Sudha Murty Biography: Age, Books & Net Worth
Sudha Murty is an Indian author, philanthropist born August 19, 1950. Chairperson of Infosys Foundation. Net worth ₹775 crore. Padma Bhushan awardee.
Sudha Murty is one of India’s most respected educators, authors, and philanthropists. Born on August 19, 1950, in Shiggaon, Karnataka, she has dedicated her life to social work, literature, and education. The 75-year-old is best known as the Founder-Chairperson of Infosys Foundation and has authored over 30 books in English and Kannada. Her journey from being India’s first female engineer at TATA to becoming a Rajya Sabha member is truly inspiring. She broke gender barriers in engineering during the 1970s and later supported her husband N.R. Narayana Murthy in building Infosys. Her simple lifestyle, despite a net worth of ₹775 crore, makes her a role model for millions.
Quick Facts About Sudha Murty
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sudha Kulkarni Murty |
| Date of Birth | August 19, 1950 |
| Age | 75 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Shiggaon, Karnataka, India |
| Profession | Author, Philanthropist, Educator |
| Net Worth | ₹775 Crore (approx.) |
| Husband | N.R. Narayana Murthy |
| Children | Akshata Murty, Rohan Murty |
| Education | BE, ME (Computer Science) |
| Famous For | Infosys Foundation, Literature |
| Awards | Padma Shri (2006), Padma Bhushan (2023) |
Early Life and Family Background
Sudha Murty was born into a Kannada-speaking Brahmin family in Shiggaon, Haveri district. Her father, Dr. R.H. Kulkarni, was a surgeon, while her mother, Vimala Kulkarni, worked as a schoolteacher. She was raised by her parents and maternal grandparents, who instilled strong values of education and compassion in her. Growing up, Sudha was an avid listener of stories from the Mahabharata and Ramayana told by her grandparents. These childhood experiences later became the foundation for many of her popular books like “How I Taught My Grandmother to Read” and “Wise and Otherwise.” Her grandfather once asked what she would do if given wings, and she promptly replied she would fly to the library in the neighboring village. Her siblings have also achieved remarkable success. Her brother Shrinivas Kulkarni is a renowned Caltech astrophysicist who won the Dan David Prize in 2017. Her sister Jaishree Deshpande co-founded the Deshpande Center for Technological Innovation at MIT. Another sister, Dr. Sunanda Kulkarni, is a gynaecologist in Bangalore. The family’s emphasis on education and achievement shaped Sudha’s ambitious spirit.
Breaking Barriers in Engineering Education
Sudha Murty completed her Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from B.V.B. College of Engineering and Technology in Hubli. Remarkably, she was the only female student among 599 male students in her class. The college principal admitted her on three strict conditions: she must always wear a saree, not visit the canteen, and not talk to male students. Despite facing gender bias and discrimination, Sudha excelled academically. She topped her class and received a gold medal from the then Chief Minister of Karnataka, Dr. Devaraj Urs, for securing the highest marks across all engineering universities in the state. She also won a gold medal from the Institution of Engineers, India. After graduation, she pursued a Master of Engineering in Computer Science from the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore in 1974. Once again, she topped her class with distinction, proving her exceptional intellectual capabilities. At a time when women pursuing engineering was rare, Sudha’s achievements opened doors for future generations of female engineers.
First Female Engineer at TATA Motors
After completing her master’s degree, Sudha encountered another instance of gender discrimination that would define her career. She saw an advertisement from TATA Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO, now Tata Motors) that specifically stated “Female candidates need not apply.” Rather than accepting this injustice, she wrote a postcard directly to the company’s Chairman, JRD Tata, questioning the discriminatory policy. Ten days later, she received a reply from JRD Tata himself, inviting her for a special interview with travel expenses sponsored by the company. She was hired immediately and became the first female engineer at TELCO. She worked as a Development Engineer in Pune and later in Mumbai and Jamshedpur. Her determination had not only secured her a job but also challenged corporate gender biases. After TELCO, she joined the Walchand Group of Industries in Pune as a Senior Systems Analyst. During her time at TELCO in Pune, she met N.R. Narayana Murthy through a mutual friend. Their relationship blossomed over discussions about books and shared values.
Marriage and Supporting Infosys
Sudha married Narayana Murthy while working at TELCO in Pune. Initially, her father was hesitant because Murthy was working as a research assistant with modest earnings. However, when Murthy secured a better-paying position as general manager at Patni Computers in Mumbai, her father approved the match. They married in a simple ceremony at Murthy’s home with only both families present, spending just ₹800 on the entire wedding. The couple has two children: Akshata Murty, a fashion designer married to former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Rohan Murty, a computer scientist with a PhD from Harvard who founded enterprise software company Soroco. Both children have carved successful careers while maintaining the family’s values of simplicity and social responsibility. In 1981, Narayana Murthy wanted to start his own software company but lacked capital. Sudha gave him ₹10,000 from her savings, which she had set aside for emergencies. She later described this as possibly the best investment decision in India or the world. That seed money helped establish Infosys, which would become one of India’s largest IT companies. Currently, Sudha holds a 0.95% stake in Infosys.
Founding the Infosys Foundation
When their son Rohan wanted to throw a lavish birthday party, Sudha explained the value of money and suggested donating it to help underprivileged children instead. This conversation became the catalyst for establishing the Infosys Foundation in 1996. Sudha served as its Chairperson until her retirement in 2020. Through the foundation, Sudha has made transformative contributions to Indian society. The organization has built over 2,300 houses for flood-affected people and constructed 16,000 toilets throughout rural India. It has established 60,000 school libraries in rural areas, ensuring children have access to books and educational resources. The foundation has funded numerous hospitals, orphanages, and educational institutions across India. Sudha’s work with the Devadasi community, supporting women’s empowerment initiatives, has been particularly impactful. She also supported providing computer and library facilities to all Karnataka government schools. Additionally, she established the Murty Classical Library of India at Harvard University, preserving Indian literary heritage.
Prolific Literary Career
Sudha Murty has authored over 30 books in English, Kannada, and Marathi. Her writing style is characterized by simplicity, making profound observations about human nature, relationships, and social issues accessible to readers of all ages. She writes both for adults and children, with each work reflecting her compassionate worldview. Some of her most popular books include “Dollar Bahu,” “Mahashweta,” “Gently Falls the Bakula,” “House of Cards,” and “The Mother I Never Knew.” Her novel “Dollar Bahu” was adapted into a television series by Zee TV in 2001. Another story, “Runa,” was adapted into the Marathi film “Pitruroon,” in which she also acted. Her children’s books like “Grandma’s Bag of Stories,” “The Gopi Diaries,” “How I Taught My Grandmother to Read,” and “The Magic of the Lost Temple” have become beloved favorites. These stories often draw from her childhood experiences and emphasize moral values, family relationships, and compassion. She has also written columns for English and Kannada newspapers, sharing insights on social issues and human behavior.
Awards and National Recognition
Sudha Murty’s contributions have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards. In 2006, she received the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award, for her social work. The same year, she won the R.K. Narayana Award for Literature, honoring her literary contributions. In 2023, the Government of India conferred upon her the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to social work and literature. She also received the Global Indian Award worth $50,000, becoming the first couple along with her husband to receive this honor. Other accolades include the Raja-Lakshmi Award (2004), the Daana Chintamani Attimabbe Award from the Karnataka Government (2010), and the Basava Shree Award (2013). In 2019, IIT Kanpur awarded her an Honorary Doctorate of Science. In 2024, she was nominated as a Member of Parliament to the Rajya Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu, recognizing her contributions to social work and education.
Life Philosophy and Simple Living
Despite a net worth of ₹775 crore, Sudha Murty lives with remarkable simplicity. During a spiritual visit to Kashi, she made a vow to give up something she cherished most. She chose to stop buying sarees, a decision she has honored for nearly three decades. She now wears only sarees gifted by her sisters, friends, and NGOs she works with. Her most treasured sarees are two hand-embroidered ones given by a group of abused women she helped. Sudha and Narayana Murthy share simple tastes and modest lifestyles. However, they are passionate about books and maintain a personal library of over 20,000 books. She is an avid reader and movie enthusiast, once watching 365 films in a year as a personal challenge. In interviews, she has mentioned that if she hadn’t chosen engineering, she would have become a film journalist. Her pragmatic outlook questions existing practices and norms. She approaches life with lightness, finding both meaning and humor in everyday situations. Her love for Indian sweets, particularly mandige, and her curious nature keep her grounded despite her immense achievements.
Wrapping Up
Sudha Murty’s life exemplifies how determination, compassion, and simplicity can create lasting impact. From breaking gender barriers as India’s first female engineer at TATA to founding the Infosys Foundation, she has consistently challenged stereotypes. Her literary works have touched millions of hearts, while her philanthropic efforts have transformed countless lives across rural India. At 75, she continues inspiring new generations through her writings, public speaking, and social work. Her nomination to the Rajya Sabha in 2024 recognizes her lifelong dedication to education and social welfare. She remains actively involved in various initiatives, proving that age is no barrier to making a difference. Sudha Murty’s story teaches us that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in the positive change we create. Her decision to support her husband’s dream, her commitment to underprivileged communities, and her simple living despite enormous wealth make her a true icon. She stands as proof that one person’s dedication can indeed transform society.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is Sudha Murty?
Sudha Murty is an Indian educator, author, and philanthropist born on August 19, 1950, in Shiggaon, Karnataka. She is the Founder-Chairperson of Infosys Foundation and wife of Infosys co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy. She is known for her social work, literary contributions, and simple lifestyle.
Q2: What is Sudha Murty’s net worth?
Sudha Murty’s estimated net worth is approximately ₹775 crore as of 2025. Her wealth comes from her 0.95% stake in Infosys, book royalties, and investments. She reportedly earns around ₹300 crore annually, including dividends and other income sources.
Q3: What is Sudha Murty famous for?
Sudha Murty is famous for being India’s first female engineer at TATA Motors, founding the Infosys Foundation, and writing over 30 books in English and Kannada. She is renowned for her philanthropy, having built thousands of houses, toilets, and school libraries across rural India.
Q4: How many books has Sudha Murty written?
Sudha Murty has authored over 30 books in English, Kannada, and Marathi. Her popular works include “Dollar Bahu,” “Wise and Otherwise,” “How I Taught My Grandmother to Read,” “Grandma’s Bag of Stories,” “Mahashweta,” and “The Magic of the Lost Temple.”
Q5: What awards has Sudha Murty received?
Sudha Murty received the Padma Shri in 2006 and Padma Bhushan in 2023 from the Government of India. She also won the R.K. Narayana Award for Literature (2006), the Global Indian Award (2023), and an Honorary Doctorate from IIT Kanpur (2019).
Q6: Who are Sudha Murty’s children?
Sudha Murty has two children: Akshata Murty, a fashion designer married to former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Rohan Murty, a computer scientist with a PhD from Harvard who founded enterprise software company Soroco.
Q7: Why doesn’t Sudha Murty buy new sarees?
During a visit to Kashi, Sudha Murty made a spiritual vow to give up something she cherished. She chose sarees and has not bought a new one in nearly 30 years. She wears only sarees gifted by family, friends, and NGOs.
