Born in the salubrious city of Bangalore in 1959, to parents steeped in Indian culture of values & righteousness, Ananth Kumar imbibed his early education at the feet of his mother Smt Girija Shastri who was herself a graduate from Maharani college way back in 1950′s. She was a determined crusader against social injustice which was rampant in society. Ananth learned his initial lessons from her actions. His father Shri Narayan Shastry was an upright railway employee who encouraged the spirit of inquiry. His illustrious relatives include Sir. M. Vishweshwaraiah, the world famous engineer & the likes of Shri B. V. Raman a renowned astrologer.

For decades, he has been an ardent follower of the teachings of Bhagawad Gita, which he believes is an excellent teacher of values. Everyday, he reads from the Gita, at least a few couplets before he starts out to work. This acts like a “pep pill”

He is married to Tejaswini, a dynamic software engineer. She is a social activist, who steers the activities of Adamya Chetana – a charitable organization which is involved in the area of women & children. One of its revolutionary, and now much acclaimed, projects – Annapoorna feeds over 80,000 school children in Bangalore, 70,000 school children in Hubli and 65,000 school children in Jodhpur every day. These children come from the underprivileged sections of society. She is also the Chief Editor of “Nimma AnanthKumar” – an innovative magazine which showcases Ananth Kumar’s efforts in the public arena.

They are blessed with two daughters, Aishwarya & Vijeta.

Click here to read a story on Tejaswini Ananthkumar that appeared in rediff.com long back.