiting more inspiring incidents as a motivation..
Thank you Gina
“God helps those who help themselves”
How true it is in your life Robert sir !! Very inspiring story you have written. I have been watching u from many years you always do your work whole heartedly; the work comes out very well !! Your dedication brought you up to this level. May God bless you to serve Bethany many more years.
Dear Robert, what a powerful and heartwarming writing. I have always admired your dedication and verve. As you say your faith in the Lord serves as a lesson and guidance to so many of us.
Looking forward to more of your experiences. Wish you all the best as you go from strength to strength and touch many more lives.
Love and regards
Thank you Aruna. Wanted to pen my life’s story for a while now but just couldn’t get down to it. Now that I have to be confined to the house due to the lockdown, l’m able to do a little writing. Hope I can continue my story and that it’ll be some encouragement and motivation to the younger generation today.
Dear Robert, what a powerful and heartwarming writing. I have always admired your dedication and verve. As you say your faith in the Lord serves as a lesson and guidance to so many of us.
Looking forward to more of your experiences. Wish you all the best as you go from strength to strength and touch many more lives.
Love and regards
Robert, your wonderful pencilled musings were truly thought provoking and inspiring! We Thank God for all that He has purposed for you and for bring you to this point in your life. Truly God has been very faithful. Looking forward to reading your upcoming blogs. God bless you and your dear family.
Thank you Queenie
Sir , It was wonderful reading your story! Looking forward to reading more of these! You are an inspiration! May God bless you and the family abundantly!
Thank you Gineeth.
So happy to read your story, Robert Sir. A humble witness to God’s mighty grace and sovereign will in people’s lives.
Thank you Mr Kurien.