Sudha Murthy | Net Worth, Age, Daughter, Biography & Books

Sudha Murthy is an esteemed philanthropist, author, and social worker whose impactful contributions have significantly shaped Indian society. Born on August 19, 1950, in Shiggaon, Karnataka, Sudha grew up in a family that emphasized the importance of education and service. With her husband, N.R. Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, Sudha has played a pivotal role in philanthropy and social welfare, particularly through the Infosys Foundation.

Quick Info

• Full Name: Sudha Kulkarni Murthy
• Known For: Philanthropy, Writing, Social Work
• Age: 74 (as of 2024)
• Husband: N.R. Narayana Murthy (Co-founder of Infosys)
• Daughter: Akshata Murthy (Entrepreneur)
• Son: Rohan Murty (Founder of Murty Classical Library of India)

Net Worth

Sudha Murthy's estimated net worth is around ₹775 crore (INR 7.75 billion). Her wealth includes earnings from her extensive publications, her involvement with the Infosys Foundation, and her stake in Infosys Limited. While her wealth is often intertwined with her husband’s, who has a substantial net worth as the co-founder of Infosys, Sudha’s contributions and financial success stand firmly on their own.

Education and Early Career

Sudha holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the B.V.B. College of Engineering and Technology in Hubli and a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore. One of only two women in her class, Sudha faced gender bias but graduated with honors in 1972. She later became the first female engineer at TELCO (now Tata Motors), working on software development for Tata trucks.

Literary Career

Sudha Murthy is a prolific writer who has published books in both English and Kannada. Her works often explore themes of social issues, education, and the human experience, resonating with readers across generations. Some of her most popular titles include Wise and Otherwise, The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk, Dollar Bahu, and How I Taught My Grandmother to Read. Sudha’s writing reflects her keen observation of life, her empathy, and her unwavering commitment to societal issues.

Notable Books by Sudha Murthy

• Wise and Otherwise
• The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk
• The Mother I Never Knew and Other Stories
• Dollar Bahu
• How I Taught My Grandmother to Read and Other Stories
• Three Thousand Stitches: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives
• The Magic of the Lost Temple
• The Old Man and His God: Discovering the Spirit of India
• Grandma’s Bag of Stories
• House of Cards and Other Stories
• Mahashweta
• The Bird with Golden Wings: Stories of Wit and Magic
• The Serpent's Revenge: Unusual Tales from the Mahabharata
• The Gopi Diaries: Coming Home
• Something Happened on the Way to Heaven: 20 Inspiring Real-Life Stories

Personal Life

In 1974, Sudha married N.R. Narayana Murthy, with whom she has two children: Akshata Murthy, an entrepreneur, and Rohan Murty, founder of the Murty Classical Library of India. Known for her humility and dedication to social causes, Sudha attributes her values to her upbringing in a small town and her parents’ emphasis on education and service.

Philanthropic Work

As co-founder of the Infosys Foundation in 1996, Sudha has spearheaded initiatives in education, rural development, healthcare, and the arts. Her efforts have made a lasting impact on underprivileged communities across India, demonstrating her dedication to improving the lives of others.

Honors and Awards

Sudha Murthy’s philanthropic efforts and literary contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 2006, the R.K. Narayan Award in 2008, and the FICCI Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. These awards highlight her remarkable contributions to Indian literature and social welfare.

Legacy

Sudha Murthy’s legacy is one of compassion, perseverance, and service. Her extensive body of work, both literary and philanthropic, has inspired countless individuals to pursue meaningful change in society. Her impact will continue to resonate for generations, as she remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for millions.