Sudha Murty has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha, with PM Modi calling it a testament to women’s strength

Philanthropist Sudha Murthy nominated by the President Draupadi Murmu to the Rajya Sabha, as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a social media post on March 8. Expressing his pleasure in the same post on X, PM Modi expressed delight at Murthy’s nomination to the Upper House. He highlighted that her presence in the Rajya Sabha serves as a strong testament to women’s power (Nari Shakti).

“I am pleased that the President nominated Sudha Murty Ji to the Rajya Sabha. Sudha Ji’s vast contributions to social work, philanthropy, and education are truly inspiring. Her presence in the Rajya Sabha is a testament to the strength of women, showcasing their potential in shaping our nation’s future. Wishing her a successful tenure in Parliament,” stated the Prime Minister’s post.

In response, Murty told CNN-News18, “This nomination is a significant Women’s Day gift for me. It’s a fresh responsibility to serve our country.” Social media buzzed with the news, and Murty received congratulations from Union Home Minister Amit Shah as well.

On International Women’s Day, Prime Minister Modi announced the nomination of Sudha Murty to the Rajya Sabha by the President of India. This nomination recognizes individuals’ contributions to arts, literature, sciences, and social services, with 12 members appointed to the Upper House of Parliament.

Taking a Look at Sudha Murty’s Background

Sudha Murty, aged 73, is a well-known philanthropist, author, and former chairperson of Infosys Foundation. Her husband, Narayana Murthy, founded Infosys, and her son-in-law is UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Originally from Shiggaon in the Haveri District of North Karnataka, Murty graduated in engineering from BVB College of Engineering. She secured the first rank across all branches and received a gold medal from the Institute of Engineers. She further pursued her ME from the Indian Institute of Science, where she achieved distinction.

Starting her career as an engineer at TELCO (now Tata Motors), Murty now leads Infosys Foundation.

Murty is also a prolific writer in English and Kannada, with over 30 books and 200 titles, spanning various genres. Her works, translated into several Indian languages, have sold over 26 lakh copies nationwide.

She is recognized for her advocacy of social causes, often traveling internationally to raise awareness. Murty actively supports public healthcare initiatives with the Gates Foundation, establishes orphanages, contributes to rural development, promotes computer and library facilities in Karnataka government schools, and established the Murty Classical Library of India at Harvard University.

Murty’s remarkable social contributions earned her the Padma Shri in 2006 and the Padma Bhushan in 2023, among the highest civilian honors in India.

Her literary accomplishments have garnered seven honorary doctorates and several prestigious awards, including the RK Narayan Award for Literature, the Attimabbe Award for Excellence in Kannada Literature in 2011, and the Lifetime Achievement Award by Crossword Book Awards in 2018, showcasing her profound influence.

Prominent Relatives

Murty’s notable family members include her husband, Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, and her son-in-law, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Narayana Murthy, a billionaire with a career spanning decades, is renowned for his management techniques and commitment to mentoring young individuals.

Born in Sidlaghatta, Mysore, Karnataka, Narayana Murthy hails from a middle-class Kannada family. After completing his schooling, he pursued a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the National Institute of Engineering, graduating in 1967. Subsequently, he earned his master’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur in 1969.

In 1978, he married Sudha Murty, and they have two children, Akshata Murthy and Rohan Murthy.

As for Rishi Sunak, Murty’s son-in-law, he is an alumnus of Oxford and Stanford University. Sunak spent three years at Goldman Sachs Group Inc. before obtaining an MBA from Stanford in California, where he met his wife, Akshata Murthy. They tied the knot in 2009 and have two daughters, Krishna and Anoushka.

Sunak was born in Southampton to parents of Indian descent who migrated to Britain from East Africa. He received his education at Winchester, one of England’s prestigious schools, and later attended Oxford.

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