Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Explainer: Who is Sudha Murthy?

Explainer: Who is Sudha Murthy?

Sudha Murthy is a renowned Indian educator, author, social worker, and philanthropist who has made significant contributions to the fields of literature, education, and social welfare.

She is chairperson at the Infosys Foundation and is the spouse of N. R. Narayana Murthy, one of the co-founders of Infosys, an Indian multinational information technology company.


Murthy is also known for being the mother-in-law of Rishi Sunak, the current Prime Minister of the UK. Sunak is married to Sudha Murthy's daughter, Akshata Murthy. The couple met while studying for an MBA at Stanford University in California and got married in 2006.

Born on August 19, 1950, in Shiggaon, Karnataka, India, Murthy has been an inspiration to many with her achievements and dedication to social causes.

Murthy's parents, Dr R.H. Kulkarni, a surgeon, and Vimala Kulkarni, were supportive of her goals from a young age, and her family's educational background instilled in her a drive to achieve excellence.

Her dedication and hard work led Murthy to excel in her bachelor's and master's degrees, earning her a gold medal for exceptional academic performance in electrical engineering from B.V.B College of Engineering in Hubli, and later in computer science from the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore.

Murthy's commitment to women's rights and education development is evident in her pioneering efforts. As an advocate for women's rights, she challenged the men-only policy at Tata Motors, earning an interview and becoming the first female engineer employed in India.

Her position at Tata Motors helped redefine the company's job policies, contributing to the advancement of women in the workforce.

Murthy started her career as an engineer and worked with Tata Motors, Mumbai before turning to writing. She has made a significant contribution to literature, inspiring readers of all ages to cultivate a love of reading.

Murthy is also a regular columnist for newspapers in both English and Kannada languages.

She has authored and released numerous books across a diverse range of genres, such as novels, non-fiction, travelogues, technical literature, and memoirs. She has also written children's books, short stories, and non-fiction books in English and Kannada.

Her works have been translated into several major Indian languages and have been widely appreciated for their simplicity, relatable characters, and inspiring themes. Some of her popular works include 'Dollar Bahu,' 'Wise and Otherwise,' 'The Serpent's Revenge,' and 'How I Taught My Grandmother to Read.'

Apart from writing, Murthy has also been actively involved in social welfare activities for several decades. She is the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, which works towards promoting healthcare, education, rural development, and the arts.

She has also been instrumental in setting up several libraries and schools in remote areas of India, providing access to education to underprivileged children.

In addition to her role in supporting her husband Narayana Murthy in establishing Infosys, through the Infosys Foundation, Murthy has raised awareness about education, public hygiene, poverty alleviation, and other issues, leaving a lasting impact on society.

Her philanthropic work extends to a variety of causes. She has initiated the establishment of multiple orphanages, contributed to rural development projects, and played a crucial role in establishing the Murty Classical Library of India at Harvard University.

In recognition of her contributions to society, she has been honoured with several awards, including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, two of India's highest civilian honours.

Murthy's philanthropic work is not limited to India, and she has also been involved in several global initiatives. She has also been a part of the Gates Foundation's Global Development Programme.

Despite her numerous accomplishments, Murthy remains grounded and is known for her simplicity and down-to-earth nature. She often shares anecdotes from her life and experiences in her books and speeches, inspiring readers, and listeners with her positive outlook on life.

In conclusion, Murthy is a multifaceted personality who has left an indelible mark in various fields. Her contribution to literature and social welfare has earned her respect and admiration from people across the globe.

More For You

CSK vs RCB

CSK and RCB-tune in for this blockbuster clash between two IPL heavyweights

Getty Images

IPL 2025 - CSK vs RCB: Chennai and Bengaluru's clash of titans

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is back with another highly anticipated encounter as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lock horns with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 8th match of the 2025 season. The match will take place at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 28th at 7:30 PM IST. Both teams are coming off strong wins in their previous matches and are eager to extend their winning streaks, making this clash one that fans won’t want to miss.

Team analysis: Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

CSK, one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, comes into this game with confidence after a thrilling victory over Mumbai Indians. Although the chase wasn’t entirely smooth, CSK managed to pull off a win with 4 wickets in hand. Their bowling unit, led by the young sensation Noor Ahmad, was instrumental in restricting Mumbai to a modest total of 155/9. Noor’s outstanding spell of 4 wickets for just 18 runs earned him the well-deserved Man of the Match title, while Khaleel Ahmed also chipped in with 3 wickets.

Keep ReadingShow less
Streeting: Health deal signals new era in UK-India ties

Foreign Office minister Catherine West, health secretary Wes Streeting and equalities minister Seema Malhotra during the Holi Reception in London.

Streeting: Health deal signals new era in UK-India ties

THE recent health and life sciences agreement between the UK and India will strengthen cooperation on healthcare innovation and security in both countries, health secretary Wes Streeting said.

Speaking at the Holi reception organised by the 1928 Institute, who are the secretariat for the India All-Party Parliamentary Group, in London on Monday (24), he added that the contribution of British Indians has been pivotal in the growth of the NHS since its inception in 1948, and a robust partnership between the two nations will ensure we have a healthcare provider 'fit for the future'.

Keep ReadingShow less
Renée Zellweger Joins Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Cast

Renée Zellweger joins the cast of Only Murders in the Building Season 5, bringing more star power to the hit series

Getty Images

Renée Zellweger joins ‘Only Murders in the Building’ season 5 with an expanded star-studded cast

The Oscar-winning actress joins Steve Martin, Selena Gomez, and Martin Short in Hulu’s hit mystery-comedy for an exciting new season.

Renée Zellweger is the latest Hollywood star to join Hulu's hit mystery-comedy Only Murders in the Building for its fifth season. The two-time Academy Award winner will share the screen with series regulars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, adding to the show’s already impressive line-up of guest stars.

Keep ReadingShow less
british-steel-iStock

An aerial view of Steel Plant Industry in Scunthorpe. (Photo: iStock)

British Steel to shut blast furnaces, up to 2,700 jobs at risk

BRITISH STEEL, owned by Chinese group Jingye, confirmed on Thursday that it will shut down its blast furnaces and steelmaking operations in England, attributing the decision to market challenges, tariffs, and rising environmental costs.

The closures, first proposed in late 2023, could lead to the loss of up to 2,700 jobs at the company’s main UK site in Scunthorpe, northern England, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Keep ReadingShow less