He runs Google’s top-rated defence blog Tarmak007, of which, the header reads: “A bold and bang blog from Anantha Krishnan M.” He says that it is his attempt to keep afloat the web with authentic information on Indian aerospace and defence programs. Otherwise, he is seen covering heart touching tales for Precious Souls column in City Express, or chasing unsung heroes and ‘Different Spirits’ for Inspired Indian Foundation. Presenting to you, an incredible tale of following one’s heart to the extent of dropping out from college to pursue one’s passion; the interview of one of the pillars of IIS, journalist, philanthropist and author, Dr Anantha Krishnan M.
Precious Souls
We Indians are such emotional people that we refuse to accept the realities most times. Problems related to disability are really sensitive, and there are many people associated with it. Importantly, one who endures it and the one who looks after them. Surely, there is medical side for it as well. Our motto must be to get people with special abilities to the mainstream. Are we sparing a thought for them so that they too become a part of active society? May be, IIS could be an answer!
As a journalist, I feel a platform of this kind will make an attempt to create an opportunity to change the thought process. Definitely a day or two will make no difference. It is a small step in the right direction. I am keen to see the kind of follow-up steps, post-IIS – which to me is going to make all the difference in the long run.
Fortune Favors Passion
Right from my childhood I was into writing; thanks to my parents who were teachers, especially my mom who enjoyed classic literature. Longing for a secure future, it was natural for me to choose engineering and I went to Latur to pursue a BE course. My then house owner was a freedom fighter and his wife was a popular Marathi poet. It was there that I wrote my first article which appeared in Lokmat Times and that gained me my first recognition.
After two years of pursuing Bachelor of Engineering, one morning I decided to take that risk to follow my passion and decided to leave the course. I took a bus to Secunderabad and then called up my parents to covey my decision. It was 1992 and I was just 19. I was told by my angry dad that I am an unwelcome guest at my home. The next three years were unforgettable to me. They were days of struggle, but I stuck to my decision. My first job came in the form of a freelance writer in Citizen Eveninger and I also doubled up as a proof reader, at times for a meager salary of 350 rupees. I had to work night shifts; but along with it I pursued my education during the day – Bachelor of Communication and Journalism, in Osmania University. Later I was recruited by Deccan Chronicle and that gave me a break to pursue my Masters in Communication and Journalism in Bangalore.
Billion Beats
HAL is an organization whose branding had been really poor and when I joined as its official spokesperson, I was tasked with setting up Corporate Communications Department. During one of my visits to Dr Kalam in Delhi, he expressed a wish to start a publication with inspiring stories. “We could write about innovative farmers, long serving faithful servants or a hard-working mechanic,” the Missile Man told me. On Children’s Day in 2007, we launched Billion Beats, and the response was mind-boggling.
Dr Kalam made me realize that if India needs to grow, then one has to spread the success stories of common man and make them glow. This is the best way to groom and inspire the young generation. During this time, the talks of my book with Paralympian Malathi Holla began and eventually, A Different Spirit took shape. I moved away from Billion Beats after giving it the initial thrust and decided to launch Inspired Indian Foundation for unsung heroes. Honestly, the inspiring man behind this movement for me was Dr Kalam. We gave the motto: “2 ‘I’s in India, 2 ‘I’s in Inspired. In You, we find the next ‘I’. To take India Forward.”
A Different Spirit
Most of the proceedings from A Different Spirit went to Malathi’s Mathru Foundation. Spending my time with the 20 kids in her foundation has really changed my perception of life. Every reprint of the book has an enhanced content, thanks to Malathi’s continuous achievements!
Gift a book or sapling for birthdays or festivals. Those who want to create an impact won’t run behind recognitions. Inspired Indian Foundation has set its eye to adopt a school in a village. I don’t use my personal influence or contacts to attract donations or get publicity to the Foundation. You can always do things differently. You can always do good work quietly.
Fly High in the Sky
When I was with The Times of India, I started a mission to fly the visually-impaired kids. My pilot friend and a legend in Indian aviation Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Ajit Lamba owned a two-seater plane. We flew close to 12 children in a span of five years. It was a very moving experience. These kids can’t see, but it’s just amazing how they enjoyed every bit of the flight. Teachers have told me that after this flight, they have observed changes in the behavior of these kids. Because these kids believe that they have done something amazing in life!
Ideas: Ideals: India
I long for small-small blessings. May be you help an elderly gentleman to cross the road and he gives you a nod or somebody politely acknowledges you for not honking. These moments make our life special! Today, I am keen that my writing should create an impact. While I chase missiles, war birds and tanks passionately as part of my beat, I also feel the inner call to be on the right side of someone who needs help.
The idea to capture the stories of special children and their families in the form of Precious Souls was hovering in my mind for a long time. I wanted my writing to become a vehicle with a purpose!
If mission matters, a lot of other things become secondary. I was big time into badminton when I was young, hence I maintained good physical health which helped me endure my struggling phase. The biggest experience comes from the lessons these difficult periods have taught me. These are priceless pearls.
It was my mother’s wish to see me pursue my PhD in Journalism. She passed away in 2007. I always dedicate the last slide in my presentations to my mother. Every mother is the master of communication; she starts communicating to you in the womb and introduces you to the world. My mother’s influence on me is huge…very huge.
Everyone has a role to play in this world. I chose to play the role this way – what you guys have captured in this piece. Who does what doesn’t matter to me, what is being done is the key. All the best for IIS!
KnowYourStar.com (KYS) interviewed Dr Anantha Krishanan M as part of India Inclusion Summit(IIS). IIS is a platform that brings awareness and drives inclusion of specially-abled people at corporates, schools, policy makers and NGOs. Yes, KYS is backing IIS whole-heartedly in a thirst to see an Inclusive India.
Hailing from the tranquil village of Kuttemperoor in Kerala’s picturesque backwaters district of Allapuzha, Anantha Krishnan M was born to teacher-parents. He strayed into Journalism at the age of 19 after leaving a B.E. course mid-way in Latur. Do Read Dr. Anantha Krishnan M Biography.