Renowned author, philanthropist, and chairperson of Infosys Foundation, Sudha Murty, has been appointed to the Rajya Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu on Mar. 8.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his joy, hailing Murty's selection as a testament to "Nari Shakti," highlighting the pivotal role of women in shaping the nation's future.
The President of India reserves the right to nominate 12 members to the Upper House of Parliament for their exceptional contributions to various fields such as arts, literature, sciences, and social services.
I am delighted that the President of India has nominated @SmtSudhaMurty Ji to the Rajya Sabha. Sudha Ji's contributions to diverse fields including social work, philanthropy and education have been immense and inspiring. Her presence in the Rajya Sabha is a powerful testament to… pic.twitter.com/lL2b0nVZ8F
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2024
Responding to her nomination, Murty told CNN-News18, “It’s a big Women’s Day gift to me. It’s a new responsibility to work for the country." Social media platforms buzzed with congratulatory messages, including those from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
At the age of 73, Sudha Murty stands as a distinguished philanthropist, author, and former chairperson of Infosys Foundation. Her husband, Narayana Murthy, is the founder of the renowned IT firm Infosys, while UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is her son-in-law.
Born in Shiggaon, Haveri District, North Karnataka, Murty graduated in engineering from BVB College of Engineering, earning the first rank across all branches and a gold medal from the Institute of Engineers. She further pursued her ME from the Indian Institute of Science, achieving distinction.
My heartiest congratulations to @SmtSudhaMurty Ji on being nominated to the Rajya Sabha. Your struggles, victories, and courage set a brilliant example of what Nari Shakti can achieve for our society and our nation.
— Amit Shah (Modi Ka Parivar) (@AmitShah) March 8, 2024
A warm welcome to the upper house where I am sure you will…
Beginning her career as an engineer at TELCO (now Tata Motors), Murty currently leads Infosys Foundation. A prolific writer in both English and Kannada, she has authored over 30 books and more than 200 titles, spanning novels, non-fiction, children's literature, travelogues, technical works, and memoirs.
Her literary contributions have been translated into numerous Indian languages, with sales exceeding 26 lakh copies nationwide.
Murty is renowned for her advocacy of social causes and global engagements for social awareness.
She actively participates in public healthcare initiatives alongside the Gates Foundation, establishes orphanages, contributes to rural development, advocates for educational advancements in Karnataka government schools, and spearheaded the establishment of the Murty Classical Library of India at Harvard University.
Recognized for her exceptional contributions, Murty was honored with the Padma Shri in 2006 and the Padma Bhushan in 2023 by the Government of India, among the highest civilian awards.
She has received seven honorary doctorates for her literary achievements and accolades such as the R K Narayan Award for Literature, the Attimabbe Award for Excellence in Kannada Literature in 2011, and the Lifetime Achievement by Crossword Book Awards in 2018, reflecting her profound impact on society and literature.
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