Narayana Murthy’s Mahabharata-inspired act of kindness: When he gave his new shirt and pants to his elder brother

Narayana Murthy, the legendary founder of Infosys, is celebrated for his entrepreneurial brilliance and leadership. However, beyond his professional accomplishments lies a story of personal growth, shaped by values of generosity and selflessness. During a visit to Mount Everest School in Byatarayanpura, as part of Teach for India’s Leaders Week, Murthy shared an emotional story from his childhood that left the students reflecting on the importance of family, humility, and giving.

The year was 1961, and a young Narayana Murthy had just accomplished a significant academic milestone.He secured the fourth rank in the SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) exams, which was an extraordinary achievement at the time. His hard work and dedication paid off, earning him a national scholarship worth Rs 900, a sizable amount in those days.
Like many families of modest means, Murthy followed the family tradition of handing over the entire scholarship amount to his mother. It was a gesture of respect, showing that any earnings belonged to the family. However, this time, Murthy had a small personal request in mind. He asked his mother for Rs 50 from the scholarship money to buy himself something he had long desired—a stylish terylene shirt and pants, which were a trend among the youth at the time.

Murthy’s mother, understanding his wish, agreed to the request. With excitement, Murthy purchased the shirt and pants he had been eyeing for a long time. The joy of owning new clothes, especially bought from his own earnings, was an exhilarating experience for the young boy. For Murthy, it wasn’t just about fashion; it was a symbol of his hard work and achievement.
However, this happiness was short-lived.

The following morning, as Murthy was still basking in the joy of his new clothes, his mother made an unexpected and challenging request. She asked him to give the brand-new shirt and pants to his elder brother, who needed them more. The request was surprising and disheartening for Murthy. The clothes were bought with his hard-earned scholarship, and parting with them felt unfair. Understandably, he resisted the idea, believing that he deserved to keep the clothes he had bought for himself.
Murthy felt conflicted—on one hand, he wanted to respect his mother’s wishes, but on the other, he wanted to enjoy the fruits of his own labour. It was a dilemma many would find difficult to navigate.

That same evening, Murthy attended a play that portrayed a scene from the Indian epic, Mahabharata. The play depicted the story of Karna, a legendary figure known for his boundless generosity. Despite facing numerous adversities, Karna was admired for his selfless acts of giving, even when he had little to spare. The lesson of the play struck a deep chord with Murthy, prompting him to reflect on his own situation.
Inspired by Karna’s selflessness, Murthy began to understand the deeper value of generosity. It wasn’t about the material possession itself, but about the act of giving and supporting those who needed it more. The play left a lasting impression on him, helping him realise the importance of family and the sacrifices that sometimes come with it.

The next morning, with a clearer mind and a renewed sense of understanding, Murthy decided to honour his mother’s request. He handed over the new shirt and pants to his elder brother, knowing it was the right thing to do. Although it wasn’t an easy decision, it was a moment of growth for the young Murthy, teaching him the value of selflessness and prioritising others over personal desires.
Murthy’s brother, deeply touched by the gesture, cherished the clothes and never forgot this act of generosity. His brother later went on to have a successful career, but he always remembered the moment when Murthy made a significant sacrifice for him.

Narayana Murthy’s story isn’t just a heartwarming tale from his childhood; it’s a valuable lesson in generosity, humility, and family values. While addressing the students at Mount Everest School, Murthy shared this story to inspire the next generation. He wanted the students to learn from his experiences and understand that success is not just about personal achievements, but also about the values you uphold along the way.
During his interaction with the students, Murthy urged them to aim higher than him. He stated, "I do not want you to become like me... I want you to become better than me for the greater good of the nation."
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