Ajaatshatru – Mallela Srinivasa Murthy leaves for Heavenly abode

 

In the quiet, early hours of the 4th of November, 2026, the soul of Mallela Srinivasa Murthy garu, departed this earthly realm for his heavenly abode.   He was my bavagaru (brother-in-law), the cherished husband of my younger sister, but to all who knew him, he was an Ajatashatru—a rare being born without malice, and lived his entire life without a foe

He was a gentleman par excellence, a noble spirit, and a professional of the highest order.   Yet in the sanctuary of family, his light shone brightest. He was a devoted son, loving and dutiful husband, a tender father, a steadfast brother, a loyal brother-in-law, and the beloved Chacha and Mama.   In truth, the reverence we held for him was second only to the profound respect we had for our own father.

 Srinivasa Murthy garu belonged to modern times, yet his soul seemed to hail from a century past. In his character, one could witness the vanishing virtues of an earlier era—the dignity, grace, and honour we were once told our grandparents and great-grandparents possessed, qualities now so painfully rare in the present generation.  Above all else, he was a magnificent human being, whose memory will forever be enshrined in our hearts.

He was an extremely gentle and soft-spoken person. A man of few words, he never uttered a single word more than what was required, yet his actions spoke volumes. He lived his life with an innate generosity, always ready to extend a helping hand to anyone in need, with assistance arriving silently and without ever being asked.  To know him was to witness a marvel of human nature.  It often seemed as though, while creating him, God forgot to put in the flaws we so commonly find in normal human beings—there was no trace of anger, irritation, hatred, jealousy, or arrogance in his soul. He was entirely devoid of disloyalty, disrespect, cunning, cruelty, impoliteness, gossip, or greed.

In a highly competitive corporate world, his unwavering nobility was both amazing and inspiring.  While I always wondered how a man of such a soft nature and adjusting temperament could survive in today's fierce society, he navigated it with effortless grace. When gently asked if he feared people would take undue advantage of his kindness, he would simply laugh it off, offering his signature wisdom: "I do not allow such thoughts to cross my mind; I just keep doing things."

 

The Family Man - A devoted husband and a caring father

                                                                        

 He was so much more than just a husband and a father—he was the gentle anchor of the lives of family members. The love he poured into his wife, my dearest sister Durga, was a beautiful, rare thing to witness.   It was a devotion wrapped in absolute tenderness, reverence, and care.   He never sought to rule or impose, instead giving her the complete freedom to shape the family’s world with her own hands and heart.

  

As a father, his love was a quiet, doting sanctuary.   From the very moment his children were born, he chose not to bind them with heavy expectations, but to give them wings. In a world where so many fathers demand paths of engineering or medicine, he looked at his son, Tejas, and simply listened to his soul. He blessed him with the freedom to chase the beautiful strains of Carnatic classical music and the violin.   He believed in their dreams, trusted their hearts, and when the time came, he gently stepped back to let them choose the life partners who would walk beside them.   He didn’t just raise a family—he nurtured their spirits with an unconditional love that will echo through their lives forever.

 A Devoted Son and Reliable Sibling

 

He was a remarkable soul whose life was a masterclass in devotion, family values, and selfless love.   He was, above all, a magnificent son.  For most of his life, and right until the very end, his father lived with him in Hyderabad—a home anchored by ultimate care and respect. I vividly remember the quiet, tender moments that defined his character: despite a demanding professional schedule, he could often be found sitting by the side of his elderly father, gently applying oil to his head and cutting his toenails.  He made sure his father was always engaged, always heard, and deeply cared for in every possible way.

 He lived his life with few demands, but his greatest priority was always the well-being of his loved ones. With a shared vision for family responsibility, he and his wife, and my sister, Durga, made the profound decision for her to step away from a coveted central government job.  Without a second thought, she resigned to partner with him in creating a nurturing home—first to provide undivided care to his father, and later, to raise their two lovely children, Deepti and Tejas.  His legacy lives on in the quiet sacrifices made for family, the deep respect he showed to his elders, and the profound love he left behind in the hearts of his wife, his children, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Satish & Apoorva - The Hearts of the Home

When Deepti & Teju brought their lives home to him, he did not just open the door; he opened his heart.

To him, a son-in-law or a daughter-in-law was never an outsider crossing a threshold, nor a guest to be managed. He welcomed them with an unconditional warmth, offering the exact same steady grace, teasing affection, and fierce protection he gave to the children who had grown beneath his own roof.

In time, familiar mirrors began to show themselves across the generations. Just as my brother-in-law carried the unmistakable stamp of his father-in-law's mannerisms and mind, so too did Satish—his son-in-law—wear those same quiet traits like a second skin, reflecting a kinship forged not by blood, but by spirit.

And then there was Apoorva. I looked closely, year after year, and could never find a single seam where his care for his daughter Deepti ended and his care for Apoorva began. Together, he and my sister wove a space so gentle and sure that she did not merely join the family—she took root in it, blossoming into the very pulse of the home

 

The joy only deepened when the silence of the house was broken by the laughter of twin granddaughters, arriving like a long-awaited blessing. Across the miles, stretching all the way to America, he poured his days into them, holding the future in his hands and letting his happiness multiply.

 

                   

A pillar of strength, devotion, and unconditional love, he lived a life defined by his selfless care for his family. Beyond being a deeply devoted son to his father, he was a guiding light, a protective guardian, and a constant anchor for his siblings—both elder and younger, both those close to home and two siblings living abroad.  No matter the distance or the hour, he was always ready with wise counsel and a steady solution for every challenge his loved ones faced.

 

His dedication was absolute and hands-on. When his father gave their land for development, he poured his heart into ensuring its success.  Every single morning, he could be found at the project site, meticulously supervising the construction progress, collaborating with contractors, and providing precise instructions—all before heading to his own office to start his workday.  That same tireless spirit continued long after the building was complete.   For over 25 years, until just six months ago, he single-handedly managed the maintenance of the entire property consisting of 16 houses – half of them sold by the builder long ago to different owners. He freely gave an immense amount of his own time, energy, and effort to ensure everything was taken care of, never once complaining, and always placing the well-being of others above his own. His legacy of profound responsibility, quiet resilience, and boundless generosity will forever remain in the hearts of his family and all who knew him.

 Whether at home, within the community, or in the office, he carried himself with an uncommon grace, quiet dignity, and a profound sense of duty. He was a man who led by example, anchoring his life in actions rather than words.  In a world where it is easy to find fault or question the efforts of others, he chose a different path. He never complained about what went undone, nor did he look around to ask why others had not stepped up.   He never compared his burdens to those of anyone else.  Instead, his philosophy was beautifully simple: "If a job is there, somebody has to do it—let me be the somebody."  He simply kept doing his job, bringing reliability, humility, and peace to every room he entered. His steadfast spirit and selfless heart will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who had the privilege to live, work, and walk alongside him

 An Officer and a Gentleman

 

A qualified Company Secretary and Lawyer, he dedicated over 45 years of his life to a career marked by diligence, sincerity, honesty, integrity and the highest standards of professional ethics.   He was what is fondly known as a ‘Lambi race ka Ghoda’—a steadfast pillar of strength and long-term commitment. In an entire career spanning nearly five decades, he chose to lend his brilliance to only a select few organizations, serving 16 years with DCL Finance and 26 years with NCC Limited.  He resisted the temptation of many better professional opportunities he got, preferring stability.   To those who entrusted him with responsibilities, he was a rare treasure. Once a task was given to him, there was never a need to look back; he treated every piece of work with the care, passion, and ownership of a deeply personal mission. His unwavering honesty, competence, and hardworking nature earned him the highest degree of trust and respect from company owners, Chairman, Executive Directors and Boards of Directors alike.  His professional legacy remains an inspiring blueprint of loyalty, excellence, and dedication.

 

For many years, the workplace was truly his "home away from home." He shared a deep, unbreakable bond with the late Chairman of NCC, Raju Garu, who repeatedly refused to let him retire, saying that as long as I am there, you be around as long as your health permits.  In a deeply poignant turn of events, he has followed Raju Garu just two weeks after the Chairman's own passing.

        

Known for his exceptional work ethic and gentle personal nature, he earned the highest regard and deepest respect from every single member of the organization—from the office staff and peons to the department heads, Executive Directors, and owners. He treated everyone with equal dignity and kindness. His legacy of commitment, integrity, and profound professional excellence will live on in the hearts of his colleagues forever. 

Care and Love for Parents-in-law and brothers-in-law

  

They say that love, in its purest form, is not bound by blood, but chosen by the heart. My brother-in-law is living proof of that truth.  Having lost his mother at a heartbreakingly young age, he carried a quiet, empty space in his heart for years.   But the day he married my sister, that void was filled most beautifully.   In his mother-in-law, he finally found the maternal warmth he had missed since childhood, seeing his own mother's spirit alive in her.  He shared a profound connection with his father-in-law, their common traits and mutual respect weaving a bond as deep as any biological father and son.

 In a world where standard familial expectations often dictate otherwise, he and my sister defied convention. He didn't care for his parents-in-law out of mere obligation, but volunteered out of pure, unadulterated love.   When the biting, polluted winters of Delhi threatened his parents-in-law's health, he didn't hesitate. He encouraged and helped them to move to Hyderabad, placing them in a house right next door just to ensure they were safe, warm, and cherished every single day.

 

When his father-in-law passed away, leaving behind a heavy silence, my sister and brother-in-law opened their doors wider. They constantly invited my mother to live with them, refusing to let her feel the sting of loneliness.

But it was during the terrifying, uncertain days of the pandemic that his and my sister's love truly transformed into something exemplary. As the world gripped itself in fear, he and my sister shielded my mother with a fierce, tender devotion. They built a fortress of care around her, anticipating every need, soothing every anxiety, and sacrificing their own comfort to keep the virus at bay. Thanks to their tireless, watchful, and deeply affectionate protection, she was kept completely safe from the pandemic's touch.  It is a rare and beautiful thing to witness a son-in-law become a true son, a protector, and a sanctuary. His devotion is a quiet reminder of what family really means—not just the one we are born into, but the one we build with love, tenderness, and grace.

   

In 41 years of family bonds and shared memories, he stood as a rare beacon of kindness, grace, and unconditional goodwill.  He possessed the extraordinary gift of seeing the best in everyone. Throughout over four decades of deep association, there was never a single instance where he spoke a negative word about anybody—whether in their presence or behind their back. Even in casual conversations, if the talk turned toward criticism, he refused to participate. Instead of offering judgment or opinion, he would simply laugh it off, defusing the moment with humour and warmth.   He was a man of rare grace. Shouting, arguing, and the use of uncivil or unparliamentary language were entirely foreign to him. Instead, he chose to speak through his calm demeanour and an inherently peaceful approach to everyone he met. 

Deeply religious, disciplined and kind-hearted

     


He led a beautifully disciplined life, anchored by deep religious faith. His days began and ended with daily prayers, and he found his greatest peace in spiritual journeys. Among his many travels, his pilgrimages to the Raghavendra Swamy Math, Shringeri, and Tirupati remained his most cherished and favoured destinations.   He held the Pundits engaged for the pujas in high esteem and rewarded them liberally for their services.

 

Steadfast in his principles and quite unlike the average Telugu guy, he carved his own quiet path. He lived a life detached from modern distractions, rarely watched movies and completely avoided street food and restaurant dining. He possessed a profound appreciation for the sanctity of a home-cooked meal.  For over 25 years, his dedication to this simple lifestyle was absolute—he carried his lunchbox to the office every single day, with Perugannam (curd rice) being his absolute favourite.   He once shared that in a quarter-century of service with NCC, he had only eaten in the office canteen twice. On the rare occasions he dined out with his family, he stayed true to his simple preferences, choosing only Idly and Upma, while completely passing on dosas, vadas, or samosas.

He was a man defined by the extraordinary depth of his compassion. He possessed a rare and deeply kind heart that extended warmth to every living being. Whether it was a fellow human being, a stray animal, a passing bird, or the plants he tended to, he treated all of creation with unmatched gentleness and respect. It is a cruel irony that a life so dedicated to nurturing the world around him was cut short by a severe, life-threatening lung infection contracted from inhaling pigeon droppings.

             

None of us could have ever expected someone so full of life to face such a sudden health crisis. Having recently left the office, he was at the dawn of a beautifully deserved retirement—a time meant for slowing down and enjoying the fruits of his labour alongside his devoted wife, his beloved children, and his two cherished twin granddaughters.    Fate, however, cruelly snatched him away at the wrong time, depriving him of the years he so deeply deserved to spend watching his family grow. While his absence leaves a void that can never be filled, the legacy of his kindness, his gentle spirit, and his boundless love for all living things will live on forever in the hearts of those who were touched by him

There was a time I used to believe that `The good we do, will come back as blessing to us and our family’ but these days I am disillusioned about it. . First, it happened with my daughter. A lovely soul, such an innocent and a highly talented girl with multifarious hobbies and activities. Never hurt anybody. She developed cancer at the tender age of 26 years and left all of us heartbroken at the age of 31. Now my brother-in-law, a deeply religious, pious and noble person with excellent habits and a disciplined life style, has contracted such a disease and experienced such pain in the last six months or so.   I wonder where the good done by these two noble souls has gone?   People always say it is destined to happen; it happened.   But it is really difficult for me to comprehend why destiny has to be written like this. And what did they do to deserve what they have gone through?

He proved to us all that pure goodness can thrive anywhere. He leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength, boundless compassion, and unmatched integrity.  He lived a truly great and meaningful life.   He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.  I will miss the gentle grace of his disarming smile, the warmth that met me at every threshold, and a love that asked for nothing in return.  He held my victories up to the light, celebrating every step with genuine pride. I tried so hard to mirror his strength, to walk in the footsteps you left behind, yet his goodness was a height I could never quite reach. Like my father before him, he stood alone— a rare and irreplaceable soul.  No one else will ever fill the space you left behind

 His mortal remains have been consigned to the flames, but the legacy of his great deeds and the beautiful memories he left behind will never fade. True to his surname, Mallela (jasmine), the sweet fragrance of his life, kindness, and virtue will always remain in our hearts.

 May his noble soul find eternal peace.

 Om Shanti.

 S. Prabhakar

Brother-in-law

4^th November, 2026