Sudha Murty, a trailblazing philanthropist, author, and changemaker, embodies resilience, simplicity, and service, shaping India’s cultural and social fabric.
Sudha Murty is a name synonymous with philanthropy, literature, and resilience. As the former Chairperson of Infosys Foundation, a prolific author, and an advocate for social change, she has left an indelible mark on India’s cultural and philanthropic landscape. Whether breaking gender barriers in engineering or leading initiatives that transformed millions of lives, her journey is a testament to perseverance, simplicity, and an unwavering commitment to service.
A Foundation for Life, Built on Learning
Born on August 19, 1950, in Shiggaon, Karnataka, Sudha Murty grew up in an academically enriched environment. With a father who was a surgeon and professor, and a mother who was a schoolteacher, education and intellectual curiosity were deeply ingrained in her upbringing. Her brother, Dr. Srinivas Kulkarni, later became a renowned astronomer, further showcasing the family’s academic excellence.
Murty pursued a B.Eng. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from B.V.B. College of Engineering & Technology (now KLE Technological University), where she was the only female student. Defying societal norms, she topped her class and went on to earn an M.Eng. in Computer Science from the Indian Institute of Science in 1974. This period was pivotal in shaping her resilience as she navigated gender biases and traditional expectations.
Breaking Barriers in Engineering and Corporate India
In the early 1970s, women in engineering were a rarity, and corporate policies reflected this bias. When Murty saw a TELCO (now Tata Motors) job advertisement that explicitly stated that only men could apply, she penned a letter to J.R.D. Tata, pointing out the injustice. Her boldness led to a personal interview and eventually made her the first female engineer to be hired by TELCO—a momentous milestone that paved the way for more women in India’s corporate sector.
During her tenure at TELCO, she worked in Pune, Jamshedpur, and Mumbai, experiencing firsthand the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry. Her time in the corporate world laid the groundwork for the leadership skills that would later define her philanthropic and literary career.
A Key Role in Building Infosys
While Murty was excelling in her professional career, her husband, N.R. Narayana Murthy, harbored dreams of entrepreneurship. In 1981, Sudha Murty provided the initial capital of Rs. 10,000 to help launch Infosys. While her husband and his co-founders built the company, she played a crucial behind-the-scenes role, ensuring financial stability for the family as Infosys found its footing.
Though she never held an official title at Infosys, her sacrifices and support were instrumental in the company’s growth. She chose to channel her energies into philanthropy and social service, ensuring that the company’s success translated into tangible societal benefits.
The Heart of the Infosys Foundation
In 1996, Murty established the Infosys Foundation with an initial capital of Rs. 32 lakh. Over the years, the Foundation has funded and executed thousands of projects focused on education, healthcare, rural development, and arts and culture. Some of its most impactful initiatives include the Midday Meal Program (in partnership with Akshaya Patra), flood relief and housing projects, building over 7,000 libraries and modernizing government schools across India, and championing the construction of 16,000 toilets in rural areas, significantly improving sanitation facilities, especially for women.
Her work extended beyond India as well. Infosys Foundation USA was established to promote STEM education, particularly among underprivileged students.
A Prolific Storyteller
Beyond philanthropy, Murty is a celebrated author with over 150 published books, spanning fiction, non-fiction, children’s literature, and memoirs. Writing in both Kannada and English, she has an unparalleled ability to capture the essence of Indian life, blending humour, wisdom, and moral depth.
Some of her most notable works include Three Thousand Stitches, How I Taught My Grandmother to Read and Other Stories, Dollar Bahu, and Wise and Otherwise. Her writing often carries subtle yet powerful messages on gender equality, education, and the importance of kindness, making her an influential figure in Indian literature.
A Life of Humility and Integrity
Despite her immense wealth, Murty has remained true to her roots. In a remarkable display of minimalism, she has not bought a new saree in over three decades. Instead, she wears sarees gifted by loved ones and NGOs she supports. Her commitment to simplicity extends to her home life—despite being one of India’s richest women, she prefers a modest lifestyle, focused on giving rather than accumulating.
When asked about her approach to money and privilege, she once remarked, “Unless the children of our country get two sets of clothes, three meals a day, and good drinking water and toilet facilities, our country will not progress.” This philosophy has been the guiding force behind her work.
Recognition and Legacy
Murty’s contributions have been widely recognized, earning her numerous awards, including the Padma Shri, R.K. Narayan Award for Literature, Daana Chintamani Attimabbe Award, and an Honorary Doctorate from IIT Kanpur.
In 2024, she was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, further cementing her influence on Indian society. Praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for her lifelong commitment to service, this new role allows her to shape policies that align with her vision for a more equitable India.
The Road Ahead: A Legacy in Motion
At 74, Sudha Murty shows no signs of slowing down. Whether it is advocating for education reform, championing gender equality, or writing stories that inspire millions, she remains deeply committed to her mission.
Her story is a reminder that success is not just about personal achievement but about lifting others along the way. In a world obsessed with wealth and status, Sudha Murty stands as a beacon of humility, service, and wisdom—a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
This profile has been curated editorially by in Focus
