In a momentous encounter, Sudha Murthy, the distinguished Chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, engaged in a meaningful discussion with President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This meeting marked the inauguration of the “Her Story-My Story” series, a unique initiative by RB aimed at delving into the motivational life stories of women Padma awardees who have left a lasting impact on society & the nation.
During the interactive session, President Droupadi Murmu expressed admiration for Sudha Murthy, recognizing her as a well-known author and philanthropist. The session provided a platform for Sudha Murthy to share insights from her inspirational life journey with an audience comprising women entrepreneurs, teachers, and students. The initiative seeks to draw inspiration from the experiences of accomplished women and celebrate their contributions to society.
Sudha Murthy, born on August 19, 1950, is a prominent Indian educator, author, and philanthropist. As the Chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, she has played a pivotal role in various social and charitable endeavors. Her marriage to N. R. Narayana Murty, the co-founder of Infosys, has been a partnership in both personal and philanthropic pursuits.
Recognizing Sudha Murthy’s exceptional contributions, the Government of India conferred upon her the Padma Shri in 2006, followed by the prestigious Padma Bhushan in 2023. These awards attest to her significant impact in the realms of social work, literature, and philanthropy.
Sudha Murthy commenced her professional journey in computer science and engineering, later becoming actively involved in public healthcare initiatives supported by the Gates Foundation. Her philanthropic efforts include the establishment of orphanages, rural development projects, and advocacy for computer and library facilities in Karnataka government schools. Notably, she also established the Murty Classical Library of India at Harvard University.
Apart from her philanthropic pursuits, Sudha Murthy is acclaimed for her contributions to literature in both Kannada and English. One of her notable works, “Dollar Bahu,” originally written in Kannada and later translated into English, was adapted into a televised series by Zee TV. Additionally, her story “Runa” was adapted into a Marathi film titled “Pitruroon,” directed by Nitish Bhardwaj, in which Sudha Murthy also played a role. Her multifaceted involvement extends to acting in a Kannada film titled “Prarthana.”
Sudha Murthy’s life and achievements stand as a testament to her dedication to societal welfare, education, and literature. The “Her Story-My Story” series provides a platform to glean inspiration from such impactful narratives, fostering a spirit of empowerment and admiration for women who have made a significant mark in their respective fields.