ನಿಮಗೂ ಮತ್ತು ನಿಮ್ಮ ಕುಟುಂಬದ ಸದಸ್ಯರೆಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ ರಾಜ್ಯೋತ್ಸವ ಹಾರ್ಧಿಕ ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು The “Jewel of Karnataka” is a phrase often used to describe aspects of Karnataka’s rich cultural, natural, or historical heritage that are particularly cherished by its people and admired by others. These “jewels” of Karnataka span a wide array of treasures—from individuals who have made an indelible impact to places of immense beauty and cultural significance.
Here is all about the lady who made every Kannadiga Proud
Sudha Murthy is a renowned Indian author, social worker, philanthropist, and educator known for her extensive contributions to literature, social work, and public service. As the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation and wife of Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, she has used her platform to drive impactful change across India, particularly in education, healthcare, rural development, and women’s empowerment. She was born on August 19, 1950, in Shiggaon, Karnataka.
Early Life and Education
- Education: Sudha Murthy showed an early interest in learning and technology. She pursued engineering at the B.V.B. College of Engineering & Technology, where she was the only female student in her class. She topped her class and later completed her M.E. in Computer Science from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, earning a gold medal.
- Career Beginnings: Sudha Murthy broke barriers early on, becoming the first female engineer to be hired at India’s largest automobile manufacturer at the time, Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO). Her hiring was the result of a letter she wrote to J.R.D. Tata himself, questioning the company’s gender bias. She was hired immediately afterward and went on to have a notable career there.
Personal Life
Sudha Murthy married Narayana Murthy in 1978. Together, they have two children, Akshata Murthy and Rohan Murthy. Akshata is a successful businesswoman and the wife of Rishi Sunak, the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Contributions to Infosys
Sudha Murthy played a pivotal role in the early days of Infosys. Her investment of INR 10,000 in 1981 helped her husband Narayana Murthy start Infosys, which went on to become one of India’s most successful IT companies. While she wasn’t directly involved in Infosys’s daily operations, her financial support and encouragement were instrumental to its foundation.
Philanthropy and Infosys Foundation
As chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, Sudha Murthy has led numerous initiatives focused on education, healthcare, arts, and culture, as well as rural development. The Foundation has built schools, hospitals, public libraries, and orphanages, mainly in underserved regions of India. Her focus has been on providing resources for marginalized communities, including constructing schools and sanitary facilities for girls, promoting hygiene awareness, and supporting women’s empowerment projects.
Some of her notable contributions include:
- Healthcare: She has funded hospitals, cancer treatment centres, and mental health facilities. The Foundation has worked extensively to make healthcare accessible in remote regions.
- Education: The Infosys Foundation has built libraries, supported research centres, and provided scholarships for underprivileged students.
- Disaster Relief: Sudha Murthy has overseen the Foundation’s response to natural disasters, providing relief and rehabilitation aid to affected areas.
Writing Career
Sudha Murthy is a prolific writer, known for her novels, short stories, travelogues, and children’s books. Her writing style is simple, yet profound, often focusing on themes of social issues, compassion, and everyday human experiences. Many of her works are rooted in real-life events and encounters, making them relatable and widely appreciated.
- Popular Books: Her most popular books include Wise and Otherwise, The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk, How I Taught My Grandmother to Read and Other Stories, Mahashweta, Dollar Bahu, Gently Falls the Bakula, and Grandma’s Bag of Stories. She writes in both English and Kannada.
- Children’s Literature: She has written several books specifically for children, aimed at imparting life lessons and values. Her “Grandma’s Bag of Stories” series and books like The Bird with Golden Wings have become favourites among young readers.
Awards and Recognitions
Sudha Murthy’s contributions have been widely recognized, and she has received numerous awards for her work in literature and philanthropy, including:
- Padma Shri (2006): For her contribution to social work.
- R.K. Narayan Award for Literature
- Attimabbe Award (Karnataka government’s highest literary honor)
- Recognized by organizations across the world for her role in improving social welfare, particularly for women and children.
Personal Beliefs and Ideals
Sudha Murthy is known for her humility, simplicity, and grounded nature. She is often seen in traditional Indian attire and lives a low-key lifestyle despite her success and wealth. Her personal philosophy revolves around giving back to society, and she believes in the power of empathy and the importance of treating all people with respect. Her approach to life and work reflects Gandhian values of simplicity and service.
Legacy
Sudha Murthy’s contributions to literature, philanthropy, and society have left a lasting impact. Through her work with the Infosys Foundation, her writing, and her advocacy, she has inspired countless people to serve their communities and live with compassion. Her legacy lies in her work for marginalized communities, her efforts to uplift women, and her commitment to sharing stories that teach valuable life lessons
Dr Balaji Singh
CEO &Founder of BPT group
