Sudha Murthy, a renowned Indian author and chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, has made significant contributions to philanthropy and literature. This comprehensive biography explores her life, career, and remarkable achievements.
Wiki/Biography
Born on Saturday, August 19, 1950 (age 73 as of 2023), in Shiggaon, Karnataka, Sudha Murthy’s zodiac sign is Leo. A high-achiever from the start, she earned a B.E. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from B.V.B. College of Engineering and Technology, topping her class and receiving a gold medal. She continued her academic excellence, securing another gold medal after completing her M.E. in Computer Science at the Indian Institute of Science, Karnataka.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5’2″
- Hair Colour: Salt & Pepper
- Eye Colour: Black
Family, Caste & Husband
She hails from a Brahmin Hindu family. Her father, Dr. R. H. Kulkarni, was a surgeon, and her mother’s name is Vimala Kulkarni. Sudha has one brother, Shrinivas Kulkarni (a renowned astronomer), and two sisters: Sunanda Kulkarni (a gynecologist) and Jaishree Deshpande (founder of the Deshpande Foundation).
Her meeting and marriage to N. R. Narayana Murthy is a well-known story. Their marriage, a simple affair costing just Rs. 800, took place on February 10, 1978. The couple have two children: Akshata Murty and Rohan Murty. Their daughter’s husband, Rishi Sunak, notably served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Career
Sudha began her career as a development engineer at TELCO in Pune. Her proactive approach to gender discrimination at TELCO, leading to a letter to JRD Tata, showcases her determined spirit. She later joined the Walchand group of Industries as a senior systems analyst after leaving TELCO to support her husband’s entrepreneurial pursuits. In 1996, she co-founded the Infosys Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving underprivileged communities.
The Infosys Foundation’s impact is far-reaching. It has undertaken numerous initiatives in education, rural development, healthcare, and more, significantly improving lives across India.
Beyond her philanthropic work, Sudha has also been a visiting professor, enriching the lives of students. She is a prolific author with numerous published works in English and Kannada.
Her recent nomination to the Rajya Sabha further exemplifies her significant contributions to Indian society.
Controversy
In 2019, the Infosys Foundation faced controversy, resulting in the cancellation of its registration license due to non-compliance with foreign funding reporting regulations.
Awards & Honours
Sudha Murthy’s achievements have been widely recognized through numerous prestigious awards and honors including:
| Award | Year | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Karnataka Rajyotsava, State Award | 2000 | Literature and social work |
| Ojaswini Award | 2001 | Social work |
| Raja-Lakshmi Award | 2004 | Social Work |
| Padma Shri | 2006 | Social Work |
| Padma Bhushan | 2023 | Social Work |
This is not an exhaustive list; she has received many more accolades throughout her career.
Address
Neralu, #1/2 (1878), 11th Main, 39th Cross, 4th T Block, Jayanagar, Bangalore 560011, Karnataka
Net Worth
In 2004, her estimated net worth was approximately Rs 7.75 billion.
Favourites
Sudha Murthy’s preferences reveal a rich appreciation for classic cinema and influential figures.
- Actors: Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Shammi Kapoor, Rajesh Khanna, Shah Rukh Khan
- Actresses: Saira Banu, Waheeda Rehman
- Businessmen: Ratan Tata, JRD Tata
Facts/Trivia
Several interesting anecdotes highlight Sudha Murthy’s unique journey and personality. Her college experience, early fashion choices, and her generous support for her husband’s entrepreneurial ventures are among the many aspects that make her story inspirational.
Her love for cinema is well-known, along with numerous other interesting facts. She once gave her husband Rs 10,000 to start Infosys, showing her unwavering support and belief in him.
A recent incident involved a complaint filed against unauthorized use of her name for events in the United States, highlighting her commitment to integrity.
