Sudha Murthy – A Woman of Wisdom, Vision, and Simplicity
A Life Rooted in Strength and Purpose
Padma Shri awardee Sudha Murthy, a woman par excellence, is the pillar of strength, a visionary, and the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation. She was born on 19th August 1950 to Vimala Kulkarni and Dr. R.H. Kulkarni in Shiggaon, Karnataka. Mr. Narayana Murthy, the co-founder of Infosys and her husband, worked closely with her to establish the Infosys organization. She is widely respected for her philanthropic and social work across the country and is also a renowned author with a wide reader base in both Kannada and English.
Early Career Days – A Strong Academic Foundation
Sudha Murthy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from BVB College of Engineering and Technology, Hubli, standing first in her class and receiving a gold medal from the then Chief Minister of Karnataka, Sri Devraj Urs. She pursued her ME in Computer Science from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, in 1974, topping the exam and earning another gold medal from the Indian Institute of Engineers. Her deep commitment to education was nurtured by a strong academic atmosphere at home, guided by her mother as her earliest mentor.
The Professional Go-Getter Who Broke Barriers
Sudha Murthy is famously known as the first female engineer to work at TELCO (now Tata Motors). She challenged gender bias by writing directly to the chairman of TELCO against a job posting that excluded female candidates, ultimately opening doors for many women. It was during this tenure that she met Mr. Narayana Murthy. Later, she worked as a Senior Systems Analyst with the Walchand Group of Industries in Pune before moving to Mumbai to support the founding of Infosys. Her contribution of INR 10,000 from her savings became a cornerstone investment in the company’s creation.
A Multi-Faceted Personality with a Heart for Change
Sudha Murthy joined the Infosys Foundation in 1996 and continues to serve as a Trustee. Her dedication has driven numerous initiatives—from providing relief during the Kerala floods to setting up public toilets in pilgrimage sites, and championing education and public health in underserved regions. She has also worked alongside the Gates Foundation and played a key role in establishing the Murthy Classical Library of India at Harvard University.
She is passionate about spreading computer literacy across rural India and often visits agricultural belts to implement technology-focused outreach programs.
An Author for the Masses
Sudha Murthy has authored several books in Kannada and English, known for their relatable language and moral storytelling. She believes in writing for the common people in a language they understand and connect with. Notable works include Three Thousand Stitches, The Man from the Egg, House of Cards, and Dollar Bahu. Many of her books have inspired television adaptations. For her literary contributions, she has received the prestigious R.K. Narayan Award for Literature.
Awards and Accolades that Reflect Her Impact
Her exemplary work has earned her numerous accolades. Apart from the Padma Shri in 2006, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Crossword – Raymond Book Awards. IIT Kanpur honored her with a Doctor of Science degree. Her multifaceted contributions have been recognized nationally and internationally.
The Humble Trend-Setter
Often seen in traditional attire, Sudha Murthy is also a passionate traveler and has authored travelogues reflecting her experiences. She is the mother of two—Akshatha and Rohan—and the grandmother of Anoushka Sunak and Krishna Sunak. Her life was deeply inspired by JRD Tata, who once advised her to give back to society once she had enough to live comfortably. A movie enthusiast, she enjoys catching films at home in her downtime.
An Enduring Role Model for Generations
Sudha Murthy is an inspiration to the current and future generations. Her journey reflects strength, humility, and relentless drive for social change. She’s a self-made woman whose sacrifices and hard work have empowered not only her personality but the lives of countless others. Her life is a testament to dreaming big, staying rooted, and using success as a means to uplift society.
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Image Credits – Wikipedia