Ananda Krishnan Quotes

Powerful Ananda Krishnan for Daily Growth

About Ananda Krishnan

Ananda Krishnan (1938-2014) was an influential Malaysian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author, who made significant contributions to the technology and telecommunications sectors in Malaysia and beyond. Born in Penang, Krishnan's early life was marked by financial hardship, as he lost his father at a young age, and his family struggled during the Japanese occupation of Malaya. However, these challenges instilled in him a strong work ethic and a determination to succeed. Krishnan graduated from the University of Singapore with a degree in electrical engineering. His career took off when he joined the Malaysian ministry of communications, where he played a pivotal role in setting up the national telecommunications company, Telekom Malaysia. In 1975, he left to establish his own ventures, which included the establishment of Data One, a data processing services provider, and later Measat Broadcast Network Systems Sdn Bhd, a leading satellite operator in Southeast Asia. Krishnan was also an accomplished author, writing several books that reflected his experiences and insights. His works include "The Uncommon Entrepreneur" (1996) and "Ananda Krishnan: In Pursuit of Excellence" (2007). These books offer insights into his leadership style, business philosophy, and the challenges faced in building successful enterprises. Krishnan's influence extended beyond business. He was a generous philanthropist, donating significant sums to education and healthcare initiatives. He also founded the Ananda Krishnan Foundation, which supports various charitable causes. In recognition of his contributions, he received numerous accolades, including the Darjah Kerabat Yang Amat Mulia Setia Mahkota (MSE) in 1992, the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2006, and the Global telecoms Business Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. Ananda Krishnan's life and works continue to inspire entrepreneurs and business leaders in Malaysia and beyond, exemplifying the power of determination, hard work, and innovative thinking in overcoming adversity and achieving success.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."

This quote emphasizes resilience and perseverance in the face of success or failure. It suggests that while success can be celebrated, it is not an end goal, and neither is failure a permanent setback. Instead, the true measure of one's character lies in their courage to persist, learn from mistakes, and keep moving forward. In other words, it's okay to experience both triumphs and defeats; what truly matters is how we respond to these experiences by maintaining our determination and spirit.


"Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger; even if it is an experience of grief and pain. We don't throw away a life because of a broken leg."

Ananda Krishnan's quote suggests that life is a continuous journey of growth, encompassing diverse experiences, some joyous, others painful or difficult. These experiences serve to expand our understanding, resilience, and character, much like how a broken leg might lead to greater empathy for others who have experienced similar pain or challenge. The metaphor implies that despite the setbacks or hardships we may face, life is valuable and should not be discarded or minimized due to temporary difficulties. Instead, we should embrace each experience as an opportunity for personal growth and transformation.


"The most important thing is not to pretend that you have talent: talent is a gift, but it's how you use it that counts."

This quote emphasizes that while natural ability (talent) plays a role in success, it is one's actions, behavior, and the way they utilize their talent that truly defines them. It suggests that possessing talent is not enough; it requires hard work, dedication, and smart application to make the most of it and achieve meaningful results. In essence, Ananda Krishnan encourages us to focus on our efforts and actions rather than just relying on inherent skills alone.


"Entrepreneurship requires vision, but vision without hard work and practicality will remain an illusion."

This quote emphasizes that having a vision or grand idea is crucial for entrepreneurship, but it's not enough to merely have a vision; one must be willing to put in the hard work and apply practicality to make that vision a reality. In other words, having a dream without the dedication to turn it into a tangible outcome will remain just an unfulfilled fantasy.


"One who succeeds through honest means, respects the efforts of others, and shares his success with others - such a person is truly successful."

This quote emphasizes that true success is not merely about personal achievement, but also about integrity, humility, and compassion towards others. It suggests that one who reaches their goals honestly and respects the hard work of others demonstrates a deep understanding of what it means to be successful. Sharing that success with others signifies generosity and recognition of the interconnectedness of our lives, thereby elevating the quality of success from individualistic gain to communal growth and well-being.


I have heard some people say I have a low profile. Why should somebody be high profile, anyway? I am just doing my job.

- Ananda Krishnan

Doing, Why, Some, Profile

In Asia, personal relationships are important, but you cannot personalise diplomacy.

- Ananda Krishnan

Important, Relationships, Asia

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