Narayanan Krishnan was a celebrated chef with Taj Hotels and worked in a prestigious role in Switzerland, which was a dream opportunity for most in his field. But in 2002, his encounter with the intense poverty and hardship endured by people in India’s streets drastically altered his perspective. Krishnan chose to forgo his culinary ambitions to create Akshaya Home, an organization dedicated to providing care, food, and support for people experiencing homelessness and those affected by mental illness. This excerpt from his interview with The Edge, A Leaders’ Magazine, reveals his passion, challenges, and unwavering vision for Akshaya Home.
What inspired you to make such a drastic shift in your life’s work, and how did you find the courage to follow this path?
It was a single, decisive moment that changed everything for me. During a visit to my hometown, I witnessed a man on the streets, frail and starving, eating his waste because he had nothing else. That scene haunted me. Here I was, with all the opportunity to make a living through food, while others suffered unimaginably. I felt a deep, urgent call to act. Courage came from a sense of purpose that grew stronger every day. Once you start seeing the impact of helping others, that purpose fuels you like nothing else.
Akshaya Home serves some of the most vulnerable members of society. How do you manage daily operations, and what strategies keep the organization running effectively?
Running Akshaya Trust is a round-the-clock commitment, and I rely on a dedicated team that shares my passion. We operate 24/7, offering our residents meals, nursing care, rehabilitation, and counselling. Managing these needs requires coordination and resources. We have structured processes, but the real key lies in the dedication of our staff and volunteers. Each is committed to serving with empathy and care, and that unity is essential. Financially, we rely entirely on public donations—generous contributions from individuals worldwide. This support has built Akshaya Home brick-by-brick. Every donation, small or large, is a testament to the compassion that binds us as a global community.
Despite stepping away from a promising culinary career, do you still find ways to bring your love for cooking into your work?
Cooking remains close to my heart, and I’ve never left it behind. I prepare meals for our residents daily, symbolizing care and nourishment. Food has always been my way of connecting with people; now, it’s how I show them respect and kindness. Watching a resident enjoy a simple meal is incredibly fulfilling. It reminds me that happiness is not in luxury but in the basic comforts we often take for granted. There’s no greater reward than knowing I’m using my skills to make a difference in the lives that need it most.
You were named a CNN Hero in 2010. How did this recognition impact you and Akshaya Trust’s mission?
The CNN Hero recognition was a turning point for Akshaya Trust. It brought international attention, and with that came a surge of support from around the world. People from different countries began reaching out, eager to contribute to our cause. This visibility allowed us to secure the funds to construct Akshaya Home. It was the moment our small, local effort became a global mission, connecting people from all walks of life. This support from the international community validated our work and reinforced the idea that compassion transcends boundaries.
Envision the future of Akshaya Trust and Akshaya Home over the next five to ten years.
Our vision is both ambitious and rooted in our commitment to service. We recently completed Phase 1 of our facility, which houses over 400 residents. We aim to expand to accommodate 700 people in Phase 2. Beyond that, our long-term vision is to impact 10,000 lives in the next decade through housing, food, comprehensive care, and rehabilitation. We want Akshaya to be a place of transformation, where people find shelter and a renewed sense of hope. I envision a future where our model of care inspires similar projects worldwide, proving that it’s possible to create lasting change.
Outline meaningful ways individuals or organizations can advance Akshaya Trust’s mission.
The most impactful support comes from sustained contributions, whether financial donations, volunteering, or even sharing our story. We welcome partnerships with organizations that share our vision for compassionate service. We’ve been fortunate to work with some who offer resources and skill-based support, such as medical expertise, counselling, and training. Another crucial form of support is advocacy. The more people are aware of our mission, the stronger our network of supporters becomes. Every gesture—no matter how small—goes a long way toward making Akshaya Home a sanctuary for those in need.
Discuss the challenges encountered in sustaining and expanding Akshaya Home’s operations.
Funding is an ongoing challenge. Although we receive generous donations, maintaining a consistent flow is essential to meet the needs of our residents and expand our services. Resources such as food, medical supplies, and infrastructure support require significant funds. Another challenge is finding professionals who are not only skilled but genuinely committed to our mission. Working with us demands empathy, patience, and a willingness to engage with some of society’s most vulnerable members. These challenges are constant, but we view them as part of the journey, a reminder of the strength and resilience required to make a real impact.
Reflect on how leading Akshaya Trust has influenced your approach to leadership over the years.
My journey with Akshaya Trust has reshaped my understanding of leadership. I’ve come to believe authentic leadership is about humility and compassion. My role isn’t just to manage but to be on the ground, working alongside my team, sharing their challenges, and celebrating their successes. It’s a hands-on approach that has helped me connect deeply with our mission and inspire my team to do the same. Leading by example is crucial; I encourage my team to work with empathy, understanding that our actions directly affect the lives of the people we serve.
What would it be if you could share one message with people worldwide?
I would tell everyone that no act of kindness is too small. Compassion can start with a single meal, a single helping hand. When we work together, we can achieve tremendous change. My life’s journey has taught me that kindness and service to others is the path to true fulfillment. This work has shown me that fulfillment doesn’t come from wealth or status, but from the peace of mind of helping others.
Could you share the source of your motivation when facing the challenges of this work?
The lives we touch and the transformations I witness every day fuel my motivation. We serve many people on the streets, but through Akshaya, they find hope and dignity. Every small victory—seeing someone smile, feeling their gratitude, or watching them reclaim their humanity—is a reminder of why we do this. It’s an immense responsibility, but also an incredible source of purpose.
Highlight some personal sacrifices you’ve made and how this path has impacted your values.
Following this path meant letting go of a promising career and a different life I had envisioned. Initially, adjusting was challenging, and sometimes, I questioned my decision. But every sacrifice feels small compared to the fulfillment I find in this work. This journey has redefined my understanding of success. It’s no longer about personal ambition; it’s about shared humanity and making a difference. My life is simpler now, but richer in meaning and purpose. This work has given me clarity about what truly matters.
Share your advice for young people aspiring to create positive change in their communities.
To young people, I say: start small, but start now. You don’t need grand resources or recognition to make a difference. You need a heart willing to serve and the persistence to follow through. Every action counts, no matter how small. Find a cause that resonates with you, stay committed, and don’t underestimate the power of consistency. Giving brings an inner peace and fulfillment that’s unmatched. Remember, each of us has the potential to create a ripple effect that reaches far beyond what we can imagine.
Jennifer Williams | Editor-in Chief
