The Life Story of Sudha Murty: Simplicity, Service and Success
By Ajaykumar Makwana | Updated: Jan 4, 2026, 3:00 PM IST
From writing a bold letter that shattered corporate glass ceilings to building 70,000 libraries across rural India, Sudha Murty's journey embodies quiet strength and selfless service. Wife of Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, this engineer-turned-author-philanthropist proves success lies not in wealth but impact. At 75, her simple sarees and profound wisdom continue inspiring millions as Rajya Sabha MP and Padma Bhushan recipient.
Breaking Engineering Barriers: The TELCO Letter That Changed History
Born August 19, 1950, in Shiggaon, Karnataka, Sudha Kulkarni (later Murty) grew up devouring library books despite limited access. An engineering gold medalist from BVB College and MTech from IIT Kanpur, she faced 1970s gender bias head-on.
The Bold Move: TELCO's (now Tata Motors) job ad specified "men only." Sudha wrote directly to JRD Tata protesting the discrimination. His response? A personal interview—and she became India's first female engineer at TELCO, posted in Pune, Mumbai, and Jamshedpur.
Legacy: Opened doors for women in corporate India. Later worked as Senior Systems Analyst at Walchand Group.
Love Story with Narayana Murthy: Simplicity Over Splendor
Meeting at a wedding, Sudha loaned Narayana ₹10,000 from her savings to start Infosys in 1981—without board approval. Their 50-year marriage defies billionaire stereotypes:
No ACs: Even today, their Bengaluru home runs fans.
Silk Saree Limit: One per festival, rest cotton.
Daily Ritual: Murty ji commutes by bus; she shops locally.
Their daughter Akshata (married to UK PM Rishi Sunak) reflects inherited values of modesty amid privilege.
Infosys Foundation: 30 Years of Transformative Philanthropy
Chairperson since 1996 (initial ₹32 lakh seed), Sudha built India's largest private philanthropy:
Key Impact Numbers:
| Initiative | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Libraries | 70,000+ in rural schools |
| Toilets | 16,000 public facilities |
| Houses | 2,300 for flood victims |
| Mid-day Meals | Akshaya Patra partner |
| Healthcare | Cancer centers, equipment |
Recent 2025-26: Digital libraries for remote kids, clean water projects, women empowerment—bridging urban-rural gaps.
Literary Legacy: 50+ Books Touching Millions
Author in Kannada, Marathi, English—simple stories of ordinary lives. Bestsellers: Wise & Otherwise, Grandparents' Bag of Stories.
Milestones:
Sahitya Akademi Award
Padma Shri (2006), Padma Bhushan (2023)
Rajya Sabha MP (2024) for social work
Philosophy: "Books must reflect real struggles—poverty, relationships, resilience."
Awards & Honors: Recognition of Quiet Service
| Year | Award | For |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Padma Shri | Social work |
| 2023 | Padma Bhushan | Literature/philanthropy |
| 2024 | Rajya Sabha Nomination | Education impact |
Sudha Murty's Life Lessons for 2026
1. Simplicity Scales: Cotton sarees > luxury labels.
2. Boldness Breaks Barriers: That TELCO letter.
3. Service > Success: Infosys profits fuel public good.
4. Education Equalizes: Libraries over landmarks.
5. Family First: Supported Murthy's dream unconditionally.
"Contentment is real wealth." – Sudha Murty
Why Sudha Murty Inspires Modern India
Amid 2026's AI boom and wealth gaps, her story cuts through: Engineer by training, humanitarian by choice. From IIT classrooms to Rajya Sabha, she proves women can excel without apology.
Quick Facts:
Current Role: Infosys Foundation Chairperson + MP
Next Dream: Library in every school
Also Read:
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: The Missile Man Who Chose India Over NASA
The Dalai Lama: Compassion, Peace & Teachings for Modern Life
2026 Wealth Map: Trends, Habits & Money Rules for a Richer New Year
Sudha Murty teaches: True success ripples through service. What's your 2026 simplicity step? Share below! Images: Official archives.