Sudha Murty: The Pillar Behind Infosys and Narayana Murthy
Sudha Murty is a distinguished Indian author, social worker, and philanthropist.
She is well-known as the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, an organisation that focuses on social development projects in India.
Sudha Murty is admired for her simplicity, values, and dedication to uplifting society. Her contributions to literature and community service have made her a household name in India.
Vision without action is merely a dream; action without vision is merely passing time; but vision and action together can change the world.
Sudha Murty: Basic Information |
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| Full Name: | Sudha Kulkarni Murty |
| Date of Birth: | 19-Aug-1950 |
| Place of Birth: | Shiggaon, Karnataka, India |
| Education: | B.E. in Electrical Engineering (BVB College of Engineering, Hubli), M.E. in Computer Science (IISc Bangalore) |
| Spouse: | N. R. Narayana Murthy (Co-founder of Infosys) |
| Children: | Rohan Murty, Akshata Murty (married to UK PM Rishi Sunak) |
| Net Worth: | Approx. $4 billion (through Infosys Foundation and family assets) |
| Positions: | Chairperson, Infosys Foundation; Acclaimed Author |
| Awards: | Padma Shri (2006), Padma Bhushan (2023), R.K. Narayan Award, Crossword Book Award |
Untold Stories of Sudha Murty
1. The First Female Engineer at TELCO
Sudha Murty challenged gender norms by becoming the first female engineer at TELCO (now Tata Motors). Despite the company traditionally hiring only men, she applied for the job after writing a letter to J.R.D. Tata, questioning the bias. Her boldness not only earned her the position but also paved the way for gender inclusivity in Indian workplaces.
2. The Foundation of Infosys
Sudha Murty's contribution to the creation of Infosys is often understated. She lent ₹10,000 from her personal savings to her husband, N. R. Narayana Murthy, to start Infosys in 1981. She chose to manage the household and support her husband’s entrepreneurial journey, showcasing her selflessness and vision.
3. The Philanthropist Behind the Scenes
Sudha Murty's philanthropic efforts extend far beyond her public persona. She has been instrumental in building over 16,000 libraries, supporting rural education, and funding healthcare facilities for the underprivileged. Her visits to remote villages to understand their challenges are a testament to her commitment to grassroots development.
Usually, people who are sensitive need more time to understand the real world.
4. Rejection of Luxury
Despite her immense wealth, Sudha Murty has always led a simple life. She avoids extravagant lifestyles and even famously purchased her own flight ticket when she was invited to meet the Queen of England. Her humility and grounded nature inspire millions.
5. Unwavering Belief in Education
Her life story reflects her unwavering belief in education as a tool for transformation. Sudha Murty’s scholarships have helped thousands of students pursue higher education, especially young girls from rural India.
6. Encounters with Literature
Sudha Murty’s storytelling journey began with writing Kannada novels. Over the years, her books have become globally recognised, addressing themes of tradition, values, and modern challenges. Many of her works are inspired by real-life incidents she has encountered during her travels.
Conclusion:
Sudha Murty’s life is a tapestry of courage, simplicity, and altruism. Whether as a pioneer in the corporate world, a steadfast supporter of her husband's entrepreneurial dreams, or a compassionate philanthropist, her journey inspires millions. The untold stories of her contributions and sacrifices reflect her inner strength and dedication to creating a better world.
If you try to please everyone, you will please no one. It is impossible to lead your life for others’ happiness.