On the occasion of Women's Day, President Droupadi Murmu made a historic decision by nominating author and philanthropist, Sudha Murty, to the Rajya Sabha. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his announcement on Friday, highlighted this momentous occasion as a recognition of Sudha Murty's outstanding contributions across various domains. Murty's journey echoes the spirit of 'Nari Shakti'—the strength and potential of women shaping the destiny of our nation.
Glimpse into Sudha Murty's Legacy
Sudha Murty, an Indian educator and former chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, has left a lasting mark on society. Born on August 19, 1950, in Karnataka's Shiggaon, she embarked on her career as a trailblazing computer scientist and engineer. Her journey took a historic turn when she became the first female engineer hired at Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (Telco)
Her involvement in public healthcare initiatives with the Gates Foundation showcases her commitment to the betterment of humanity on a global scale. Notably, she has played a pivotal role in establishing the Murty Classical Library of India at Harvard University, furthering the cause of preserving our rich cultural heritage.
PM Modi expressed his delight, acknowledging Sudha Ji's immense and inspiring contributions. Her presence in the Upper House is hailed as a powerful testament to "Nari Shakti" — the strength and potential of women in shaping the nation's destiny.
While away from India, Murty expressed her gratitude to PM Modi for the nomination, considering it a significant Women's Day gift. Embracing the new responsibility, she remarked, "It’s a new responsibility to work for the country," as reported by India Today.
In 2006, Sudha Murty was also honored with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, recognising her exceptional contributions. Building on her legacy of service, she received the Padma Bhushan in 2023, the third-highest civilian award in the country. These accolades reflect not only her individual prowess but also the positive impact she has had on the lives of countless individuals.
Beyond her philanthropic endeavors, Sudha Murty has left an indelible mark on literature. Her novel 'Dollar Bahu,' originally penned in Kannada and later translated into English, resonates with readers worldwide. The novel's adaptation into a dramatic series by Zee TV in 2001 further attests to the widespread recognition of Sudha Murty's literary prowess. Another notable work is the story 'Runa,' adapted into a Marathi film, showcasing the versatility of her storytelling.
Married to Infosys co-founder Narayan Murty, the couple has two children, Akshata and Rohan. Akshata Murty, Sudha Murty's daughter, is married to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
Sudha Murty Recalls The Most Stressful Time In Her Marriage
Marriage is never easy, but what makes it work is teamwork. One of India's most recognised couples, Sudha and Narayana Murthy, have had a companionship of several decades, and what, according to Sudha Murty, worked for them was a shared understanding of each other's individual struggles.
In an interview with Shaili Chopra at The Rule Breaker Show, Sudha Murty reflected on her relationship with her husband. In a no-filter conversation, she also revealed the most stressful time she faced in her marriage. On being asked what was the toughest part of her marriage, she recalled, "The difficulty came when I did not join the company (Infosys). Mr. Murthy joined, but I couldn't join because he put a condition that it should not be a husband and wife's company. It took a long time for me to heal that wound or hurt. The company that I loved so much, I worked for it, but I couldn't become a part of it."
However, Murty also added that she is happy with what she chose to do with her life. She said, "But now, when I look back, I would have probably retired as a director of Infosys. But I could touch the lives of many, many people with my work. Maybe it was a God's decision, and it was favouring me only."
Stay tuned for the full conversation only on The Rule Breaker Show.
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