The Woman Who Built Dreams: Sudha Murthy's Story

In a time when engineering was considered a man's domain in India, a young girl from Karnataka dared to dream differently. Born on August 19, 1950, in Shiggaon, Sudha Murthy would grow up to become not just an accomplished engineer, but a pioneering philanthropist, educator, and author whose work would touch millions of lives.

As the daughter of a doctor, young Sudha was encouraged to pursue education – a privilege not common for girls in 1950s India. She developed a passionate love for learning, often spending hours reading under the warm Karnataka sun. But it wasn't just books that captured her attention; she was fascinated by how things worked, taking apart and reassembling household items much to her mother's dismay.

In 1968, Sudha made a decision that would set the tone for her life of breaking barriers – she applied to B.V.B. College of Engineering in Hubli. She was the only girl in her class, facing skepticism and prejudice. The college had no women's restroom, and she had to walk to a nearby school during breaks. But Sudha persevered, graduating top of her class in electrical engineering.

Her next challenge came when she spotted a job posting at TELCO (now Tata Motors). The notice explicitly stated "Men Only." Rather than accept this discrimination, Sudha wrote a postcard to the company's chairman, J.R.D. Tata, questioning this policy. Her courage and conviction impressed Tata so much that he granted her a special interview, and she became TELCO's first female engineer.

But perhaps Sudha's most significant contribution to India's story began in 1981 when she and her husband Narayana Murthy started Infosys with an initial investment of ₹10,000 – money she had saved from her own earnings. While Narayana worked on building the company, Sudha supported their household by continuing her job at TELCO, believing in her husband's vision when few others did.

As Infosys grew, Sudha turned her attention to philanthropy. She established the Infosys Foundation in 1996, leading initiatives in healthcare, education, and rural development. Her approach was hands-on – she personally visited remote villages, understood local challenges, and implemented practical solutions. From building libraries and toilets in schools to supporting disaster relief efforts, Sudha worked tirelessly to improve lives.

Beyond her technical and philanthropic achievements, Sudha found her voice as an author. Drawing from her experiences, she began writing books in Kannada and English, sharing stories that resonated with millions. Her simple yet profound writing style made complex social issues accessible to readers of all ages.

Today, Sudha Murthy stands as a testament to what determination and compassion can achieve. She holds multiple patents, has authored numerous books, and has received prestigious awards including the Padma Shri. Yet, she remains remarkably grounded, often seen wearing her trademark simple sari and carrying a cloth bag.

Her story teaches us that success isn't just about personal achievement – it's about lifting others as you rise. From the young girl who dared to challenge gender norms to the philanthropist who has improved countless lives, Sudha Murthy's journey reminds us that with courage, perseverance, and compassion, one person can indeed make a difference.

Most remarkably, through all her success, she has maintained her simplicity and connection to her roots. She still enjoys serving food at temples, sitting on the floor to eat, and traveling by auto-rickshaw. Her life demonstrates that true greatness lies not in accumulating wealth or fame, but in using one's position to serve others.

Sudha Murthy's story continues to inspire generations of Indians, especially young women, showing them that with education, determination, and a heart full of compassion, they too can break barriers and create positive change in the world.