A Journey Through Resilience is the true story of Mathew, a humble man from rural India who gave up everything to care for his aging parents and build a future for his wife and daughters. From the searing deserts of Saudi Arabia, where he faced cultural rejection and loneliness, to the war-scarred streets of Kandahar, Afghanistan, Mathew’s journey is filled with danger, sacrifice, and unbreakable will.
With every challenge, from financial hardship to emotional struggle, Mathew pressed forward — driven not by personal ambition, but by love. This is not just a story of a migrant worker. It is the story of a father, a husband, and a man who refused to give up.
Mathew, now 60 years old, reflects on his life with a sense of quiet resilience. His journey has been filled with trials and triumphs, a testament to his enduring spirit and dedication to his family. Born and raised in a modest village in India, Mathew's life took a dramatic turn when he embarked on a journey to Saudi Arabia, a land of opportunities but also of immense challenges.
Saudi Arabia, a land renowned for its vast deserts, is home to some of the most iconic and expansive sand dunes in the world. The Arabian Desert, which covers a significant portion of the country, is an awe-inspiring landscape that plays a crucial role in the nation's identity and environment. Key deserts in Saudi Arabia include the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter), the world's largest continuous sand desert, and the Nafud Desert, known for its striking red sands and towering dunes. Saudi Arabia recognizes the importance of balancing its economic activities with environmental sustainability. The country has made significant commitments to addressing environmental concerns and contributing to global climate goals:
Saudi Arabia's deserts are not only a natural wonder but also a critical component of the nation's economy and cultural heritage. The country's commitment to environmental sustainability and global climate initiatives reflects a forward-thinking approach to preserving its natural landscapes while contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
Saudi Arabia is advocating for the circular carbon economy, which focuses on reducing, reusing, recycling, and removing carbon emissions. This approach aligns with global climate goals and showcases the country’s leadership in environmental stewardship.
The deserts of Saudi Arabia shine not only with their physical beauty but also with their profound impact on the world. From fueling global economies with their vast oil reserves to preserving ancient cultures and fostering biodiversity, these deserts touch lives in numerous ways. Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation ensures that its deserts will continue to be significant, both locally and globally, for generations to come.
In 1990, Mathew made one of the most heart-wrenching decisions of his life—he left behind his home, his family, and the land he loved, in search of a better future in Saudi Arabia. The promise of opportunity came at a great emotional cost. With nothing but hope in his heart and a suitcase full of dreams, he stepped into a world that felt completely foreign—culturally, linguistically, and emotionally.
He managed to secure a position as a company secretary in a firm where he stood out—not just because of his skill, but because he was the first Indian employee the company had ever hired. This milestone, instead of being a source of pride, became a heavy burden. Surrounded mostly by Filipino co-workers who were unfamiliar with and often unwelcoming to Indian colleagues, Mathew found himself on the receiving end of subtle exclusion and sometimes open hostility. The sense of isolation was suffocating. Days felt long, nights felt even longer, and the loneliness of being far from his family was made worse by the indifference of those around him.
One of the Filipino colleagues, in particular, made life especially difficult for Mathew. Despite Mathew’s professionalism and respectful nature, this individual’s behavior turned the workplace into a hostile environment. The psychological toll was immense. Mathew endured insults in silence, worked through humiliation with grace, and bore the weight of every insult without retaliating—because he knew he hadn’t just come for a job; he had come for a future.
The situation escalated further when he was assigned to another office that included an Egyptian employee. But unfortunately, even there, the environment remained tense. The discrimination followed him like a shadow. However, amid the challenges, there was a silver lining—a compassionate Arab superior who noticed Mathew’s integrity, work ethic, and respectful demeanor. This individual extended a hand of support and arranged for Mathew to be transferred to another Arab-managed office where his efforts were not only recognized but genuinely appreciated. That transfer was not just a change in location—it was a turning point. It was a moment of light after months of darkness.
Still, Mathew’s heart bore the scars of emotional sacrifice. Every day was a struggle not just to prove his worth, but to maintain his dignity in an environment that often failed to offer basic human respect. But he never gave up. He held on—because he had come for his family, for his future, and for the silent pride of standing tall as an Indian in a foreign land.
Finally, after enduring months of hardship and holding on to hope, fate took a turn. The Filipino co-worker who had made Mathew’s life so difficult eventually resigned and returned to his home country. Soon after, Mathew was called back to the head office. It was not just a professional reinstatement—it felt like a quiet, personal victory. A vindication of his resilience. A reward for the silent tears, the sleepless nights, and the unwavering patience he had shown.
Despite these hardships, Mathew's determination and work ethic shone through. He worked tirelessly, often going above and beyond his job responsibilities. His dedication did not go unnoticed. Mr. Saad, the company administrator, recognized Mathew's potential and commitment, promoting him to higher positions. Mr. Salim, the owner, also appreciated his hard work, granting him regular salary increments.
For nearly two decades, Mathew's hard work helped him secure a stable life. The money he earned was diligently sent back home, where it was used to build a house for his family and fund the education of his two beloved daughters, Mariya and Nancy. His wife, Silvy, managed the household, ensuring that their daughters received the best education possible.
However, after 19 years of service, the company he had devoted himself to collapsed in 2009. The sudden loss of his job was a devastating blow. With the company's closure, Mathew found himself returning to his native place in India, bringing with him the remnants of his savings. These funds had been invested wisely over the years in constructing a house and ensuring his daughters, Mariya and Nancy, received quality education.
Financial Struggles Back Home
Back in his village, the reality of financial instability quickly set in. The savings, though significant, were insufficient to cover the ongoing daily expenses and the mounting costs of his daughters' education. Mariya, 28, was ready to start her own family, and the expenses for her marriage loomed large. Nice, still pursuing her studies, required funds to continue her education.
The financial pressures were immense. Mathew's wife, Silvy, did her best to manage the household and stretch their limited resources. Despite their combined efforts, the money never seemed enough, and the weight of financial responsibility bore heavily on Mathew's shoulders.
A Desperate Decision: Working in Kandahar, Afghanistan
Determined to secure a better future for his family, Mathew made the difficult decision to seek employment abroad once more. This time, his destination was even more challenging and dangerous: Kandahar, Afghanistan. Known for its volatile security situation and frequent terrorist activities, Kandahar was a place many feared to tread. However, the promise of higher wages in such a perilous region was an opportunity Mathew could not afford to pass up.
In 2010, Mathew arrived in Kandahar, taking up a job in a region fraught with danger. The work environment was starkly different from what he had known in Saudi Arabia. The constant threat of violence, coupled with the harsh living conditions, made every day a test of endurance and resilience. Despite the ever-present risks, Mathew threw himself into his work, driven by the need to provide for his family.
A Year of Endurance
For nearly a year, Mathew navigated the treacherous landscape of Kandahar. The work was physically and emotionally taxing, with security concerns never far from his mind. Yet, his resolve remained unshaken. The thought of his family's well-being back home kept him going through the toughest of times.
Mathew’s experience in Kandahar was marked by constant vigilance and a deep sense of duty. Each day was a challenge, but it also brought him closer to his goal. The money he earned, though hard-won, was sent back home to support his family. These funds helped cover the educational expenses of Nancy and contributed to the savings needed for Mariya’s marriage.
Return to the Native Place: Finding Stability
After almost a year in Kandahar, the risks and the toll on his health and well-being became too great. Mathew returned to his native place, bringing with him the earnings that were crucial for his family’s immediate needs. Back home, he found a job as an accountant in a local hotel. The pay was modest, but it offered a semblance of stability and safety that his previous job lacked.
Though financial challenges persisted, Mathew's determination never wavered. His journey through the deserts of Saudi Arabia and the war-torn streets of Kandahar had taught him resilience and the value of perseverance. With his family by his side, Mathew continued to work hard, ensuring that his daughters could pursue their dreams.
The Ongoing Struggle and Hope for the Future
Mathew's story is one of enduring hardship and unwavering commitment to his family. Despite the financial struggles that still trouble him, his journey is marked by the love and support of his wife, Silvy, and their daughters, Mariya and Nancy. Together, they face the challenges of daily life, finding strength in their unity.
Mathew dreams of seeing Mariya happily married and Nancy completing her education. His journey is a testament to the lengths a father will go to ensure his family's well-being. As he continues to work diligently as an personal Secretary, Mathew holds onto hope, believing that his perseverance will eventually lead to a brighter future for his family.
The transition back to life in his village was tough. The financial pressures mounted, and Mathew found himself struggling to make ends meet. Driven by the need to support his family, he took a job in Afghanistan, despite the dangers and instability of the war-torn region. The experience was harrowing, but Mathew's resolve never wavered. He endured the hardships, driven by the hope of providing a better future for his daughters.
Eventually, Mathew returned to his native place, this time securing a job as an accountant in a local hotel. Though the pay was modest, it allowed him to stabilize his family's situation. However, financial challenges persisted. The looming costs of Mariya's marriage and Nancy’s continued education weighed heavily on him.
Despite these struggles, Mathew remains hopeful. His life has been a testament to resilience and unwavering dedication to his family. He dreams of seeing Mariya happily married and Nancy completing her education, ready to embark on her own journey. Mathew's story is one of perseverance, a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming odds, the love for one's family can provide the strength to endure and overcome.
As Mathew continues to work hard, his family stands by him, grateful for his sacrifices and inspired by his unyielding spirit. Together, they navigate the challenges, finding strength in their unity and hope in the future. Mathew's journey, marked by trials and triumphs, is a story of resilience, love, and the enduring power of family.
After the weddings of his two beloved daughters, the home that once brimmed with life now feels like an abandoned memory. At sixty, instead of resting in peace and comfort, the father is forced to continue working—not to chase ambition, but to fight for survival. His wife, too, sits in silence, waiting for a day when someone might ask how they are. This is the reality for millions of parents in India, especially those from the middle class, who dedicate their lives to raising their children, only to be left behind when their responsibilities are fulfilled.
The tragedy is deeper than it appears. In India, the government fails to provide any structured, universal support for old-age parents unless they are part of the government system. Government employees, ministers, MLAs, and even those who have served in high office continue to receive lifelong pensions and exclusive healthcare benefits. But what about the private company employees? What about those who worked tirelessly in factories, offices, and service sectors—people who contributed equally, if not more, to the economic growth of this country?
There is no pension for them. No guaranteed health insurance. Even the government's much-advertised health schemes are largely limited to those below the poverty line, while the middle class—the silent backbone of the nation—is ignored entirely. They are not poor enough for aid, and not rich enough for comfort. They simply fall through the cracks.
How is this fair in a democratic country? Why should survival in old age be a privilege tied to government service? Don’t private employees serve the nation too? Don't they pay taxes, build the economy, and raise future citizens?
This system is not just flawed—it is unjust. The Indian government must urgently reform its approach. A universal pension scheme must be implemented for all senior citizens, irrespective of their employment background. Free or subsidized healthcare must be extended to the middle class, not just the poor. Legal frameworks must be introduced to protect abandoned elderly parents, and social security must become a right, not a privilege.
If we do not protect our elders, we are failing the very foundation of our culture. It’s time the government wakes up—not with slogans, but with action. Old age should not feel like punishment after a life of sacrifice. It’s time to respect the silent warriors who built this country with their sweat and dreams, and give them the dignity they deserve.
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