Sudha Murthy: A Story of Humility, Philanthropy, and Success

Sudha Murthy is a prominent Indian author, philanthropist, and social worker. Her contributions to the society have made her a role model for many. Let's take a closer look at her life, career, and achievements.

Early Life and Education 

Sudha Murthy was born on August 19, 1950, in Shiggaon, a small town in the Indian state of Karnataka. Her father was a physician and her mother was a homemaker. Sudha was the eldest of the three siblings. She completed her primary education in Shiggaon and later moved to Hubli for further studies. She completed her B.E. in Electrical Engineering from B.V. Bhoomaraddi College of Engineering and Technology in Hubli. She was the only female student in her batch.

Career

After completing her education, Sudha Murthy worked as a development engineer at TELCO (Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company) in Pune. In 1974, she became the first female engineer to work on the shop floor at TELCO. She later went on to work for the Walchand Group of Industries in Pune.

In 1981, Sudha Murthy joined Infosys Foundation as a part-time consultant. She later became a full-time employee and eventually, the chairperson of the foundation. Under her leadership, the foundation has undertaken several projects related to education, healthcare, rural development, and disaster relief. In addition, Sudha Murthy is also an accomplished author, having written several books in English and Kannada.

Writing Career 

Apart from her corporate career, Sudha Murthy is also a prolific writer. She has written several books in English and Kannada, which includes novels, short stories, and children's books. Her first book was "How I Taught My Grandmother to Read" which was published in 1995. Some of her popular books include "The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk," "Wise and Otherwise," "The Serpent's Revenge," and "Three Thousand Stitches." She is also the recipient of several literary awards.

Philanthropy and Contributions towards Society 

Sudha Murthy is known for her philanthropic work and contributions towards the society. She is the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, which is involved in several social and community development projects. The foundation supports various causes such as education, healthcare, rural development, and the arts. It has built several schools, hospitals, and community centers in rural areas of India. Sudha Murthy is also involved in several other social initiatives. She has established a library and a computer center in her hometown of Shiggaon. She is a strong advocate of women's rights and is involved in several women's empowerment initiatives.

Personal Life and Net Worth 

Sudha Murthy is married to Narayana Murthy, the co-founder of Infosys. The couple has two children. Sudha Murthy has a net worth of around $190 million, as per reports. She lives a simple life and is known for her humility and philanthropic work.

Awards and Recognitions: 

Sudha Murthy has been recognized for her contributions to literature and philanthropy. She has received several awards, including the Padma Shri, one of the highest civilian awards in India, in 2006. In addition, she has also received the R.K. Narayan Award for Literature and the Attimabbe Award from the government of Karnataka.

Conclusion 

Sudha Murthy is a true inspiration to millions of people. Her hard work, determination, and contributions towards the society have made her an iconic figure in India. She continues to inspire people to work towards social causes and make a positive impact on society.