Janaki Ram Sharma’s life is a fascinating tale of two cities: Varanasi, his birthplace and Hyderabad, his karma bhoomi. This finance expert’s remarkable journey exemplifies the city’s welcoming nature, cultural richness, and spiritual depth
Janaki Ram Sharma’s life has been one of transformation, not just geographically but spiritually. Born in the vibrant city of Varanasi, his journey brought him to Hyderabad, a place he now lovingly calls his ‘Karma Bhoomi’. “Varanasi is my birthplace, which I love dearly and Hyderabad is my ‘Karma Bhoomi! Both mean everything to me,” he says, reflecting on the two cities that have shaped him into the person he is today. Although his roots are in Uttar Pradesh, he doesn’t see himself bound by the identity of a UPite. “I’m a Telugu fellow. You can call me an Indian, but I’m also very much a Telugu man at heart,” he explains with pride, embodying a true pan-Indian spirit that has come to define his life in Hyderabad.
A finance professional with over 40 years of experience, his expertise has shaped businesses and lives across sectors. “I’ve been in the field of finance for over 40 years now,” he says with modesty. Although his background includes being a Chartered Accountant, he prefers the simpler title of financial consultant. For him, it’s not about epithets or titles—just the work and service that define his life.
His life, however, isn’t solely about numbers and balance sheets. His devotion to spirituality has taken him on a unique path, including years spent at the Puttaparthi ashram of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. “I lived in Puttaparthi for a few years because Swami had called me there. I’m devoted to him a lot. But then he asked me to return to the outside world and continue my work,” he recounts. This spiritual side of his life has become an intrinsic part of his being.
When talking about Hyderabad, his affection for the city is palpable. Having travelled to various cities and even abroad, he says there is something unique about Hyderabad that makes everyone feel at home. “This city is special because anyone can gel with each other here—happily and comfortably. It doesn’t matter if someone comes from Kashmir, Assam, or even Kanyakumari; they’ll find their people here. It’s the spirit of brotherhood that sets Hyderabad apart.”
In his eyes, language is merely a tool for communication and in Hyderabad, that communication flows easily. “If you can understand the language, you can connect with people. That’s what Hyderabad offers—a human connection beyond caste, creed, or religion. It’s about being human to human.”
One of the things he appreciates most about Hyderabad is its balanced climate. “The weather here is excellent—no extremes,” he says. However, he’s quick to point out that traffic has become a significant challenge. “It used to take me 15 minutes to reach Begumpet; now it takes 50. We’re wasting fuel, time and energy because of the inefficiencies in managing the city’s growth.”
Despite the modern inconveniences, his love for the city is unwavering. “Hyderabad means everything to me. You can find everything here—whether it’s material things like malls and cinema theatres or spiritual places like the Ramakrishna Math or Shringeri Peetham.”
However, he wishes the city could do more to preserve and promote its rich history. “The zoo, the Golconda Fort—they could’ve been developed and marketed better. There’s so much culture here that isn’t being highlighted the way it should be.”
As a financial consultant, he sees both potential and challenges in Hyderabad’s professional landscape. While he appreciates the city, he admits that it doesn’t offer the same opportunities as Mumbai. “In Bombay, there are far more opportunities. Here, it’s hard work, but there’s also a problem with people not paying for services,” he says candidly. Still, Hyderabad is home and he has no regrets.
When asked about his most cherished memory, he immediately recalls his first meeting with Sathya Sai Baba at the tender age of 14. “That first meeting with him—just four minutes—gave me goosebumps. It’s a memory I will take with me even into my next life,” he shares, his voice tinged with emotion.
For him, his life in Hyderabad isn’t just about work or even personal satisfaction. He’s driven by a higher purpose, one of service and giving back. “I love doing Shuddha (pure) service. It’s my passion,” he explains. In his eyes, living a life of service is the ultimate expression of his spiritual beliefs, a way to blend his karmic duties with his love for humanity.
