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Dear Readers,
The recent announcement of NR Narayana Murthy’s inflation-proof, fully-funded MBA scholarship at IIM Ahmedabad has been widely celebrated in the media as a beacon of generosity and a boost to academic excellence. But allow me to offer an unpopular opinion: while well-intentioned, this initiative may do little to address the real barriers facing India’s aspiring students—and may, in fact, reinforce the very inequalities it claims to address.
Let’s be clear: I have enormous respect for Mr. Murthy’s contributions to Indian industry and philanthropy. His desire to honor his mentor and reward excellence is admirable. But, as with his recent comments on 70-hour work weeks, this scholarship seems disconnected from the lived realities of most Indians.
Who Really Benefits?
The scholarship is awarded to the top-performing student after their first year at IIM Ahmedabad, with no consideration for financial need or background. In other words, to even be eligible, a student must already have cleared one of the country’s toughest entrance exams, secured admission to India’s most elite business school, and—crucially—paid the staggering first-year fees, which can exceed ₹18 lakh.
Let’s be honest: the vast majority of students who make it this far are already among the most privileged and resourceful in the country. They have access to the best coaching, networks, and, often, family financial support. By rewarding the top scorer among this rarefied group, the scholarship does not open doors for those who have been shut out by financial hardship; it simply polishes the credentials of those already inside.
The Real Access Problem
India’s real education crisis is not a lack of rewards for the already successful. It is the thousands of brilliant, hardworking young men and women who never even apply to IIMs because the fees are out of reach, or because their families cannot risk the debt. A truly transformative scholarship would identify and support these students before they are lost to the system—not after they’ve already overcome every barrier except the last.
A Missed Opportunity
Imagine if this scholarship had been targeted at high-potential, low-income students at the admission stage. Imagine if it had helped a first-generation college-goer from a small town, who might otherwise have given up on their dreams. That would have been a legacy worthy of Mr. Murthy’s vision.
Instead, this initiative rewards those who have already won the lottery of privilege and opportunity. It is, in effect, a gold medal for the gold medalists.
A Call for Rethinking Impact
It’s time we move beyond celebrating generosity for its own sake and start asking tougher questions about impact. Philanthropy should not just reward excellence—it should expand opportunity. If we truly want to change lives, we must focus on those who are still waiting for their chance, not just those who have already arrived.
With respect,
A Concerned Observer
