Interview with Mr. Krishna Mohan Rao Amur
– Neil Dutta (A dedicated youth volunteer)
On behalf of Volunteer for Seniors (VFS) Easton, Massachusetts, I (Neil Dutta) got the opportunity to interview Mr. Krishna Mohan on August 28th, 2024. Mr. Krishna Mohan lives in Jeevanraksha Nagar, Sampatipuram near Anakapalli, Andhra Pradesh, India after his retirement. He humbly shared with me his incredible life journey and he mostly talked about importance of volunteerism and his own involvement in different philanthropic causes
Mr. Krishna Mohan was born in Andra Pradesh (South-Eastern state) in India on 24th Feb 1947. He came from a very humble background and he lost his father when he was only 10 years of age. He was raised by his single mother. After completing his high school education in 1962, he took training for teaching students up to 7th class in 1963-64. Additionally, to support his family during those days, he worked in the electricity department and served as a clerk for 2 years. On the advice of some of his well-wishers, he left his native place and moved to Hyderabad, the state capital in 1966 and served as a teacher for 6th and 7th graders and he taught Mathematics and English for nine years. While working as a teacher, he simultaneously completed his Bachelorette and also finished an accountant course (finance). In 1976 he joined the A.P. Industrial development corporation in Hyderabad and worked as an accountant. He served this organization for 25 years and rose to the level of Deputy General Manager (the senior position in Finance).
Mr. Krishna Mohan took voluntary retirement in 2001 and after that he got involved in various philanthropic causes and started leading a spiritual life. When he was 42 years old, he started studying Upanishads (the ancient Vedic spiritual texts and scriptures) and found it a “source of real knowledge” in addition to many other spiritual books. He donated significant portion of his time towards various non-profit causes including construction of schools, hospitals, temples, etc.
While talking about his personal life, he mentioned to me that he married his childhood friend Smt. Suseela Devi in 1971 and together they have a son named Sriram born in 1972. His son serves in Indian Navy, Ministry of Defense and holds a senior rank. Mr. Krishna Mohan has two grandchildren (granddaughter and grandson). He mentioned that he is very content with his life and staying alone in A.J.R. Nagar of Sri Ramchandra Mission near Anakapalli after demise of his wife in January 2022.
During the interview he provided me valuable life lesson
“My sincere advise to youth and others to work hard and earn honestly and to donate 25% of their income to charity for senior citizen homes, orphanages and provide scholarships to students, etc. Further, I request the youth to create a purpose for their lives and work for it sincerely”.
Could you tell us more about your childhood and where you grew up?
Mr. Krishna Mohan: “I was born in Palamaneru town, in Chittoor district in Andra Pradesh on 24th February, 1947. I studied my primary school and high school at Puttur town in the same district. I completed school final in 1962 and studied, and went for teachers training in 1963-64. I came to Hyderabad in 1966. Since 1966 to 2022, I stayed in Hyderabad. Now, I am in Anakapalli for the past two years.
Do you have any special memory you want to share with us from your childhood?
Mr. Krishna Mohan: “I lost my father when I was 10. I had good friends in my school days and we visited Madras when Queen Victoria and London came to India in 1961. It was very memorable.”
Can you please tell us about your family & friends who played significant role in your life?
Mr. Krishna Mohan: “My wife is Suseela Devi and we married in May 1971. We spent 50 years married together. And I have an only son, no daughters, and he is working in defense, the navy, as an officer.”
Could you please tell us about your career or professional life before retirement and your accomplishments?
Mr. Krishna Mohan: “Yes, I started my career as a teacher for middle school students. I studied cost accountancy and joined a government organization which helps industries to come up in Andra Pradesh. I worked and served in that company for 25 years and took voluntary retirement in 2001. Since then, I am in spiritual life and doing some social work. As an accountant, I received five promotions and rose to the level of Deputy General Manager in Finance.”
What inspired you to embark on spiritual journey and be involved with philanthropic work?
Mr. Krishna Mohan: “It started at the age of 40, when I studied Upanishads, sacred books. While studying, inside, I learned that your purpose of life is to understand the truth. I am continuing that spiritual life as I am doing social/philanthropic work according to my capacity.”
Could you please share with us (if you are comfortable) your philanthropic work in India?
Mr. Krishna Mohan: “Now, we recently constructed a building which will be used as a school and another building called Geeta Bhavan. They all will help people come together and do some work.”
What are your hobbies?
Mr. Krishna Mohan: “Listening to Indian Music, Karnataka and Film songs.”
What does a typical day look like for you after retirement?
Mr. Krishna Mohan: “I visit places and help people in my own way. Now, I am staying at Anakapalli in Andra Pradesh so I am interested in helping rural people.”
What message you have for me and our generation and what can we learn from your experiences in life?
Mr. Krishna Mohan: “Think good, talk good, do good. Earn well and spend judicially. Donate well to some social cause in your locality.”
What can we all learn from your experiences in life?
Mr. Krishna Mohan: “Life gave very good experiences. From a small person, I came to a high level. It was hard work and your sincerity that helps. Be honest and don’t deceive anybody. Read books and spend time with friends nicely. Be helpful to them and if they come to you, you must give good advice. Make sure you are happy and you make people happy.”
I am deeply grateful to Mr. Krishna Mohan for allowing me the opportunity to interview him. From our conversation, I learned valuable lessons about life’s purpose, community support, and the importance of volunteerism. He taught me that, despite life’s challenges and obstacles, hard work and sincerity can help us achieve our goals. I was genuinely inspired by Thaatha’s determination and his humble approach toward me.
During our Zoom interview, Krishna Mohan encountered technical difficulties, yet instead of postponing, he walked 10-15 minutes to his neighbor’s house mid-interview and continued our conversation. This exemplifies his remarkable dedication and his respect for someone he was meeting for the first time. He also took the time to ask about me, my high school, and expressed sincere appreciation for all the volunteers and seniors within the Volunteering for Seniors (VFS) community.
I am extremely thankful for Mr. Krishna Mohan’s time and the valuable life lessons he shared. He even sent his best wishes to my family as we concluded the interview.