Sudha Murthy
Author, Philanthropist, and Changemaker
A renowned author and chairperson of Infosys Foundation, has dedicated her life to literature, education, and social causes. Her work continues to inspire and uplift communities worldwide.
A renowned author and chairperson of Infosys Foundation, has dedicated her life to literature, education, and social causes. Her work continues to inspire and uplift communities worldwide.
Born on 20 August in Haveri, Karnataka, India.
Became first female engineer at TATA Engineering and Locomotive Company.
Started Infosys Foundation as Trustee.
Received Raja-Lakshmi Award in Chennai.
Awarded Padma Shri for social work by Government of India.
Won Daana Chintamani Attimabbe Award from Karnataka Government.
Conferred Basava Shree-2013 Award with husband Narayana Murty.
Received Crossword Book award in popular (Non-Fiction) category.
Honored with Doctor of Science degree by IIT Kanpur.
Awarded Padma Bhushan and Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar.
Nominated as Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha on 8 March.
As the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, Sudha Murthy has been a driving force behind several initiatives aimed at improving healthcare, education, rural development, and public hygiene in India. Under her leadership, the foundation has funded numerous projects, including building hospitals, libraries, and schools in remote areas. Her efforts have contributed to the upliftment of marginalized communities, focusing on providing basic necessities and fostering self-reliance.
Sudha Murthy was honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2006 for her exceptional contributions to social work. This recognition highlighted her efforts to bring about change through philanthropy, particularly in rural education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment. Her ability to blend compassion with action has made her a notable figure in the field of social service.
Sudha Murthy is a prolific writer, having penned numerous books in both English and Kannada. Her works span genres like children’s literature, fiction, travelogues, and non-fiction. Some of her popular books include Wise and Otherwise, The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk, and The Magic of the Lost Temple. Her stories often focus on Indian culture, social issues, and the importance of values, resonating deeply with readers of all ages. Many of her books have been bestsellers and have earned her critical acclaim for their simplicity and depth.
In 1974, Sudha Murthy became the first woman engineer to be hired by TELCO, an achievement that broke gender barriers in a male-dominated field. Despite initial resistance from the company due to her gender, she wrote a letter to the Chairman, J.R.D. Tata, challenging the gender bias in recruitment. Impressed by her boldness, Tata personally intervened, and she was hired. This milestone not only paved the way for future female engineers but also demonstrated her determination to challenge societal norms.
Sudha Murthy has been a pioneer in grassroots-level philanthropy. Through her efforts, the Infosys Foundation has built over 2,300 houses in disaster-affected areas and supported the construction of public toilets in various cities, promoting hygiene and sanitation. She has also championed causes like providing scholarships to underprivileged students, offering vocational training to rural women, and assisting in the rehabilitation of flood and earthquake victims. Her work reflects her deep commitment to reducing inequality and empowering rural India.
In recognition of her significant contributions to Indian literature, Sudha Murthy received the R.K. Narayan Award. Her ability to capture the essence of Indian life and values, combined with her storytelling skills, has made her a beloved author. Her books are known for their moral lessons and insightful reflections on human nature and society, often inspired by her own life experiences and interactions with people from different walks of life.