Against the Odds and Beyond the Horizon: The Story of Thomas D'Souza's Hard Work, Values, and Finding Peace in Later Years

 

Behind every smile and every silent pause lies a story worth sharing. One such powerful story is that of Thomas D’Souza, a man who rose from a humble background to build a meaningful life guided by hard work, integrity, and compassion. His journey speaks not just to his generation but to anyone who believes that success is about values, perseverance, and staying grounded through life's highs and lows.

This is a story for those who have weathered life’s storms, built legacies through honest labor, and now seek peace, connection, and continued purpose in their later years

Mumbai Childhood: Lessons in Resilience, Family, and Simple Pleasures
Thomas was born and raised in Dadar, Mumbai, in a large family with seven children. Life during those days was tough, yet his memories are filled with warmth, especially the presence of his strong and hardworking mother who supported the entire household. Despite financial difficulties, his childhood was marked by moments of simple joy. One such cherished memory was learning to swim in a well near a large playground. Seeking his mother’s permission before diving into the cool waters of summer became a symbol of the trust and discipline she instilled in him. These early experiences taught Thomas to find happiness in small things and to value hard work and family.

 

 Against the Odds: Forging a Career from Roughneck to Driller with Discipline and Dedication
Thomas’s professional journey began at the Sea Rock Hotel, where he worked as a waiter. From there, life took a dramatic turn as he ventured into the challenging world of offshore work ships and oil rigs. He started as a roughneck, a physically demanding role that many would shy away from. However, Thomas wasn’t afraid of getting his hands dirty. Step by step, he moved up the ranks to become a derrickman, assistant driller, and eventually, a driller.

His proudest moment came when a Canadian supervisor, Mr. Willard Nainberg, recognized his discipline and dedication, promoting him to a leadership position. Thomas worked in extreme conditions, including in Saudi Arabia where he toiled under the blazing 50-degree heat during Ramzan. Despite the physical and emotional strain, he kept going, completing a critical task before resigning guided not by money but by principles of self-respect and fairness. Throughout his career, he was known for never wasting company time, always being punctual, and delivering results honestly. These qualities helped him earn respect, even in environments where fairness wasn’t guaranteed.

A Journey Marked by Resilience: Fighting Bias, Lifting Others, and Learning from a Painful Betrayal
While Thomas achieved professional success, he also faced deep challenges. He openly shares the pain of facing discrimination based on religion, caste, and social circles particularly in India, where such biases often influenced promotions and workplace dynamics. Despite being more qualified and capable, he was overlooked. But Thomas never let bitterness take root. Instead, he continued to work with integrity, helping deserving individuals rise regardless of their background. One such person was Mohammad Ismail, whom Thomas promoted based on merit. Their friendship, built on mutual respect, continues to this day.

A particularly painful experience came when he trusted a neighbor with an investment of ₹30 lakhs. Initially, the neighbor returned profits, but then disappeared, returning only a small portion. Thomas is still fighting a legal battle, carrying not just financial loss but emotional betrayal. From this, he learned one of his most important life lessons: never trust anyone blindly, especially when it comes to money

 

Beyond the Rig: A Love for Aquatic Life, Electronics, and an Unfulfilled Australian Wish
Outside of work, Thomas had passions that brought him peace. He had a deep love for aquariums and maintained twelve of them in his home. He went to great lengths to care for his fish, using Bisleri water and special salt to maintain the pH balance. One of his most beloved pets was a flowerhorn fish named “Boss,” who lived for twelve years. Boss was more than a fish he was family. After Boss passed away, Thomas gradually lost interest in the hobby, though the joy it once brought him remains a fond memory.

He was also fascinated by electronics and had a natural knack for fixing things. Using Google, he even taught himself how to build a basic switch. However, concerns about electrical hazards held him back from exploring the field more deeply. He sometimes wishes he had pursued this interest further when he was younger. Another dream that remained unfulfilled was his desire to visit Australia. He had an uncle there who had supported his family during tough times, sending ₹100 every month in the 1970s. Despite receiving an invitation to visit, Thomas never went, held back by financial constraints and a fear of being a burden. It remains one of his few regrets.

Retiring Early for Peace: Embracing Nature and Simple Living After a Successful Career
Thomas chose to retire at the age of 52, a decision prompted by early memory concerns despite earning a high income. Instead of choosing comfort in city life, he moved to Panvel and personally oversaw the construction of a bungalow surrounded by nature. He managed the construction himself to save costs and take full control of the process. Though he owns a flat in Mira Road, where his children now live, he prefers the peace of his Panvel home, living alone but not lonely. His days are spent staying active, fixing small things, and enjoying the simple pleasure of being close to nature.

His philosophy in life remains unchanged. Keep your promises. Be honest about what you can and cannot do. Help others when you can. He believes that much of his success and peace come from his mother’s blessings and the inner discipline he maintained throughout life.

Thomas believes in destiny but also in action. He often recalls a powerful piece of advice shared by a South Indian colleague during a certification exam: “If you think you’re going to fail, you will. If you think you’ll pass, you will.” This belief in positive thinking became one of the guiding lights of his life.

A New Chapter: Finding Community and Connection in Senior Years
In his journey from hardship to honor, Thomas D’Souza has shown that it’s never too late to grow, learn, or give back. He embodies the values of kindness, humility, and resilience qualities that define the lives of so many senior citizens across India.

For seniors like Thomas, retirement doesn’t mean the end of meaningful engagement. It marks a new beginning. That’s where Sukoon Unlimited comes in.

Sukoon Unlimited is a heartwarming community where senior citizens from all over India come together to share stories, learn from each other, and build meaningful friendships. Whether it’s through simple conversations, learning new skills, or finding people who truly understand, Sukoon offers a space where every senior can feel at home.

Thomas’s story reminds us that life’s richness doesn’t come from material possessions but from lived experiences, values upheld, and the people we support along the way. In places like Sukoon Unlimited, those stories find a home, and those hearts find a community.