Renowned philanthropist, engineer, and accomplished author Sudha Murty has recently been appointed to the Rajya Sabha, filling a long-standing vacancy in the upper house. The announcement of her nomination, which coincided with International Women’s Day, was greeted with widespread acclaim. At the age of 73, Sudha Murty boasts a distinguished career spanning philanthropy, literature, and academia. As the former chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, her contributions to social welfare and development initiatives have left an indelible mark on society.
Her appointment to the Rajya Sabha is viewed as a testament to the invaluable role that women play in shaping the destiny of the nation, as emphasized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She is married to N. R. Narayana Murthy, the revered founder of Infosys, a pioneering figure in India’s IT industry. Additionally, her son-in-law, Rishi Sunak, serves as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, adding another dimension to her family’s illustrious legacy. In essence, Sudha Murty’s appointment to the Rajya Sabha represents a significant milestone in her illustrious career, marking yet another chapter in her ongoing quest to make a meaningful difference in society.
Sudha Murty: Early Life, Education, and Family
Born on August 19, 1950, in Shiggaon, Haveri, Karnataka, India, Sudha Murty was raised in a nurturing environment by her parents, Dr. R. H. Kulkarni and Vimala Kulkarni, belonging to the Deshastha Madhwa Brahmin family. Her academic journey commenced at the B.V.B. College of Engineering & Technology, now known as KLE Technological University, where she pursued her undergraduate degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Her exemplary performance led to her being awarded a gold medal by the then Chief Minister of Karnataka. Subsequently, she furthered her education by completing her post-graduation in Computer Science from the prestigious Indian Institute of Science.
Sudha Murty: Professional Career
Sudha Murty’s professional trajectory is marked by significant achievements and contributions across various domains. Notably, she challenged gender bias early in her career by addressing a postcard to the Chairman of TELCO, India’s largest auto manufacturer at the time, highlighting the need for gender equality in the workplace. This bold step led to her becoming the first female engineer hired by TATA Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO). Her tenure at TELCO saw her assume roles in development engineering, with postings in Pune, Mumbai, and Jamshedpur, before moving on to work as a Senior Systems Analyst with the Walchand Group of Industries in Pune.
In 1996, Sudha Murty established the Infosys Foundation, where she currently serves as Chairperson, spearheading numerous initiatives aimed at promoting education, healthcare, and rural development. Additionally, her commitment to academia is evident through her role as a visiting Professor at Bangalore University and her past tenure as a professor at Christ University.
Her philanthropic efforts have been recognized through various accolades, including the honorary LL.D (Doctor of Laws) degrees bestowed upon her and her husband, N. R. Narayana Murthy, for their contributions to legal education in India. Sudha Murty has also been honored with awards such as the Basava Shree Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Crossword-Raymond Book Awards, underscoring her significant impact on society and literature.
Sudha Murty: Personal Life and Family
Sudha Murty’s personal life is intertwined with her professional endeavors and family responsibilities. She married N.R. Narayana Murthy during her tenure at TELCO, and together they have two children, Akshata and Rohan. Akshata’s marriage to Rishi Sunak, Sudha Murty’s classmate from Stanford University, adds a global dimension to the family’s connections. Rishi Sunak’s historic ascent to becoming the first Indian-origin Prime Minister of the UK in 2022 garnered praise from Sudha Murty, who expressed her joy and support for her son-in-law’s achievements.
Sudha Murty Net Worth
The Infosys co-founder, Sudha Murty has over 150 books published in her name. Despite possessing a net worth of Rs 775 crore, Sudha Murty maintains a preference for a simple lifestyle.
