Sudha Murty: Lesser-Known Facts About Infosys Lady

Sudha Murty, a name synonymous with philanthropy, literature, and social service, is a household name in India. She serves as the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation and is married to N. R. Narayana Murty, one of the co-founders of Infosys. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to social work, she was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2006. Additionally, in 2023, she received the Padma Bhushan.

Sudha Murty commenced her professional career in computer science and engineering. She actively participates in public health initiatives supported by the Gates Foundation. Her philanthropic efforts include the establishment of several orphanages, active involvement in rural development projects, advocating for computer and library facilities in all Karnataka government schools, and founding the Murty Classical Library of India at Harvard University.

Interesting Facts About Sudha Murty

Mentioned below are some interesting facts about this inspiring lady:

• Sudha Murty's foray into acting marked a notable milestone when she debuted in the Marathi film Pitruroon, an adaptation of her Kannada novel, Rhun.

• Her spirit led her to become the first female engineer hired at Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO), India's largest auto manufacturer.

• At 29, Sudha Murty ventured to the United States to publish her debut book, Mahashweta. She dedicated this first literary work to her husband, who was her life partner and friend.

• After completing her education, she worked as a computer programmer for several years before marrying Narayana Murty in 1980.

• During the early 1980s, Sudha Murty embarked on a project to create a user-friendly programming language to facilitate computer interaction for individuals not well-versed in computer technology. This endeavour culminated in the establishment of Infosys in 1981.

• Sudha possesses a Net worth of Rs. 775 crores, with her estimated Income from Infosys stocks amounting to Rs. 5,384 crores. Her primary income stream is from royalties accumulated through her literary works, including books and short stories, and contributions from the Infosys Foundation.

• On her final day at TELCO, Sudha had a pivotal encounter with J.R.D. Tata who encouraged her to give back to society once she achieved financial success.

• Sudha's mother offered her sage advice on saving money for potential emergencies without her husband's knowledge. This foresight led Sudha to contribute Rs. 10,000 to her husband for the inception of Infosys.

• Long before the inception of the Infosys Foundation, Sudha Murty was involved in charitable work. She began her philanthropic journey by helping a blind man cross the road when she was six. This early act of kindness sowed the seeds of her lifelong commitment to helping others.

• Sudha Murty has a deep love for animals. She is known for rescuing and caring for stray dogs and cats. Her compassion extends beyond humans to the furry friends who share our world.

Lesser-Known Facts About Sudha Murty

Here are some astonishing facts about Sudha Murty that you may not be aware of earlier:

Personal Life

Born on August 19, 1950, Sudha Murty was born into a Brahmin family from Shiggaon, Karnataka. Her father, Dr. R.H. Kulkarni, a surgeon, and her mother, Vimala Kulkarni, provided unwavering support throughout her upbringing, nurturing Sudha and her three siblings. Growing up in a family that valued education, she was inspired from a young age to aspire to remarkable achievements. Sudha Murty's brother, Srinivas Kulkarni, is a famous astronomer honoured with the Dan David Prize in 2017. These early life experiences and her close relationship with her grandmother laid the groundwork for some of her literary works.

Sudha Murty's Education

Sudha Murty's academic journey significantly shaped her into the accomplished author she is today despite her educational pursuits leaning towards the technical side. She got her Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from B.V.B College of Engineering in Hubli, where she earned a prestigious gold medal for her outstanding academic achievements. Subsequently, driven by a thirst for further knowledge, she pursued higher education. In 1974, she enrolled in the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, to pursue a Master's in Computer Science. Her dedication and exceptional performance led to her receiving another gold medal, presented by the then Chief Minister of Karnataka, for her remarkable performance in both final examinations.

Sudha Murty's Professional Journey

Sudha Murty has consistently supported women's rights and played a revolutionary role in advancing education. An instance that exemplifies her advocacy involved writing to Tata Motors, also known as Telco, to address their exclusive men-only policy. Her initiative led to an interview invitation, resulting in her being the first female engineer to be employed in India. Her position at Telco was instrumental in reshaping the company's employment policies.

In addition to supporting her husband, Narayana Murty, in establishing Infosys and providing initial financial backing, Sudha Murty has authored an extensive Range of literature, including books for children. Initially, she began her writing journey in Kannada and later ventured into English literature. Her writings cover many topics, including family dynamics, marriage, and societal issues. Through her writings, she has encouraged young and older readers to cultivate a habit of reading. With this, she has received several prestigious awards, including the R.K. Narayan Award for Literature.

She has made significant contributions through the Infosys Foundation, focusing on raising awareness about education, public hygiene, and poverty. Her involvement with the Gates Foundation underscores her commitment to philanthropic endeavours. Additionally, she founded the Murty Classical Library of India (MCLI) at Harvard University, further enriching the world of literature and culture.

Accomplishments and Recognition

Sudha Murty's extensive educational background and several contributions have earned her many accolades and awards. In 2019, she was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Science (DSc) degree by I.I.T. Kanpur.

Sudha Murty's Role at Infosys and Her Philanthropic Endeavours

Sudha Murty has made significant steps in humanitarian efforts through the Infosys Foundation. For instance, she has overseen the construction of 2,300 homes in regions affected by floods. Furthermore, the foundation's scope extends to poverty alleviation, art and culture, education, healthcare, and public hygiene. Notably, her efforts have resulted in establishing 7,000 libraries in schools and constructing 16,000 toilets, contributing to the betterment of communities and society at large.

Sudha Murty's Awards

Jotted down below is the list of awards she has been bestowed with:

• Best Teacher Award by Rotary Club of Karnataka in 1995
• Basava Shree-2013 Award for contributions to society
• Cash award for highest marks in SSLC
• CS Desia Prize for standing first at the University of Karnataka
• Crossword Book award in popular (Non-Fiction) category
• Daana Chintamani Attimabbe Award by Karnataka Government
• Gold medal from Indian Institute of Engineers
• Gold medal for highest marks in B.E from Chief Minister of Karnataka Sri Devaraj Urs
• Honorary L.L.D. for her contribution to promoting formal legal education and scholarship in the country
• Hemmeya-Kannadiga Award from television
• Padma Shri in 2006
• Honourary degree of Doctor of Science by I.I.T. Kanpur
• Life Time Achievement Award at the Crossword-Raymond Book Awards
• Millenium Mahila Shiromani award
• National Award from the Public Relations Society of India
• Ojaswini Award for excellent social work
• R.K. Narayan's Award for Literature
• Raja-Lakshmi Award by Sri Raja-Lakshmi Foundation

Wrapping Up

Sudha Murty's life journey is evidence of the power of determination, compassion, and a strong sense of purpose. Her story inspires us to pursue our passions, give back to society, and strive for excellence in all our endeavours. While many of her achievements are well-documented, these lesser-known facts reveal the layers of a remarkable woman who has touched countless lives across the globe. Sudha Murty's legacy continues to shine brightly, guiding us toward a better, more compassionate world.