Sudha Murty, the chairperson of Infosys Foundation and an accomplished author with over 150 published works, continues to challenge societal norms and defy traditional gender roles through her remarkable achievements, especially in the field of engineering. Beyond her professional success and literary contributions, Sudha’s life stands as a testament to simplicity and humility, despite her substantial net worth of Rs 775 crore.
One of the most surprising and inspiring aspects of Sudha’s life is her decision not to purchase a new saree in the last thirty years. This choice, while seemingly unusual given her significant financial resources, is deeply intertwined with her spiritual journey. During a visit to the sacred city of Kashi, Sudha decided to relinquish something precious to her as a spiritual offering. She chose to forgo new sarees, a decision she has adhered to ever since. Her sartorial acquisitions have since been limited to essentials, embodying her commitment to a minimalist lifestyle.
Interestingly, Forbes estimates Sudha’s husband, Narayana Murthy’s net worth to be a staggering $4.4 billion (approximately Rs 36,690 crore). Together, Sudha and Narayana share a passion for literature, boasting an impressive personal library of around 20,000 books. Their mutual love for reading underscores a life enriched by intellectual and cultural pursuits rather than materialistic luxuries.
Sudha’s wardrobe today comprises sarees gifted to her by her sisters, close friends, and the NGOs with which she collaborates. Among her most cherished sarees are two hand-embroidered ones, gifted to her by a group of abused women. These sarees hold sentimental value far beyond their material worth, serving as a constant reminder of the strength and resilience of the women who gifted them.
Born in Karnataka into a Deshastha Madhva Brahmin family, Sudha was nurtured by a surgeon father and a schoolteacher mother. Raised by her parents and maternal grandparents, she imbibed values of education and discipline from a young age. Sudha earned a BEng in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from B.
.V.B. College of Engineering and Technology, followed by an MEng in Computer Science from the Indian Institute of Science. Her academic prowess led her to secure a job at TELCO, now known as Tata Motors, a significant achievement during a time when engineering was predominantly a male-dominated field.
As the founder of Infosys Foundation, Sudha has not only served as its Trustee but also contributed significantly in her role as a Visiting Professor at the PG Center of Bangalore University. Her literary contributions span a wide array of genres, including novels, non-fiction, travelogues, technical books, and memoirs. Her multifaceted career is further highlighted by her current role as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
Reflecting on her life and choices, Sudha often deems her decision to support Narayana Murthy with Rs 10,000 as her “best investment.” In a light-hearted interview with NDTV, she humorously claimed that she might be the “best investor in India, or maybe in the world.” This initial investment has indeed paid enormous dividends; Sudha now holds a 0.95% stake in Infosys, a leading global technology services company.
Her personal narrative also extends to her daughter, Akshata, who is married to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Sudha humorously notes that while she helped her husband become a successful businessman, her daughter went a step further by making her husband a Prime Minister. This anecdote encapsulates the blend of humor, humility, and pride that Sudha brings to her family and public life.
Sudha Murty’s story is not merely one of financial success or intellectual achievement; it is a story that resonates with the values of humility, simplicity, and purposeful living. Her life choices, particularly her decision to live minimally despite being extraordinarily wealthy, serve as a powerful reminder that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in the richness of one’s experiences, values, and contributions to society. As both a leader and a philanthropist, Sudha continues to inspire individuals around the world to redefine success and embrace a life of meaningful simplicity.
