I never thought that I would be writing this post in this lifetime. Krishnan and I had promised that we would live together and die together….. well, we did live together, and Krishnan just left his body sooner. On Jan 23rd at 4.15 pm, in Ahmedabad, my life ended.
Krishnan lived a great life… no regrets. He did all that he wanted to – meteoric rise early in his career, the bankruptcy, a great second innings, travelling everywhere, enjoying good food and ofcourse the interesting debates about everything under the sun.
For 36 years since March 1990 … I thought we were a circle going around life together. On Jan 23, 2026 life came a full stop. There is nothing left unsaid, but now there is nothing to say.
Krishnan and I had a big “dream” project for this year – my father-in-law’s 100th birthday celebration. While Krishnan will celebrate his father’s birthday with him in an unseen heaven, on Earth we will give away 100 scholarships through ShikshaDaan, in both their names this year. 100 @ 100.
Our dream was to raise Rs. 1 crore for this project, 100 @ 1o0. It will go to support 100 meritorious students from the EWS category for four years of their undergraduate program. Each student will receive Rs. 25000/- per year for four years.
Please donate at this link – https://shikshadaan.com/donate/. ShikshaDaan does not have FCRA clearance, so only domestic credit cards and bank transfers are acceptable.
Also leave your thoughts and memories of Krishnan on this page ….. they will keep me going a little longer.
The first thing when I think of peripa is warmth.
The second thing I think of is the weird hehehe laugh he used to make me laugh.
Have always thought of peripa as a very interesting person.
I remember as a kid loving the fact that he actually listened to me and respected my opinion. He was one of the few who did so. Always made my week when he sat down and listened to me. When he actually took my suggestions (especially related to tech) ? Made me feel like a king of the world.
He always had incredible stories to share. He had an incredible quick wit, and could make jokes, give out anecdotes and any misc. techniques at a drop of a hat.
He was always willing to open up and tell me any deep thoughts he had. When I was having a nervous breakdown, he told me the story of how he (and perima) overcame the financial issues they had, which came with rejection and depression.
Was also a bit of a softie; I remember getting him to take me to higginbothams and buy me books (and sometimes toys, as long as I didn’t tell perima). He also introduced me to the wide world of e-books, which took a solid chunk of my free time forever. He also took me to nice ice cream places for the first time in my life – nic etc.
Thanks peripa, for giving me hope for life.
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Krishnan was-is like a brother-in-law to us, having grown up with Bindu, we heard of him, then met him and his compassion, kindness, love of Bindu, warmth, brilliance and vision always inspire us.
The story of their lives is the love story we talk about. Love is eternal – life is beyond the finite – the soul lives on but that does not offer comfort I know, to loved ones, when we long to see Krishnan in his genial manner, laughing and joking. I remember meeting him last year in March and Aunty, Bindu, Krishnan and I chatted and made memories and I’m so glad I made that trip. I met them in Nishi’s house in 2023, in our home in 2017, and then I walk down memory lane.
I remember how they decided to dedicate their lives to help the less fortunate. What led them to Shiksha Dan. What led them to exploring the true history and heritage. The largess with which they lived. Krishnan was at once, a brother-in-law, and a friend, and a brother and a very, very dear soul who made a difference in the lives of so many. His joy when the kids received scholarships, how he would light up when Bindu smiled. He was guileless, and he combined simplicity and sincerity of purpose with brilliance in a way that only Krishnan could. He will always be cherished and I know he will always watch over Bindu, proud of her, loving her from here to eternity. Bindu, our hearts and prayers are with you. 🕉️ शांति शांति शांतनु 🙏🏽🫶🏽
I am deeply heartbroken by this loss. It is still hard for me to believe that he is no longer with us. He was a very good friend—always so jolly, full of laughter, and able to lighten any moment with his jokes. His humility and the respect he showed, especially toward my parents, meant so much to me and will always be remembered.
His passing feels incredibly untimely, and I am still in shock, especially knowing that you both were supposed to visit me this year. Please know that you are not alone in this grief. I am holding you close in my thoughts and prayers, and I am here for you whenever you need support, silence, or simply someone to remember him with.
I will miss my step brother in law who politely and skilfully dodged all my attempts to Punjabi-ise him. Mom will miss cooking urad chane ki daal for her favourite ’Madrasi’. We will miss his cheerfulness, his deep rooted Indianness. Travel well Krish!
We are all deeply saddened by this news. We were grateful to have met Akka and Krishnan Athimber during our trip in 2022 after a long time. We spent a wonderful time together, talking about life, coaching, and many memories. Athimber and Akka even ordered pot biryani for my husband, knowing how much he loves biryani—he truly cherished both the meal and the precious time spent with them.
Very sad to know, Bindu. Deepest condolences. Take care.
Uma Seshadri Sujji Kumar ….. Shillong Days