Renowned philanthropist Sudha Murty, chairperson of Infosys Foundation, has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu on Mar. 8. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded her selection, emphasizing the pivotal role of women in shaping the nation’s future.
The President of India has the authority to appoint 12 members to the Upper House of Parliament based on their outstanding contributions to various fields like arts, literature, sciences, and social services. Responding to her nomination, Murty expressed her gratitude, calling it a significant Women’s Day gift and a new opportunity to serve the country.
At 73, Sudha Murty is a distinguished philanthropist, author, and former chairperson of Infosys Foundation. Her husband, Narayana Murthy, is the founder of Infosys, and her son-in-law is UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Born in Shiggaon, Haveri District, North Karnataka, she excelled academically, graduating in engineering and earning distinctions throughout her academic journey.
Starting her career as an engineer at TELCO (now Tata Motors), Murty now leads Infosys Foundation and is a prolific writer in both English and Kannada. She has authored over 30 books across various genres, with her literary contributions translated into numerous Indian languages and achieving substantial sales nationwide.
Beyond her literary achievements, Murty is recognized for her advocacy of social causes and global engagements for social awareness. She actively engages in public healthcare initiatives, establishes orphanages, contributes to rural development, advocates for educational advancements in Karnataka government schools, and spearheaded the establishment of the Murty Classical Library of India at Harvard University.
Acknowledged for her outstanding contributions, Murty has been honored with prestigious awards like the Padma Shri in 2006 and the Padma Bhushan in 2023 by the Government of India. She has also received several honorary doctorates and literary awards, highlighting her significant impact on society and literature.
