Santi and Liji: Teacher couple who've spent 25 years bringing joy to residents of orphanages

THRISSUR: For the past 25 years, Santi Mash and his wife Liji, a teacher couple from Parappur, have been taking residents of orphanages on sightseeing trips—a tradition they continue regardless of cost. This year’s journey was especially meaningful as it marked their 25th outing, coinciding with their 25th wedding anniversary.

Santi teaches at Seethi Sahib Memorial Vocational Higher Secondary School in Edakkazhiyoor, while Liji is a teacher at Lady Immaculate Girls High School in Choondal. Since their marriage on September 3, 2000, the couple has dedicated themselves to giving orphanage residents experiences outside their homes.

This month, they took around 40 residents of Peace Home in Peringandur, including many in wheelchairs, on a sightseeing trip. The group visited attractions such as Vallarpadam and Cherai Beach before returning to Peace Home in the evening. The trip was accompanied by the Peace Home director and Fr. Johnson Anthikkad, who had blessed the couple’s wedding, adding to their joy.

Beginning

The tradition began in 2000, when the couple first took residents of Christina Home in Pullazhi to watch the Pooram festival. At the time, Santi had just received his first salary and offered it to support the outing. Sister Linnet, a relative, encouraged him, saying, “I don’t need money. Just take the residents out, show them the sights, and buy them food.”

Moved by the happiness of the residents, Santi and Liji decided to continue such trips every year. “No matter the cost, we will keep taking them on journeys as far as possible—it’s part of life’s journey,” Santi said.