Narayanan Krishnan of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India was suddenly thrust into global recognition when out of 10,000 nominations from more than 100 countries, he became the proud and worthy recipient of the prestigious Top Ten CNN Heroes of 2010 Award. It was therefore highly befitting that the Atlanta community rolled out a red carpet to felicitate and honor this real life hero and also to financially help his humanitarian cause In Madurai, at Atlanta’s well known Third Eye Dancers, a nonprofit organization and Bharathakala Natya Academy of Johns Creek, Georgia. Rotary Club Emory Druid Chapter was the top contributor to this good cause and have pledged $60,000 towards it. Greater Atlanta Tamil Sangam; Telugu Association of Metro Atlanta; Naya India; India American Cultural Association also joined hands in this laudable endeavor.
 

Krishnan with Mahadev Desai

This is Krishnan’s first visit to Atlanta and also to the U.S. Despite the short duration of his visit Krishnan graciously invited the writer for an interview with him at his Atlanta host Sudarsan Srinivasan’s home.
29 year old, zesty, focused, driven, persistent, and innately compassionate Krishnan was born and raised in Madurai, India. He earned a B.Sc. in Hotel Management and Catering Sc.from Madurai Kamaraj University in 2002. He was immediately offered a job by a Five-Star Hotel Group in Bangalore. After six months, he received an offer to go to Switzerland. Before moving there, he went to see his parents in Madurai. One day, while going to a Temple, he was shocked to see an old man lying on the street and eating his own human waste. Moved by this sight, Krishnan bought some idlis and fed to the old man. When the old man looked at him with gratitude and teary eyes, and touched his hand, Krishnan felt an inexplicable energy coursing through his veins. He heard an inner voice to quit his job and help the mentally ill, infirm, forsaken and destitute in Madurai. At first his father K.Narayanan and mother Laxmi were upset with his decision to give up his lucrative career as an haute cuisine chef, at a young age but gradually lent their support. Initially he fed about 25 people. His meager savings were exhausted and even piled debts. Slowly people noticed the good work he was doing and began helping him with small donations in cash or kind and volunteering. Slowly Krishnan began helping more people. After a few months, he felt that he should do more than merely providing meals. So in June 2003, he founded Akshaya’s Helping in H.E.L.P.Trust,a non-profit Trust, with a Mission: “ Committed to the care of the helpless,forsaken,mentally ill,old,sick,roadside destitute living and dying on the streets of Madurai, by providing healthy food, love and opportunity to rehabilitate, thereby restoring human dignity”
Narayanan’s typical day begins at 4.00 a.m. Helped by a few volunteers, he prepares breakfast, loads it into the van and sets out to feed the neglected and acutely hungry people. Then a trip to the market to buy fresh vegetables, and groceries. The lunch is prepared and served by 3-00 p.m. The van, pots and pans, kitchen etc. are washed and cleaned and dinner is prepared and served by 10.30 p.m. Though a Brahmin, Krishnan does not believe in upper or lower caste. He hugs them, feeds them, cuts their hair, shaves them, bathes them and provides healthcare if needed. When he learnt that local barbers refused to serve these people, Krishnan went to a salon and learnt 12 styles of cutting hair! He always carries a comb, razor, shaving brush and soap with him.” I believe that unreached people who die on streets should be cremated with dignity. I believe that everyone has 5.5 liters of blood and we all are equal”.
For Narayanan, Akshaya home is a key element in the Trust’s long term goal. Fortunately his dream is slowly becoming a reality. A 2.74 acre of land has been purchased on the outskirts of Madurai.

	Krishnan with Atlanta host Subathra & Sudarshan Srinivisan

The home will have separate dormitories for men and women, dining and kitchen facilities a clinic, and an Acute Care Unit. It will provide living, healthcare and support facilities to 100 men and women. After it is completed,it will help in making it’s residents self-reliant. They will be taught to volunteer in the kitchen, to make pickles,etc.,and to perform other useful chores in running the Trust.Five out of ten planned blocks have already been sponsored. In addition to sponsoring of remaining blocks, funding is also needed for medical equipment, staffing and operating costs. The Trust depends solely on public donations. There are no Government Grants, endowments, or other income-producing projects.” In its ninth year of operation, the Trust has served over 1.5 fresh and hot meals-three meals a day, every day to 400 destitute and helpless people. I am highly optimistic of support because the Trust is run by youth. It serves fresh food everyday. And most important, it has complete transparency, and accountability.”
Apart from his father and mother Krishnan’s sister Shweta, who has earned M.Sc.in Micro-Biology in Madurai is also helping as a volunteer. Mr.Parthasarthy who has accompanied him on the trip is also lending great assistance and advice to the Trust. Happily, come January 2011, Krishnan will be tying a knot with Harini in Madurai.
“I wish to thank the Atlanta community and Associations for its generous support. I further wish to thank my Atlanta hosts-the President of Third Eye Dancers, Sudarsan Srinivasan and his wife Subathra Sudarsan and son Nantheshan for their warm hospitality. Third Eye Dancers and Bharathakala Natya Academy had organized a fundraiser to help Akshaya Trust on May 29 2010 at the New Dawn Theatre.Instead of posting the check; Subathra came all the way to Madurai to hand me the check. They are spreading the word about the Trust and helping raise funds. After CNN’s recognition, many NRIs have expressed interest in helping the Trust, so we have recently set up Akshaya USA.”
After the interview, Krishnan kindly agreed to have his photo taken with me.
Undoubtedly, CNN’s Award will resonate globally. Those interested in donating funds or helping in kind are requested to visit www.thirdeyedancers.org  or www.akshayatrust.org