By Abiola Olawale
Ven Ajahn Siripanyo, the only son of Malaysian telecom tycoon and billionaire Ananda Krishnan, has continued to make headlines after choosing to prioritise spiritual fulfilment over earthly possessions.
Siripanyo has been trending over his decision to renounce the luxury and privileges bestowed on him by his billionaire father to become a monk.
Siripanyo is the only son of Ananda Krishnan, a prominent telecommunications magnate in Malaysia whose wealth positions him among the wealthiest individuals not just in Malaysia but one of the top rich individuals in South East Asia.
His father possesses a net worth exceeding USD 5 billion (approximately INR 40,000 crore), and his business empire encompasses a diverse range of industries, including telecommunications, satellite services, media, oil, gas, and real estate.
Additionally, he is the former owner of Aircel, the telecommunications company that once sponsored the renowned Indian Premier League (IPL) team, Chennai Super Kings, which was captained by MS Dhoni.
However, despite being in the line to inherit his father’s fortune, Siripanyo decided to become a monk when he was at the age of 18 years.
Siripanyo was said to have made the decision when he travelled to Thailand to visit his mother’s family, Momwajarongse Suprinda Chakraban, a descendant of Thailand’s royal family.
According to reports, it was during that trip to Thailand that he decided to ordain as a monk. However, it was said that Siripanyo intended it to be a temporary experience, but it eventually turned into a full-time experience.
More than two decades later, he remains a forest monk and serves as the abbot of Dtao Dum Monastery, located near the border of Thailand and Myanmar.
Siripanyo’s broad education, including fluency in at least eight languages, was said to have been the key factor in his choosing that path.
