Sudha Murty

Sudha Murty – Life, Career, and Inspiring Legacy

Explore the life of Sudha Murty (born August 19, 1950) — Indian educator, engineer, author, and philanthropist. From pioneering as a woman engineer to leading the Infosys Foundation, and writing beloved stories for all ages.

Introduction

Sudha Murty is one of India’s most admired public figures: part educator, part engineer, part writer, and deeply committed philanthropist. Her life bridges technical rigor and humane wisdom. Born on August 19, 1950, in Karnataka, she became a trailblazer in engineering fields traditionally dominated by men, then shifted her attention toward social uplift, education, and literature. Her writing—often modest, observant, and grounded in everyday values—has earned her a large readership across generations.

Murty’s journey shows how disciplines like engineering and literature can unite in service. She remains a moral exemplar in India and beyond: someone who insists that success must also mean giving back.

Early Life and Family Background

Sudha Murty was born Sudha Kulkarni on August 19, 1950, in Shiggaon, Haveri district (then in Mysore State, now Karnataka). How I Taught My Grandmother to Read).

From her childhood, she showed academic curiosity, humility, and empathy—traits that would accompany her throughout life.

Education and Engineering Career

Engineering Studies

Murty earned a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from what was then B.V.B. College of Engineering & Technology, later known as KLE Technological University. She performed with distinction. Master’s in Computer Science / ME from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore.

In a time when few women entered engineering in India, Murty stood out—and would go on to break barriers.

Professional Engineering Roles

Murty became the first woman engineer hired at Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO, now Tata Motors).

She worked in Pune, Mumbai, and Jamshedpur in roles such as development engineer and systems analyst.

Over time, Murty shifted from engineering toward socially oriented and philanthropic work, though she never abandoned her technical roots.

Transition into Philanthropy & Social Work

In 1996, she founded the Infosys Foundation, a public charitable trust through which she would channel much of her social impact.

Some specific efforts by the Foundation (or by Murty) include:

• Establishing libraries and computer facilities in government schools (especially in Karnataka)

• Supporting and equipping hospitals, clinics, and medical outreach in underserved areas

• Infrastructure projects in rural areas (roads, toilets, housing)

• Responding to natural disasters with relief, rebuilding, and support

• Supporting arts, culture, and heritage through grants and public projects

In March 2024, she was nominated as a Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, in recognition of her contributions to education, literature, and social work.

Literary Work & Writing

Murty is also a prolific writer, working mainly in English and Kannada, with translations of her work into many Indian languages. Her writing style tends toward clarity, warm moral vision, and parables drawn from everyday life.

Some of her notable works include:

• Wise and Otherwise (2002) — a collection of real-life anecdotes and short reflections

• How I Taught My Grandmother to Read and Other Stories — includes stories drawn from childhood and cultural settings

• Dollar Bahu — originally written in Kannada and later translated; this novel was adapted into a TV series

• The Old Man and His God

• Three Thousand Stitches

• Grandma’s Bag of Stories

• The Magic Drum and Other Favorite Stories

Her stories often appeal to children, youth, and general readers alike, and many explore moral lessons, cultural wisdom, humane compassion, and family dynamics.

One of her most widely anthologized stories, How I Taught My Grandmother to Read, recounts how as a young girl she helped her grandmother learn to read—symbolizing dignity, intergenerational learning, and respect.

Personal Life & Values

Murty married N. R. Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, while she was working as an engineer at TELCO. Akshata Murty (born 1980), a businesswoman and fashion designer, and Rohan Murty, a computer scientist and entrepreneur. Rishi Sunak, former Prime Minister of the UK.

Murty is known for her modest lifestyle, humility, empathy, and strong ethical stance. She often emphasizes that wealth, recognition, or position must be accompanied by responsibility. Her public persona is marked by simplicity—not pomp.

Moreover, Murty frequently engages directly with rural communities, listening to their concerns, visiting small towns, and asking how foundations can help rather than presuming.

Legacy & Influence

Sudha Murty’s impact is multi-dimensional:

1. Role Model for Women in STEM
   She broke gender barriers in engineering and showed that women can excel technically and contribute socially and creatively.

2. Philanthropic Vision
   Her leadership of Infosys Foundation institutionalized giving—not ad hoc charity but systematic support in education, health, culture, and sustainability.

3. Literary Reach & Cultural Influence
   Her stories reach millions, especially in smaller towns and English/Kannada speaking audiences. They often inspire moral reflection, compassion, and social engagement.

4. Moral Authority & Public Trust
   In an era when many public figures are polarizing, Murty is often seen as a voice of integrity, bridging public and private life with consistency.

5. Bridging Technology, Education & Human Values
   Her life is a testimony to the possibility of integrating hard science, business, social responsibility, and literature without compartmentalizing them.

In recognition of her contributions, she has received numerous awards, including Padma Shri (2006) and Padma Bhushan (2023), among other honors.

Lessons from Sudha Murty’s Life

• Humility in Greatness: One does not have to be flashy to make a difference. Murty’s quiet strength is in consistency, not spectacle.

• Integration of Disciplines: Technical competence and humanistic wisdom can—and should—coexist.

• Empathy in Action: Understanding the lived realities of people, especially in rural or underserved areas, is key to meaningful philanthropy.

• Accessible Storytelling: Simple stories, told well, can carry profound lessons.

• Legacy Beyond Success: True legacy lies in how others live inspired by you, not in monuments or accolades.