Satyakama

(“He whose desire is truth”) Legendary
figure in the early speculative text
Chandogya Upanishad, renowned for
his adherence to the truth. Desiring to
take initiation as a celibate student
(brahmacharin), Satyakama asks his
mother about his extended family, so
that he can have this information to give
his teacher. His mother Jabala replies
that she does not know who his father is
and tells him to take her name, and call
himself Satyakama Jabala. Satyakama,
when asked by his teacher Gautama to
tell about his family roots, tells the
whole story. Impressed by his honesty,
Gautama initiates him at once. This
story is often cited in modern times, to
emphasize the importance of one’s
actions over one’s birth.