Author and spiritualist guru Anand Krishna died in Bogor, West Java, on Thursday evening, 06 February 2025, at age 68.
The death of Krishna was confirmed by his first-born son, Prashant Gangtani, who said his Father died of exhaustion. In a written announcement, Gangtani said, “Father died of exhaustion and old age. Recently, he was busy writing books and performing other activities.”
Prashanti said his Father has written over 200 books, selling millions of copies in various languages on self-development, culture, education, and health.
Anand Krisha was celebrated for his prolific authorship and for being a leading spokesperson for pluralism in Indonesian society. Born in Solo, Central Java, on 1 September 1956 as Krishna Kumar Tolaram Gangtani of ethnic Indian – Sindhi heritage, Anand Krishna raised awareness of diversity, holistic well-being, and self-empowerment.
Krishna’s early education took place in Lucknow, North India, where he enhanced his knowledge of Sufi Poetry and the teachings of Shah Abdul Latief of Sindh.
Anand later pursued postgraduate degrees from several controversial institutions: Pacific Southern University, the World University – Benson, Arizona, and the University of Sedona.
Anand was a director and shareholder of a garment factory in 1991 when he fell ill from Leukemia at 35. Claiming that meetings with a Tibetan Lama in the Himalayas helped return him to good health, he then devoted his life to spirituality, adopting the mantra: “Be Joyful and Share your Joy to Others.”
Commenting on the passing of the spiritual leader, the chairman of the Anand Ashram Foundation, Joehanes Budiman, shared how strongly he felt the loss of his guru and mentor. Joehanes related how Kirsha, after recovering from Leukemia in 1991, had successfully inspired millions of people through television broadcasts, radio dialogues, meditation training, education, book publishing, and humanitarian movements.
Anand Krishna’s main focus in his later years was seeking ways to inspire the coming generations. Joehanes recalled how many associations and foundations were established based on the inspiration and teaching provided by Anand Krishna. Included among the foundations founded with the help and guidance of the spiritual leader were the Yayasan Anand Ashram, Anand Ashram Ubud, One Earth School Bali, Anand Krishna Centres, Anand Krishna Information Centre, Charter for Global Harmony, L’Ayurveda: Centre for Holistic Care and Inner Beauty, Rumah Sehat Holistik Satu Bumi, Museum Sindhu Samskriti, and The Tibet Indonesia Friendship Association.
Anand Krishna was known for his close friendship with Indonesia’s 4th President, Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur). Krishna had credited his close friendship with the late President to their shared embrace of peace and pluralism.
During his life’s journey and vigorous promotion of inter-faith harmony, Anand Krishna became a lightning road for attacks from some militant Muslim groups for his strong criticism of Islamic conservative’s desire to transform Indonesia into an Islamic state.
Anand Krishna was cremated on Friday, 01 February 2025, in Cilincan, North Jakarta.
Related Links
Stay Informed on Bali Tourism-Related News: Subscribe to Bali Update
