Bonnie and Krishna Arora, who will be celebrating 52 years of marriage in September, are thoroughly enjoying the rich and varied tapestry of their relationship. They met at college campus, when Krishna arrived from India to California to study engineering. Since then, they have been intentional in building their lives and legacy together, beautifully weaving in the colors and textures of family, travel, philanthropy, community service, genealogy-related writing, and honoring their spiritual and cultural roots through pilgrimages, including a 1000-mile walk on the Camino de Santiago in France and Spain.
Both Bonnie and Krishna consider themselves as very blessed. With blessings, they think, come responsibility toward family, friends and community. Since 2002, helping the community has taken them to Peru, Pakistan, India, Spain, France and, of course, right here in San Diego.
They are members of the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club and staunch supporters of San Diego Oasis and its mission. They are the shining examples of how incorporating lifelong learning, healthy living, and community service into their daily lives has enhanced and strengthened them both, physically, mentally and spiritually. The Aroras choose this approach to life: “Celebrate life! Every morning you have two choices: continue to sleep with your dreams or wake up and chase them.”
About Krishna and Bonnie Arora
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Bonnie and Krishna have 2 sons, a daughter, Shamily, who passed away a couple years back, and 6 grandchildren. Their older son, Rajiv, is an allergist and lives in Lexington, Kentucky, with his wife and 3 sons. Their younger son, Rishi, currently lives in London with his wife and daughter who turned 2 in July. Shamily’s 2 daughters live with their dad here in San Diego and spend lots of time with their grandparents.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Bonnie grew up in Stockton, California and, later, attended San Jose State University where she got her Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. After a number of years of flexible jobs so she could focus on family activities she began working at General Dynamics in Quality Assurance and then joined Qualcomm’s International Marketing Department, before retiring from Qualcomm in 1999. Krishna grew up in India and came to US in 1968, with one suitcase and $50 in his pocket to pursue a Master’s Degree in Industrial & Systems Engineering. He worked at various technology companies in San Diego. Finally retiring from Qualcomm in 2002. Since 2002, both Bonnie and Krishna have absolutely loved being totally committed to philanthropy. Their philosophy of giving is based on the concept: that we are required to share the blessings we have been given in terms of talent, service, and wealth for the betterment of the community we live in and for the good of all, worldwide. They take a “hands-on” approach to charitable giving by personally getting involved with the recipients of their funds. Focus areas of their giving include: sanitation, education, blindness and empowering seniors to pursue lifelong learning, health and wellness, and community service. After all, they say, “Success isn’t about how much have, it’s about how much you give”.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Our life experiences have taught us: Do little, but powerful, acts of kindness to bring light and love to your loved ones, your community, and the world. Don’t burn a candle from both ends, it will only last half as long. Give, give more and give even more; But don’t expect anything in return; You won’t be disappointed!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Continuing to enjoy every moment of retired life by engaging in philanthropy, travel and family, while living a disciplined life of waking up every morning and chasing our dreams.
Krishna and Bonnie Arora & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Solunto Ristorante & Bakery, Punjabi Tandoor, Darband Restaurant, Vinarius – Wine Bar & Restaurant
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Moved from Chicago in 1976. Lived in Tierrasanta for 38 years, and in 2014 moved to a condo in San Diego, Columbia District.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Simona Valanciute, CEO, San Diego Oasis.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Missile Park in Kearny Mesa, where we celebrated many birthday parties, family and friends gatherings and played soccer. Unfortunately this park no longer exists.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Miles and miles of hiking trails in Mission Trails Park. Balboa Park, museums, beaches.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
We are very happy to have lunch with each other at home! It is our peaceful moment!
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Watching Bollywood movies on Friday nights.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Bonnie: can trace her ancestry back to Charlemagne. Krishna: wanted to become a Chemistry Professor, but became an Industrial & Systems Engineer, per his Dad’s instructions.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Walking the Camino Portuguese in Portugal/Spain
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My spouse. We inspire each other to be the best we can.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club, San Diego Oasis.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
People may forget what you said, or how much make, or even your name, BUT, they will never forget how you made them feel.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Columbia District, just south of Little Italy.
What I love about my Neighborhood:
Walkability. Suits our life style perfectly.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Sat: A hike in Mission trails park or Torrey Pines, early dinner followed by a play at Old Globe or Cygnet Theatre. Sun: Church service, brunch, spend time with grand-daughters.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Friends, Comfort.
