Home Front

Born in the salubrious city of Bangalore in 1959, to parents steeped in Indian culture of values & righteousness, AnanthKumar imbibed his early education at the feet of his mother Smt Girija Shastri who herself was a graduate from Maharani College way back in the 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.Vishveshwarayya, the world-renowned engineer & the likes of Shri B. V. Raman a renowned astrologer.

For decades, he has been an ardent follower of the teachings of the 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 Smt. Tejaswini, a dynamic software engineer, and a social activist, who steers the activities of Adamya Chetana, a charitable organization which does yeomen service among women & children. One of its revolutionary projects feeds over 2.5 lakh children on a daily basis. She is also the chief editor of “Nimma AnanthKumar”, an innovative monthly magazine which reports AnanthKumar’s efforts in the public arena.

They are blessed with two daughters, Aishwarya & Vijeta. Aishwarya like her father wants to be a Law Graduate. With a social bent of mind and a strong sense of justice, she wants to make a difference in her chosen field. Vijeta, a soft spoken girl is a deep person and is a budding artist, currently goes to School. She also has a strong desire to excel in Badminton and hopes to win laurels in the game some day.

To fulfill the large vision of AnanthKumar, the whole family strongly stands by him. His sister, Smt. Suvasini and her husband Shri. Narayan, owner of Savitha Suppliers, a well known alloy Steel suppliers strongly supports AnanthKumar in his task. Also supporting him is Shri. Jagdish Bapat, an HR professional with Azim Premji Foundation and his wife Smt Jayashree who is Tejaswini’s sister. Shri NandaKumar, brother of AnanthKumar residing in Hubli and owner of a well-known manufacturing set up, Vibhava Group of Industries, supports the cause along with his wife Smt. Bharati. Tejaswini’s brother Shri Pradeep Oak, is the founder of Oak Systems, a well known software testing firm and his wife, Asmita who is also a software professional. Also in the support group is Shri Sudhanshu and Seema, who is Tejaswini’s sister. Blessed by Smt. Pratibha Oak, mother in law of Ananthkumar, completes the circle of support.

This closely-knit team along with his friends and well wishers, support the ever growing academic and social organizations like Amruta Institute of Engineering and Management Sciences (AIeMS) and Adamya Chetana.