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8/5/2024: Sudha Murty stands as a paragon of simplicity and benevolence, her life journey embodying the very essence of selfless service and intellectual prowess. Born on August 19, 1950, in Shiggaon, Karnataka, Sudha Kulkarni Murty’s early life was steeped in the rich cultural heritage of her Kannada-speaking family. Her father, a surgeon, and her mother, a schoolteacher, instilled in her the values of education and philanthropy, which would later become the cornerstones of her multifaceted career.
An exemplary student, Murty pursued her passion for engineering, earning a BEng in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from KLE Technological University and a MEng in Computer Science from the Indian Institute of Science. Her academic excellence was recognized with a gold medal, foreshadowing the remarkable achievements to come.
Murty’s professional journey began at TATA Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO), where she broke gender barriers as the first female engineer. Her tenure at TELCO was a testament to her technical acumen and her resolve to challenge the status quo. Later, as a Senior Systems Analyst with the Walchand group of Industries, she continued to excel in her field.
However, it is her philanthropic work that has left an indelible mark on society. As the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, established in 1996, Murty has been instrumental in initiating a plethora of social projects. From setting up orphanages to improving rural development, from enhancing government school facilities to founding the Murty Classical Library of India at Harvard University, her contributions are vast and varied.
Murty’s simplicity is not just a personal trait but a philosophy that permeates her work. She has consistently advocated for and practiced a lifestyle that prioritizes substance over ostentation, a principle evident in her approach to philanthropy. Her efforts have been recognized with prestigious accolades, including the Padma Shri in 2006 and the Padma Bhushan in 2023, reflecting her significant impact on social work and education.
An accomplished author, Murty has penned numerous works in Kannada and English, sharing her insights and experiences with a wider audience. Her literary contributions are not only informative but also reflective of her commitment to cultural preservation and education. Her novels, such as ‘Dollar Bahu’, have been adapted into television series, further extending her influence beyond the written word.
In 2024, Murty’s lifelong dedication to social betterment was recognized with her nomination as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, a role that allows her to contribute to policy-making at the highest level. This appointment is a fitting acknowledgment of her tireless work in education and social work, and a platform from which she can continue to advocate for change.
Sudha Murty’s life is a testament to the power of simplicity and generosity. Her journey from a small town in Karnataka to the halls of Parliament is not just a story of personal success but a narrative that inspires others to pursue a path of compassion and humility. As she continues to shape the lives of countless individuals through her various roles, Murty remains a beacon of hope and a symbol of the change one person can effect in the world.