Dr. Manu Varghese — A Lifelong Learner Inspiring Joy Through Knowledge

In the heart of the UAE, where cultures meet and dreams find new direction, Dr. Manu Varghese stands as a testament to the power of learning and laughter. An educator, writer, and humanitarian at heart, he has spent nearly two decades in the Emirates shaping young minds, nurturing curiosity, and now, through his debut book Chirippichu Maranjavar, celebrating those who made the world smile.

For Dr. Manu, learning has never been confined to classrooms or degrees — it has been a way of life. As the Academic Director at Brilliance Institute, Sharjah, he believes that true education goes far beyond textbooks. “It is about nurturing values, understanding people, and finding purpose in knowledge,” he often says. His career in education, rooted in both academic excellence and emotional intelligence, has earned him immense respect among students and peers alike.

Yet his story begins not in the UAE, but in Kerala, the land that shaped his outlook on life. Before moving abroad in 2007, Manu worked as a teacher and media professional. Those early experiences — connecting with people, telling stories, and inspiring thought — became the foundation for everything that followed. He carried that passion with him when he came to the UAE, a country that, in his words, “has given me opportunities and achievements beyond words.”

Over the years, Manu’s work has blended education with empathy. Whether guiding students at Brilliance Institute or teaching Malayalam language and culture through the Malayalam Mission – Sharjah Chapter (under the Government of Kerala), he has remained deeply committed to preserving both knowledge and heritage. “Education must go beyond passing exams,” he says. “It should help you discover who you are and what you can give back to society.”

That philosophy shines brightly in his book Chirippichu Maranjavar — Those Who Made Us Laugh and Faded Away, set to launch on November 7 at 9:30 PM during the Sharjah International Book Fair. The work pays heartfelt tribute to seven legends of Malayalam culture — from the satirical genius Kunchan Nambiar to the beloved actor Innocent, from the wisdom of Vaikom Muhammad Basheer to the wit of V. D. Rajappan and E. K. Nayanar, from the humor of cartoonist Yesudasan to the luminous humanity of Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan.

Each chapter captures not only their humor but also their humanity — the resilience behind the laughter, the compassion behind the performance. “For a long time, I wanted to write about those who found light in darkness,” Manu reflects. “People who made others happy even when life wasn’t easy for them.” The idea grew over years of reflection and research until it became a mission: to remind readers that joy itself is an act of courage.

Senior journalist G. Visakhan, a close friend and respected media professional in Kerala, penned the foreword for the book. The gesture adds a personal touch to a work that is both scholarly and deeply human.

Behind Dr. Manu’s calm demeanor lies a mind constantly in pursuit of knowledge. During the pandemic, when much of the world stood still, he enrolled in more than 70 online courses from 28 international universities and UN-affiliated organizations, earning recognition from Golden Book of World Records, World Records of London, India Book of Records, and World Records of India. He laughs modestly at the number, but each certificate marks another chapter in his lifelong journey of curiosity.

In 2021, his commitment was honored with the World Education Icon Award, and in 2023, the Alliance American University in the United States conferred upon him an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his contributions to education. For Dr. Manu, awards are reminders — not of success, but of responsibility. “Knowledge gains meaning only when shared,” he says. “That’s when it becomes service.”

His academic path is impressively diverse. He holds a Bachelor’s in Physics, a Master’s in Sociology, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Applications, along with diplomas in Educational Psychology and Logistics & Supply Chain Management from international institutions. Courses from the British Council, Public Health England, Griffith University, Lancaster University, Macquarie University, RMIT, and UN bodies like UNICEF, UNITAR, IOM, and IMO have all enriched his perspective as both educator and human being.

His outlook on learning remains humble: “There’s no age limit for education. If curiosity lives within you, you’ll never stop growing.” That curiosity has shaped not just his teaching, but his parenting, writing, and community work. His wife Jisha, a medical-insurance supervisor, and their sons Daron and Daan, both students at Sharjah Emirates National School, share his values of hard work, humility, and gratitude. “Their support,” he says warmly, “is the anchor that keeps me grounded.”

In a time when technology dominates young minds, Dr. Manu advocates for a return to the joy of reading. He worries that screens are replacing stories and that imagination is quietly fading. “Reading develops emotional depth and critical thinking — no gadget can replace that,” he insists. Through his lectures, his book, and his daily interactions with students, he continues to inspire a love for learning that lasts far beyond school walls.

As a proud Malayali and grateful UAE resident, he often acknowledges the nation’s leadership for its unwavering commitment to education and inclusion. “The UAE is a land where people of all languages and cultures live together in harmony,” he says. “It’s up to us to make meaningful use of the opportunities this country provides.”

Even amid his achievements, Dr. Manu remains remarkably down-to-earth. Life, he believes, should always be a “busy blend” — a mix of work, writing, social service, and self-growth. For him, staying engaged in meaningful pursuits is not tiring — it’s life-affirming. And as he prepares for the launch of his first book, he looks forward to writing many more. “This is only the beginning,” he smiles. “There are so many more stories waiting to be told.”

In the pages of his book, in his classrooms, and in the hearts of those he teaches, Dr. Manu Varghese continues to live his message: that education and joy are not separate pursuits — they are, together, the highest form of service.

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