As the head of the Infosys Foundation, Sudha Murthy holds immense influence in India. Not only as a businesswoman but also widely recognized for her contributions as a social worker and an award-winning novelist. Her name is well-known across the country, serving not only as a designation but also as an example of self-determination.
Most recently, Sudha Murthy was bestowed with the esteemed Padma Bhushan. This is why her path has been characterized by an unyielding confidence in the potential of change. As an award-winning author, Sudha Murthy’s literary contributions have touched the hearts of countless readers. Her writings are an expression of her life lessons learned and her profound comprehension of human emotions.
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In addition to her creative accomplishments, Sudha Murthy’s position as head of the Infosys Foundation speaks well of her dedication to social justice and charity. She has led several projects aimed at improving healthcare, education, rural development, and the empowerment of impoverished people. Her efforts have resulted in real change, improving many lives and setting the foundation that values equity more.
What makes Sudha Murthy a symbol of inspiration and empowerment is not just her professional success. It is also her resilience in overcoming societal barriers. Her journey has been peppered with challenges, including battling against prejudice and sexism. However, Sudha always dodges these things in her own style. One incident when she faced sexism is related to JRD Tata.
When Sudha Murty saw an advertisement from the Tata Group explicitly stating, ‘Lady candidates need not apply.’
It all started when, after graduating from college over fifty years ago, Murthy set out on an employment search. It was during this search that she came across a depressing Tata Group advertisement that made it clear: ‘Lady candidates need not apply.
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This racist statement strengthened her resolve. Speaking about this, Sudha Murthy said,
In 1974 I was doing MTech (Master of Technology) at the Tata Institute, Bangalore. I was the only girl in the class with all boys. I had done B.E. (Bachelor of Engineering) in 1972, even that year I was the only girl among other boys. I was then getting a scholarship to do PHD in America. One day I was returning to my hostel and I read a notice on the notice board that read TELCO, Pune was inviting young, bright engineers with a good salary, but in the end they had mentioned that ladies students need not apply.
She added,
“It was like how, on cigarette packets, it is written in small writing ‘cigarette smoking is injurious to health,’ it really made me angry. I was twenty- three years old, you tend to get angry more at that age.”
Sudha Murty wrote a letter to JRD Tata
The head of the Tata Group, voicing her disapproval. In her letter, she articulated,
The great Tatas have always been pioneers. They are the people who started the basic infrastructure industries in India, such as iron and steel, chemicals, textiles, and locomotives. They have cared for higher education in India since 1900, and they were responsible for the establishment of the Indian Institute of Science. Fortunately, I study there. But I am surprised how a company such as Telco is discriminating based on gender.
Ten days later, she received a telegram inviting her to an interview at the company’s Pune establishment
Significantly, the visit and her subsequent interview transformed the course of her professional life, making her the first female engineer at Telco. Speaking about this, she said,
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After reading that I went to the hostel, got a postcard and I wrote to JRD Tata sir. He used to come to our institute every year on 15th March to celebrate Tata’s birthday. I used to see him from far away. I was a student from a middle-class family, I didn’t have the courage to go and meet such big people closely. He was very handsome, he looked like a Greek statue.

JRD Tataindiatoday
Not only this, but also after getting Murty’s letter, JRD Tata eventually changed the policy and she continued to work for the firm. Since then, Sudha Murthy’s journey has persisted, as she has consistently broken down barriers to social expectations.
From being a best-selling author and steering Infosys as its chairperson to being honored with a national award, she reflects, “I have always believed in working hard and having faith in myself.” Her story stands as a testament to resilience, fortitude, and the relentless pursuit of one’s aspirations.
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