The remarkable journey of Sudha Murthy, a woman of resilience, love, and philanthropy. All this began with a seemingly discouraging job advertisement in her college campus in Bengaluru. The discriminatory ‘Women Candidates Need Not Apply’ clause did not deter Sudha; instead, it ignited a spark of determination in her. She wrote a heartfelt letter to JRD Tata, the chairman of the Tata group, challenging the discriminatory policy. Little did she know that this act of bravery would become a turning point in her life.
The Turning Point:
Within a swift 10 days of posting her letter, Sudha received a reply from JRD Tata himself, inviting her for a job interview in Pune. Not only that, but Mr. Tata ensured that the company covered her traveling expenses. This transformative moment led Sudha to become the first female engineer at TELCO, setting a precedent for gender inclusion in the workplace.
Sudha and Narayana Murthy’s Love Story:
While working at TELCO, Sudha’s path crossed with N.R. Narayana Murthy, introduced by their mutual friend Prasanna, now the global head of Wipro. Friendship blossomed into love, and despite societal norms, Sudha and Narayana Murthy got married in 1978. Sudha emerged as Narayana Murthy’s strongest pillar, supporting his vision and dreams.
Narayana Murthy’s Vision and Sudha’s Contribution:
In 1981, Narayana Murthy aspired to start his venture, but financial constraints posed a challenge. Sudha, the supportive life partner, encouraged him to pursue his passion and contributed Rs 10,000 to kickstart his business. This marked the birth of Infosys, a global IT giant.
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Sudha’s Contributions:
Beyond her role as a successful professional and the wife of an influential entrepreneur, Sudha Murthy has left an indelible mark on society through her philanthropic endeavors. Contributing to literature in both Kannada and English, she has raised awareness about education, public hygiene, and poverty alleviation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Infosys Foundation, led by Sudha, contributed an additional 100 crore to support frontline workers and the government in combating the virus in India.
The Common Woman with Uncommon Ambitions:
Sudha Murthy, despite her achievements, remains a common woman with uncommon ambitions. Her unique perspective on life and commitment to living it to the fullest set her apart. Sudha embodies resilience, love, and a steadfast commitment to making a positive impact on society.
Sudha Murthy’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, love, and philanthropy. From challenging discriminatory norms to supporting her husband’s entrepreneurial dreams and making significant contributions to society, Sudha has inspired many. Her multifaceted contributions and unwavering spirit make her a true superwoman. As we reflect on her journey, we are reminded that it’s not just about breaking barriers but also about contributing meaningfully to the world around us. What quality of this remarkable woman inspires you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
