Infosys co-founder and renowned tech leader N Narayana Murthy took time out of his busy schedule to engage with young students at Mount Everest School in Byatarayanapura on September 3. This inspiring session was part of the Times of India's ‘Teach for India’ Leaders Week initiative, aimed at bringing influential figures into classrooms to share their life experiences and values.

During the hour-long interaction, Murthy shared profound life lessons with students from classes 7 and 8, touching upon essential values like discipline, teamwork, the joy of giving, and civic responsibility. His words resonated deeply with the young audience, offering them a roadmap to not only emulate his success but to exceed it for the greater good.

On Becoming Better:

When asked by a curious child about how to become like him, Murthy's response was both humble and inspiring. "I do not want you to become like me," he said, "I want you to become better than me for the greater good of the nations." His statement emphasized the idea of continuous improvement and setting sights on higher goals, encouraging the young minds to surpass even the highest benchmarks.

On Discipline:

Murthy shared his personal journey of discipline, recounting his days at a government school where he excelled in science and mathematics but struggled with subjects like civics, geography, and history. He attributed his success in securing the fourth rank in his state in the SSLC exam to his father's emphasis on time management and discipline. Murthy expressed gratitude for his father's influence, which instilled in him the habits that paved the way for his achievements.

The Joy of Giving:

Murthy also reflected on a lesson in generosity imparted by his mother. After securing the fourth rank in his SSLC exams in 1961, Murthy received a scholarship of ₹900, a significant amount at the time. He handed the entire sum to his mother, asking for just ₹50 to buy a trendy new shirt and pants. However, the next day, his mother asked him to give the clothes to his brother instead.

Initially disappointed, Murthy's perspective changed after watching a play about the mythological character Karna, known for his selflessness. He gave the clothes to his brother, an act that his brother remembers fondly to this day. This experience, Murthy shared, taught him that "true joy lies in sharing and caring for others," a lesson that has stayed with him throughout his life.

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Civic Responsibility:

Addressing the importance of being responsible citizens, Murthy recounted a pivotal moment from his school days. During a chemistry experiment, he was reprimanded by his headmaster for being "stingy" with common salt. The headmaster's message was clear: "This common salt belongs to everyone in this school, not just me. We must treat it with care, as it is community property." This incident profoundly influenced Murthy's approach to founding and running Infosys, where a sense of collective responsibility and ethical use of resources became central tenets.

Murthy's interaction with the students of Mount Everest School was more than just a lecture; it was a masterclass in values and principles that have guided his extraordinary journey. His words left a lasting impact on the students, encouraging them to embrace these values in their own lives and to strive to be better versions of themselves.

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