Tan Sri Ananda Krishnan is one of Malaysia’s most influential and wealthiest individuals. In the past few days, Mr Krishnan, also known as AK, has been in the limelight because of his son Ajahn Siripanyo, who gave up the world’s riches and spoils to become a Buddhist monk.
Who is Ven Ajahn Siripanyo?
Born into privilege, Ajahn Siripanyo made a life-altering decision at the age of 18 to become a Buddhist monk. This decision, despite being unconventional, aligns with his father’s devout Buddhist beliefs. “Ajahn Siripanyo’s choice was entirely his own, and it is respected within the family,” a report by South China Morning Post stated.
Interestingly, Siripanyo’s mother, Momwajarongse Suprinda Chakraban, descends from the Thai royal family, giving him ties to both wealth and nobility. His spiritual journey began as a temporary retreat in Thailand, which later became a lifelong commitment.
The Life of a Forest Monk
For over two decades, Ven Ajahn Siripanyo has lived as a forest monk, primarily based at the Dtao Dum Monastery near the Thailand-Myanmar border. Renouncing materialism, he follows the Buddhist tenets of living simply and relying on the generosity of others for sustenance.
Despite his monastic life, Siripanyo occasionally reconnects with his roots, visiting his father and briefly stepping into his former world. However, such visits are in harmony with Buddhist principles, which emphasize familial bonds.
Embracing Global Perspectives
Growing up in London alongside his two sisters, Siripanyo completed his education in the UK and is fluent in at least eight languages. This cultural exposure has shaped his worldview and deepened his understanding of Buddhist teachings.
While his story draws parallels with Julian Mantle, the fictional lawyer from The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, Ajahn Siripanyo’s journey stands out as a rare real-life instance of choosing spiritual servitude over material wealth.
According to Forbes, the 86-year-old is Malaysia’s third richest man, with a net worth of over $5 billion (approximately Rs 40,000 crore). His business empire spans multiple industries, from telecommunications to multimedia.
Who is Tan Sri Ananda Krishnan?
Ananda Krishnan is a Malaysian businessman and philanthropist. According to Forbes, his business empire spans across telecom, satellites, oil, gas and real estate industries. He also owns Aircel, the now-bankrupt phone company that once sponsored Indian Premier League (IPL) team Chennai Super Kings.
Ananda Krishnan is Harvard Business school graduate.
Born into Malaysia’s middle-class family, he is known for his philanthropic favour. In 1985 he helped the Luve Air rock concert project that raised some $240 million around the world for African famine relief. Since then, he has donated tens of millions to art, education, sports and humanitarian causes in Malaysia through his privately owned holding company, Usaha Tegas, and its three main listed subsidiaries: cell phone operator Maxis, satellite TV and entertainment company Astro All Asia Networks and Tanjong, which is active in gaming, power generation and property.
Despite his immense wealth and business success, Mr Krishnan has remained a relatively private figure. However, his philanthropic efforts are well-known. His journey from modest beginnings to becoming one of Malaysia’s richest businessmen serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Peoplesmind
