Meet GMJ Thampy, Chairman and Managing Director, Riya Group, the visionary force whose 40-year legacy in travel and tourism is matched only by his unwavering commitment to social welfare. Join us as we explore the remarkable story of a leader and his strong belief in giving back to society.
– Prativa Vaidya Bhalla
Social welfare has always been one of the significant avenues to explore for GMJ Thampy, Chairman and Managing Director, Riya Group. His strong belief in giving back to society also comes from feeling a sense of responsibility towards homeless labourers and their families in the rural area of Thenmala, which is also the place where GMJ Thampy was born. A stalwart in the travel and tourism industry with over 40 years of dedicated service, he has been successfully spearheading the business conglomerate that offers holistic travel experiences to travel partners and customers.
Although the travel and tourism industry has been his arena for decades, he has continued to stay involved in community service. Over the years, he has deeply pondered the search for a greater calling, longing to satisfy his innate desire to make a meaningful impact on society.
Seeds of Service
Born and raised in a small town in Thenmala, Kerala, Thampy had to work his way through challenges and hardships to build an empire that caters to millions of travel partners and customers in India and globally today. His social aspiration found a purpose when he came across 26 families living in Rubber Estate in Thenmala, Kerala, for generations and had dedicated their services to the landowners by working at the rubber plantation estate. A witness to their efforts and perseverance for years is what led Thampy to undertake the CSR project for the underprivileged by Riya Travel and Tours (India) Private Limited and one of its most significant initiatives – Project Swapnam.
Thampy said, “Swapnam means dream. Every family deserves a home of their dreams, a place they can call their own. It is one of the best feelings in the world. It brings joy, security, and a sense of belongingness.”
Cherished Dream to Reality
Project Swapnam is an endeavour by Riya Travel and Tours (India) through Riya Social Welfare Foundation to make their dreams a reality for these families. A place where they can restart their lives and feel a sense of belongingness and also give their future generations a secure environment to grow in.
Initiated more than a year ago, the welfare programme approached and offered these 26 families a home in Thenmala. Thampy knew that offering land may not suffice their needs or fulfil his purpose. He decided to build these families a home that they could call their own. His thoughts were soon put into action with a ballot event, where houses were allotted to each family before the foundation stone was finally laid.
“It was a humbling experience to witness hope in the eyes of these families on the announcement of Project Swapnam. I truly am grateful to be a part of a project that can give these families a future to look forward to,” Thampy pointed out.
Throughout the year 2023, Thampy, along with Riya Travel and Tours, was personally involved in the project to ensure every stone was turned in making these dream homes a reality.
Explaining the purpose behind the project, Thampy said, “I wish to bring about a change in the lives of people living and working at the Rubber Estate in Thenmala, Kerala. I want them to discover a feeling of happiness and build a better future for their children.”
An Exemplary Beginning
Renamed Riya Gardens, the doors to these 26 beautiful homes were finally opened to its occupants on February 07, 2024. Surrounded by the picturesque view of Thenmala’s flora and fauna, the keys were handed over to the families with pomp and grandeur.
A pivotal part of the project from its initiation to its completion, Thampy has etched the opening of Riya Gardens into the history of Riya Group. It is an initiative that he has been searching for, and to finally see it come true is indeed a personal accomplishment for the travel business mogul. However, this is just the beginning, as he continues to anticipate more such projects in the future in his endeavour to give back to society.
