Mohan Krishnan's life is a powerful reminder to the world that happiness is a choice, not a condition. Despite childhood polio, lifelong mobility challenges, and workplace bias, he ascended to the position of General Manager at the Reserve Bank of India. This article recounts the incredible journey of a man who lives a ‘happy and fulfilling life,” overcoming extraordinary challenges. 

Polio at a Young Age

Born in Kolkata and raised in a vibrant Tamil Iyer Brahmin household, Mohan’s life changed at age four when he contracted polio. It left him unable to walk for a year or so. At the age of five, he had to learn to walk again from scratch. Facing such difficulties at such a young age is unimaginable. But Mohan navigated it gracefully by the strength infused in him by his father’s wise words: 

"Never pity yourself, and never complain about what you cannot do. If you look at yourself honestly and with care, you will find that you have been given other abilities that make up for what you lack."

He reminded his son that a helping hand would not always be available, that life pain should be met with resilience and not complaints. Those words did not just help Mohan walk again. They taught him how to live. 

Discovering Talent and Strengths 

From his father’s advice, Mohan learnt a simple truth: focusing on one’s own strengths is the way forward. He began focusing on his strengths and discovered a treasure trove of talents: a gift for singing, an instinct for storytelling, a love for writing, and an effortless command of multiple languages. By the time he was eight or nine, he was already known among cousins for his storytelling. When Mohan narrated the story of a movie he saw, listeners would feel as though they had watched it themselves. His voice painted pictures. His expressions brought scenes alive. He was a natural in storytelling!

Overcoming bias and becoming the General Manager of Reserve Bank of India

As Mohan grew up, he enrolled in a bachelor's degree in economics at Kolkata. After graduating, he joined the Reserve Bank of India as an assistant manager. Colleagues initially thought his disability would come in the way of his work. However, he neither confronted them nor took their words to heart. Instead, he ignored his naysayers by focusing on doing his job perfectly. He showed impeccable workmanship. Slowly, he rose through the ranks to become the General Manager/Currency Officer.

Becoming a father

While his professional life continued to flourish, Mohan Krishnan’s personal world was also quietly coming into its own. Marriage brought companionship, and soon after, the arrival of his son brought a joy he had never known before. When he first saw his son smile, his whole perception of life changed. Reflecting on it, he says, 

"When the child smiled at me, it changed my world."

Until then, he was living only an achievement-oriented life. That day, he decided to live for his child. His son gave him a new purpose for his life!  A few years later, a daughter was born whose affection mellowed him a lot. The family was complete.

Many Lives Within One Life

Mohan Krishnan possesses a unique capacity for living many lives within one. At work, he was a disciplined banker. At home, he was a loving father and a husband. Outside, he was a captivating storyteller, singer, reader, and profound thinker. These worlds never collided. He recounts how a colleague who saw him sing on stage one night did not recognize him as the same serious lecturer on the Bhagavad Gita the next day. What is his secret, then? The discipline of roles and strict boundaries. Talking about this, he says, 

"When I am a banker, I am fully a banker. When I step into social life, I leave the office behind"

Banker to Happiness curator

Ten years ago, Mohan Krishnan retired from the Reserve Bank of India. Retirement did not mean rest for Mohan Krishnan. It meant reinvention. Over the past decade, he has embraced a new role of "Happiness Curator". He helps others discover and protect the ‘happy being’ they already are, irrespective of worldly problems. This wisdom of Mohan comes from his deep-seated knowledge of Vedic philosophy that he learned during his professional life. As an active member of the Marzi community, he is also currently sharing his wisdom with other community members.  

Final Thoughts

Mohan Krishnan has faced hardships but each time, he chose to rise above them like an eagle that flies above the storm. Mohan proves to us that with a strong will, no obstacle can stop us! I would like to end this story by quoting words of wisdom from Mohan Krishnan, 

"It [sugar] does not have to become sweet; it has to discover sweetness in itself. Similarly, you don't have to become a happy person; you are basically a happy being, discover the pleased person in yourself.”

So, Happy life y’all!