They were affectionately dubbed the “two Mikes,” and from the moment they arrived in Nagamangala, it was clear that father and son Mike and Michael Barrigan were about to share an experience neither would ever forget.
When they signed up for their first Rotaplast mission, neither quite knew what to expect. Their reasons for joining were different, shaped by separate stages of life, yet their time on the mission unfolded in remarkably similar ways—defined by service, humility, and quiet moments of connection.
Though it was easy to call them Mike Sr. and Mike Jr., Michael isn’t actually a “junior.” He is a member of the Rotary Club of Clairmont in District 5300, the area that generously sponsored the mission, alongside the Rotary Club of North Bangalore. A relatively new Rotarian who earned his Blue Badge over the summer, Michael is a financial planner by profession and a family man at heart, drawn to Rotary by its spirit of service.
On this mission, Michael took on the exacting responsibility of Instrument Sterilizer—a role that demands precision and focus. But it quickly became clear that his contribution went far beyond his official assignment. When his sterilizing duties were complete, Michael could be found wherever help was needed: greeting patients at clinic check-in, assisting in the wards, or stepping in without hesitation when an extra pair of hands was required. Always quick with a smile, he brought a calm, reassuring presence to everyone he encountered.
His father, Mike, came to the mission by a simpler path. Though not a Rotarian himself, he supports Michael’s involvement in Rotary and his commitment to public service. When Michael asked if he would like to join the team, Mike didn’t hesitate. Recently retired from a career in biomedical equipment, he had once considered volunteering on a ship-based medical mission, but the time commitment hadn’t been possible while he was working. This trip felt like the right moment—and the right calling.
Mike soon found his place transporting patients through the most vulnerable moments of their journey: from the pre-surgery ward to the anesthesiologist to post-surgery recovery (PACU), In those quiet corridors, he discovered something unexpected.
“At first, I didn’t pay close attention to the patients when I took them down for surgery,” Michael reflected. “I was used to strict privacy rules in the U.S. and wanted to give families their space.” But that perspective shifted when parents returned to see their children after surgery. “I started noticing their reactions—they were so relieved and grateful to me, even though I didn’t really do anything. It was humbling.”
For Mike, witnessing the dedication of the medical staff left a lasting impression. “I was so impressed that they volunteered their time and talents to help make the world a better place,” he said. “It’s something I will always remember.”
By the end of the mission, both father and son felt changed by the experience. “I feel like I accomplished something,” Michael said. “The Rotarians from North Bangalore were incredibly gracious and welcoming, and everyone—patients, families, hospital staff—made this trip unforgettable. I will be encouraging others from my club to take part and experience the unique adventure that is Rotaplast.”
Together, the “two Mikes” arrived as volunteers unsure of what lay ahead. They left as witnesses to gratitude, generosity, and the quiet power of showing up for others—side by side, as father and son.