Our Secret Santa

Many people who visit Snehalaya for the first time are deeply moved by the realities they witness and the work being done across our projects. Every guest and volunteer is guided through our initiatives by project managers who share honest and comprehensive insights. Our aim is never to shock, but to help people understand the challenges faced by those we support. For many, it is an experience that stays with them long after they leave.

Philip Byrne from Ireland first visited Snehalaya to celebrate his 50th birthday in July 2016 while he was on a business trip to India. We of course made him welcome, hosting a special birthday dinner with our Founder, Dr Girish Kulkarni and other senior staff. Philip had found the Indian NGO he had been searching for to support and at the end of his visit made a donation to the projects he had seen with money he had saved from selling his beloved motorcycle.

Philip kept in touch, returning again in 2017, 2018 and 2019, offering his expertise and support in many different ways and quickly becoming part of our extended Snehalaya family. Won over by our children, he quickly committed to supporting them however he could. Since his first visit he has consistently and generously donated a large amount via Global Giving on Giving Tuesday, securing us match funding on top of his already generous donations which have helped us create magical Christmas celebrations for our children year after year.

Although the pandemic and family commitments prevented further visits for some years, Philip’s presence was always felt. Quite simply, many memorable Christmases would not have been possible without him. While UK volunteer Nick Cox may wear the Santa hat and beard each year, it is Philip who has truly become Snehalaya’s real Father Christmas.

Over the years, Philip has continuously encouraged others to volunteer, donate, and learn about Snehalaya’s work. Gentle and compassionate by nature, he once reflected after visiting Snehankur’s premature baby care unit: “I am not ashamed to say I struggled to hold back tears.”

So you can imagine our excitement when Philip returned in April 2026 — almost ten years after his first visit — accompanied by one of his students, Joe. Our generous family member had at last come home. Much has changed since his last visit, and Philip was visibly moved seeing the work at Manasgram. During a visit with the boys, he quietly asked if there was anything they needed. Within days, cricket bats, stumps, footballs, and carom coins arrived. That is typical Philip — never seeking attention, always helping quietly and sincerely.

Every time he visits, he asks the same question: “What do you need, and how can I help?”

His latest mission is to help promote Snehalaya's latest book by Medha Bhaskaran 'Up Against Darkness', gain recognition internationally and become more widely available on Amazon and Kindle. Watch this space.

A gentleman in every sense of the word, Philip’s kindness and loyalty have touched countless lives at Snehalaya. We are immensely grateful for his friendship and support and now we also welcome Joe into the family.

But perhaps the final words should belong to Philip himself: “Coming back in 2026 was an exciting and emotional event. I saw huge changes and progress across all the areas Snehalaya works in. I am as proud as ever to be part of the family and will continue to support and promote awareness about Snehalaya".