Sudha Murthy is a celebrated Indian engineer, author, and philanthropist, known as the founding chairperson of Infosys Foundation and as a beloved writer of simple, value-filled stories. This biography of Sudha Murthy looks at her early life, education, career, her role at Infosys Foundation, her literary work, and her lasting legacy in philanthropy and education.
Early Life
Sudha Murty was born on 19 August 1950 in Shiggaon, North Karnataka. She grew up in a close-knit family where education, books, and learning were highly valued. Her grandparents also played an important role in her childhood and introduced her to stories from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. These early experiences helped develop her love for storytelling. From a young age, Sudha was known as a bright and curious student. She enjoyed reading and learning new things and later became one of India’s best-known authors, educators, and philanthropists.
Her childhood also taught her the importance of simplicity, kindness, and helping others. She grew up in an environment where knowledge was respected and hard work was encouraged. These values stayed with her throughout her life. As a young girl, she developed a strong interest in mathematics, science, and books. Her determination eventually led her towards engineering, a field in which very few Indian women were working at that time. Her early years played an important role in shaping the practical and compassionate personality for which she later became widely respected.
Education and Career
Sudha Murty studied Electronics and Electrical Engineering at B.V.B. College of Engineering and Technology in Hubli and completed her degree in 1972. She then pursued a master’s degree in computer science at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, completing it in 1974. She performed exceptionally well in her studies and earned recognition for her academic achievements. At a time when engineering was largely considered a male field, her success showed that women could excel in technical education and professional careers through determination and confidence.
After completing her studies, Sudha Murty began her professional career as an engineer at TELCO, now known as Tata Motors. She became the first woman engineer hired by the company, an important achievement for women in India’s engineering sector. She later worked with the Walchand Group and also taught computer science. Her career was not limited to technology. Over time, she moved towards education, writing, social service, and philanthropy. Her professional journey showed how technical knowledge could be combined with social responsibility and creative work.
Role in Infosys Foundation
Sudha Murty played an important role in the development of Infosys Foundation, which was established in 1996 as the philanthropic arm of Infosys. She became its founding chairperson and guided its work for many years. The Foundation focused on areas such as healthcare, education, rural development, support for disadvantaged people, and arts and culture. Her approach was to reach communities that often received less attention and to support projects that could create meaningful improvements in people’s everyday lives.
During her long association with the Foundation, Sudha Murty supported many projects across India. These included healthcare facilities, educational programmes, libraries, sanitation initiatives, rural development projects, and support for women and children. The Foundation also helped hospitals and families facing difficult medical situations. Her work showed that philanthropy was not simply about giving money but also about understanding people’s needs and creating useful solutions. She retired as Chairperson of Infosys Foundation at the end of 2021 after many years of public service.
Literary Career
Sudha Murty is a prolific writer who writes mainly in English and Kannada. Her books cover children’s stories, novels, short stories, travel writing, memoirs, and non-fiction. Her writing style is simple, warm, and easy to understand, which has made her especially popular among young readers and families. Many of her stories are inspired by her childhood, travels, Indian traditions, mythology, and people she has met during her life. Her books have been translated into several Indian languages and have reached millions of readers.
Some of her popular books include Wise and Otherwise, Dollar Bahu, and Three Thousand Stitches. She has also written many children’s books, including How the Sea Became Salty, The Gopi Diaries, and Grandparents’ Bag of Stories. Her stories often carry simple lessons about kindness, honesty, courage, family, and human values. Rather than using complicated language, she connects with readers through familiar situations and memorable characters. Her success as a writer has helped make meaningful stories and life lessons accessible to readers of different ages.
Philanthropy and Social Work
Sudha Murty has spent a major part of her life working for social causes. Through Infosys Foundation and other initiatives, she has supported healthcare, education, rural development, women’s empowerment, public hygiene, and care for disadvantaged communities. She has also worked to improve access to education and basic facilities for people living in remote areas. Her social work has often focused on practical needs, such as hospitals, school facilities, libraries, sanitation, and support for people who cannot easily access essential services.
Her humanitarian work became especially important during difficult situations and natural disasters. The Infosys Foundation supported medical facilities, relief programmes, food distribution, hygiene supplies, and other forms of assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sudha Murty has also encouraged social innovation and believed that people should look for sustainable ways to solve community problems. Her work reflects her belief that education, compassion, and responsible use of resources can help create long-term positive change in society.
Legacy
Sudha Murty’s legacy is built on her achievements in engineering, education, literature, and philanthropy. She broke an important barrier by becoming the first woman engineer hired by TELCO and later became a respected leader in social development. Her books have introduced millions of readers to simple stories filled with values and life lessons. Her work through Infosys Foundation has also supported communities across India. Together, these contributions have made her an important role model for students, women professionals, writers, and people interested in social service.
Her contribution has been recognised through several major honours, including the Padma Shri in 2006 and the Padma Bhushan in 2023. She has also received literary and national awards for her contribution to writing and public service. In March 2024, she was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, adding another dimension to her public life. Her journey continues to show that success can have a wider purpose when knowledge, hard work, creativity, and compassion are used to serve society.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Sudha Murty
- Born: 19 August 1950, Shiggaon, North Karnataka
- Known For: First woman engineer at TELCO, founding chairperson of Infosys Foundation, celebrated author
- Education: B.V.B. College of Engineering and Technology, Hubli (1972); Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (1974)
- Popular Books: Wise and Otherwise, Dollar Bahu, Three Thousand Stitches, Grandparents’ Bag of Stories
- Awards: Padma Shri (2006), Padma Bhushan (2023)
Timeline
- 1950: Born in Shiggaon, North Karnataka
- 1972: Completed her engineering degree at B.V.B. College of Engineering and Technology, Hubli
- 1974: Completed a master’s degree in computer science at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
- After graduation: Became the first woman engineer hired by TELCO (now Tata Motors)
- 1996: Became founding chairperson of Infosys Foundation
- 2006: Received the Padma Shri
- 2021: Retired as Chairperson of Infosys Foundation
- 2023: Received the Padma Bhushan
- 2024: Nominated to the Rajya Sabha in March
Why It Matters
Sudha Murthy’s life shows how technical expertise, storytelling, and social responsibility can come together to create lasting impact. As the first woman engineer hired by TELCO, she broke an important barrier for women in India’s engineering sector, and her decades of leadership at Infosys Foundation brought healthcare, education, and rural development support to countless communities across India. Her simple, warm writing style has made her one of India’s most widely read authors, introducing millions of readers, including children, to stories built around kindness, honesty, and everyday human values. Her recognition with the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, along with her nomination to the Rajya Sabha, reflects the breadth of her contribution to Indian society across engineering, literature, and philanthropy.
Recommended Book
If you want to read more of Sudha Murthy’s work or learn about her life, consider exploring her books, available on Amazon: Sudha Murthy Books on Amazon.in
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who is Sudha Murthy?
Sudha Murthy is an Indian engineer, author, and philanthropist, known for being the first woman engineer hired by TELCO, the founding chairperson of Infosys Foundation, and a celebrated writer of children’s stories and novels.
Q2. What is Sudha Murthy famous for?
Sudha Murthy is famous for her philanthropic work through Infosys Foundation, her simple and widely read books such as Wise and Otherwise and Three Thousand Stitches, and for being a pioneering woman engineer in India.
Q3. What role did Sudha Murthy play at Infosys Foundation?
Sudha Murthy served as the founding chairperson of Infosys Foundation from its establishment in 1996 until her retirement in 2021, leading its work in healthcare, education, and rural development.
Q4. What awards has Sudha Murthy received?
Sudha Murthy has received the Padma Shri in 2006 and the Padma Bhushan in 2023 for her contributions to literature and social work.
Q5. What are some of Sudha Murthy’s popular books?
Some of Sudha Murthy’s popular books include Wise and Otherwise, Dollar Bahu, Three Thousand Stitches, How the Sea Became Salty, and Grandparents’ Bag of Stories.
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