Augustine Sebastian: The Silent Samaritan of Shimla

In the winding lanes of Shimla lives a man whose quiet actions speak volumes. Augustine Sebastian, a retired health counsellor, is a beacon of hope for the poor, the elderly, and the underprivileged of the city. He has dedicated the second innings of his life to supporting those in need in whatever way he can.

A native of Kerala, Augustine’s family migrated to Shimla in 1952. He studied at St. Edward’s School and later earned a master’s in Sociology from Rajasthan University.

Professional Life

Augustine's professional life spanned more than three decades working for the Shimla Health Department as a health counsellor. He also served as General Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Public Health Workers’ Association for 16 years.

Over the course of his career, he served in more than 16 stations across Himachal Pradesh—right from the grassroots level at panchayat, block, district, and state levels, to representing the state with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare as a public health expert. His expertise covered a wide range of public health concerns, including communicable and non-communicable diseases, vector-borne and waterborne illnesses.

Augustine's legacy of service has left an enduring mark on communities far beyond Shimla. Today, he is a deeply respected figure across more than 1,000 villages spread over the electoral constituencies of Kasumpti, Shimla Rural, Solan, and Shimla Urban, thanks to the compassionate care and services he provided during his tenure.

The Turning Point in His Life

A proud Syro-Malabar Catholic, Augustine is deeply rooted in his faith, which serves as the foundation of his mission. A turning point in his life came in 1985, when he witnessed the death of an eight-month-old baby during a measles outbreak in Shimla. The child died because his family couldn’t afford a life-saving injection. “That moment changed me forever,” he says. “I resolved to help the needy in whatever way I could for the rest of my life.

His Achievements

Since his retirement in 2018, Augustine has lived that promise daily. He donates over half of his pension to help the poor—paying for medicines, funding education for underprivileged children, and offering aid regardless of religion or community. As president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Michael’s Parish, he has led numerous outreach efforts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when wood for cremations was scarce, he donated lakhs worth of firewood to several Hindi families, enabling them to perform the last rites of their loved ones with dignity. For this, he received a certificate of recognition from the state government.

Recent Endeavours

Augustine has recently formed a loose-knit, informal group of friends—mostly Hindus—who quietly care for the elderly across Shimla. Whether it’s delivering groceries, arranging hospital visits, or providing financial assistance for medicine, this team operates with no formal name, no offices, and no fundraising appeals. “We don’t seek money from the public, but if someone wants to give, they’re welcome.”

Augustine is currently working with religious sisters in Shimla to support a spastic child being sent to the Mother Teresa Home in Chandigarh and also helping tribal women from Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh settle into Shimla through a self-help group initiative. His focus remains consistent: empowerment through education, financial aid, and community care.

“I want to see our Catholic children educated in Catholic institutions,” he says passionately. “Make them doctors, engineers, leaders. Let them stand tall in society.”

A Man of Humility

Despite being a well-known figure across Shimla, Augustine continues to keep a low profile. No photos, no social media campaigns—just service. His message to others inspired by his journey is simple: “Empower people. Educate them. Help them stand on their feet.”

Augustine Sebastian may not be a person seeking the limelight, but in a city that knows him well, his legacy glows quietly—like a lamp burning in a temple, unseen from afar, but radiating warmth and light to everyone near.

By Catholic Connect Reporter