Brother James E.Kimpton (Thatha)

At RTU, where the community is filled with young children, the affectionate call of “Thaatha”  became a defining sound. Each morning, between 8:50 and 9:00 a.m., he would sit outside  his office, warmly welcoming every child as they arrived for school. The air would often echo  with joyful voices calling out “Thaatha,” a simple yet profound reflection of the love and trust  he inspired.

At RTU, love was not merely a value—it was the organisation’s living language. Harmony,  mutual respect, and compassion set its rhythm. There is no space for  discrimination. Discipline and order  shaped daily life, while children’s laughter  filled every corner. Like the gentle springs  of Kodaikanal, RTU offered calm and  renewal to all who entered—a sanctuary  of peace, dignity, and hope.
Human language struggles to fully  capture the depth of this “paradise of children’s love” that Brother James E. Kimpton envisioned. When he began RTU with only Rs.  2,000 in hand, he never imagined the journey ahead—one that would touch the lives of millions  of abandoned and vulnerable children. He believed this work was guided by God and carried  forward through human hands. Each act of compassion led to new beginnings; each selfless  deed opened doors to greater service. Unwavering in his mission, Brother James E.Kimpton dedicated himself fully to the purpose placed in his heart. In return, providence never failed  him, and resources arrived when they were most needed. 

Brother James E.Kimpton possessed extraordinary attentiveness—nothing escaped his  caring notice, no matter how small or  distant. His life was defined by giving,  even when it demanded personal sacrifice. His presence conveyed compassion, his actions offered protection, and his steps moved swiftly toward those in need. He embraced the fatherless, uplifted the broken, and sowed values of love, justice, and dignity into everyday life. His legacy is not easily summarised; it is lived, felt, and carried forward by generations inspired by his example. History remembers those who act, not merely those who speak—and his life remains a guiding light for the future.

Serving children was not merely his mission; it was his identity.

RTU stands as a living reflection of his vision: a place where the poor are honoured, and  equality is practised. Cooperation, shared responsibility, and mutual care define its spirit. Here,  no one lives alone. 

Deeply rooted in faith, Brother James E. Kimpton lived by the conviction that where God  guides, He provides. Until his final breath, his heart beat for the well-being of children, and his  life was intertwined with their future. Women and children—often the most affected in times of  crisis—were always his priority.

Serving children was not merely his mission; it was his identity. “Serving children is my life  and my value,” he once said. In life and beyond, he chose to remain their Thaatha forever— a grandfather whose love, vision, and sacrifice live on in ever y child he touched.