Sudha Murthy was born on August 19, 1950, in Shiggaon, Karnataka, into a family that deeply valued education. Her father, Dr. R. H. Kulkarni, was a well-respected surgeon, and her mother, Vimala Kulkarni, was a school teacher. Growing up in an environment that encouraged knowledge and learning, she developed a strong passion for academics from an early age.
Sudha Murthy pursued her engineering degree in Electrical and Electronics from B.V.B. College of Engineering & Technology (now KLE Technological University) in Hubli. She made history by becoming the first woman to enroll in the college and excelled in her studies, earning a gold medal. Her academic brilliance continued as she completed her Master of Engineering (M.E.) in Computer Science from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore.
Breaking barriers in a male-dominated field, she became the first female engineer hired by TELCO (now Tata Motors) after writing a bold letter to J.R.D. Tata about gender discrimination in hiring. Her engineering career was marked by excellence, but her passion extended beyond technology.
She later dedicated herself to social work, education, and philanthropy, becoming a key figure in the Infosys Foundation, which she co-founded with her husband, Narayana Murthy. She has supported numerous initiatives in education, healthcare, and rural development. Additionally, she is a celebrated author, inspiring millions through her books on social issues, personal experiences, and Indian culture. Sudha Murthy’s life is a testament to determination, breaking barriers, and using knowledge for the greater good
Meeting Narayana Murthy and Marriage
Sudha Murthy met Narayana Murthy while studying at IISc, Bangalore. They first became friends through their common interest in technology and literature. Narayana Murthy, known for his intellectual and visionary ideas, impressed Sudha with his dreams of starting his own company. Their friendship gradually turned into love, and despite coming from different financial backgrounds, they decided to marry. They got married in 1978 in a simple ceremony, reflecting their shared values of simplicity and humility. Sudha played a crucial role in supporting Narayana Murthy’s ambitions.
Professional Journey and Achievements
Sudha Murthy made history by becoming the first woman engineer at TELCO (now Tata Motors) in Pune in 1974. At that time, TELCO did not hire women, but she challenged this norm by writing a letter to J.R.D. Tata, highlighting gender discrimination. Impressed by her determination, the company offered her a job, breaking the gender barrier in the engineering sector. In 1981, Sudha Murthy played a crucial role in founding Infosys, a global IT giant, alongside her husband, Narayana Murthy. She invested ₹10,000, which became the seed capital for the company. While Narayana Murthy focused on business development, Sudha took care of family responsibilities, ensuring stability and support for his vision.
Sudha Murthy is an acclaimed author who has written novels, short stories, children’s books, and travelogues in both English and Kannada. Her books often focus on simplicity, values, and social issues. Some of her famous works include “Wise and Otherwise,” “The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk,” “Three Thousand Stitches,” “The Magic Drum and Other Favorite Stories,” “The Mother I Never Knew,” and “Grandma’s Bag of Stories.”
Sudha Murthy has dedicated her life to social causes through the Infosys Foundation, where she serves as the chairperson. Her work includes building over 60,000 libraries in India, supporting orphanages and schools for underprivileged children, providing aid to flood victims and disaster-affected areas, and establishing hospitals, sanitation projects, and rehabilitation centers.
Challenges and Struggles
Despite being a top student and a successful professional, Sudha Murthy faced gender discrimination in the corporate world. However, her resilience helped her break stereotypes and pave the way for women in engineering and leadership roles. Her journey in balancing family, career, and philanthropy was not easy, but her determination and values kept her moving forward. She once mentioned in her speeches that simplicity and humility are her greatest assets.
Awards and Recognition
Sudha Murthy has received numerous awards for her contributions to society. She was honored with the Padma Shri in 2006, India’s fourth-highest civilian award for social work. She also received the R.K. Narayan Award for Literature in 2006 and the Lifetime Achievement Award from Crossword Book Awards in 2018. In 2023, she was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, for her contributions to society and literature. She has also received honorary doctorates from several universities for her contributions to education, literature, and philanthropy.
Personal Life and Family Support
Sudha Murthy married Narayana Murthy in 1978, and they have two children – Rohan Murthy and Akshata Murthy. Akshata is married to Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Despite being the wife of a billionaire, Sudha Murthy leads a simple and humble life, preferring traditional Indian attire and a down-to-earth lifestyle. She strongly believes in giving back to society rather than indulging in luxury.
Legacy and Influence
Sudha Murthy’s life is an inspiration to many, especially young women who aspire to break gender barriers. She continues to motivate people through her books, speeches, and philanthropic efforts. Her impact on education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment in India is immense.
Conclusion
From a small-town girl in Karnataka to a celebrated engineer, author, and philanthropist, Sudha Murthy’s journey is a testament to hard work, determination, and kindness. Her contributions to literature, corporate leadership, and social work have left an everlasting impact on Indian society. She remains a role model for millions, proving that success is not about wealth but about making a difference in people’s lives.
