Sudha Murty Biography – Age, Education, Mother Tongue, Religion, Family, Net Worth, Books
Sudha Murty is a name synonymous with humility, wisdom, and philanthropy in India. As an author, engineer, educator, and chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, she has significantly contributed to literature, social work, and the corporate world. Her life story is not only inspiring but also serves as a testament to the power of simplicity and purpose.
In this biography, we explore Sudha Murty’s age, education, family background, religious beliefs, literary achievements, and her estimated net worth. This blog also includes a concise wiki-style data table and frequently asked questions for readers seeking quick facts.
Wiki Data Table
| Full Name | Sudha Kulkarni Murty |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 19, 1950 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 74 years |
| Place of Birth | Shiggaon, Haveri, Karnataka, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Mother Tongue | Kannada |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Profession | Author, Philanthropist, Engineer, Educator |
| Education | B.E. in Electrical Engineering; M.E. in Computer Science |
| Spouse | Narayana Murthy (Co-founder of Infosys) |
| Children | 2 (including Akshata Murty, wife of UK PM Rishi Sunak) |
| Net Worth | Estimated ₹200 crore+ (as of 2025) |
| Notable Books | Wise and Otherwise, The Old Man and His God, How I Taught My Grandmother to Read, The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk |
Early Life and Education
Sudha Murty was born into a middle-class Kannada Brahmin family in Shiggaon, a town in the Haveri district of Karnataka. Her father, Dr. R.H. Kulkarni, was a renowned doctor, and her mother, Vimala Kulkarni, was a schoolteacher.
Right from an early age, Sudha displayed academic brilliance and an insatiable curiosity for learning. She completed her B.E. in Electrical Engineering from B.V.B. College of Engineering and Technology in Hubli, topping her class and becoming the first female engineer hired at TATA Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO), now Tata Motors.
Later, she pursued her post-graduation in Computer Science from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore.
Career Journey
Engineering and Corporate Milestones
Sudha Murty began her career at TELCO, where she broke gender barriers in a male-dominated field. Her employment application even challenged then-existing norms by questioning TELCO’s gender bias, a move that earned her a direct response from J.R.D. Tata himself.
Infosys Foundation
After her marriage to N.R. Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, Sudha took a step back from the corporate front lines but remained integral to the brand’s legacy. In 1996, she became the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, dedicating herself to public service. The foundation focuses on education, rural development, healthcare, arts, and poverty alleviation.
Literary Contributions
Sudha Murty is also a celebrated author known for her ability to tell simple yet profound stories. She writes in both English and Kannada, and her works span fiction, children’s literature, travelogues, and autobiographical sketches.
Family and Personal Life
Sudha Murty is married to N.R. Narayana Murthy, one of India’s most respected business figures. The couple has two children: Rohan Murthy and Akshata Murty. Akshata gained global recognition after her marriage to Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Despite the global limelight, Sudha Murty has remained grounded in her values, often emphasizing simple living and high thinking. She is known to live modestly, avoiding extravagance despite her wealth and status.
Books by Sudha Murty
Sudha Murty’s books resonate with readers of all ages. Here are some of her most loved titles:
- Wise and Otherwise
- The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk
- The Old Man and His God
- How I Taught My Grandmother to Read
- House of Cards
- Three Thousand Stitches
- Grandma’s Bag of Stories
- Here, There and Everywhere
Her writings often revolve around human values, ethics, family bonds, and societal observations. They are widely used in schools and libraries for their educational and moral value.
Net Worth and Recognition
Though Sudha Murty does not flaunt her wealth, she is estimated to be worth over ₹200 crore, largely derived from her association with Infosys and her book royalties. She donates a significant portion of her earnings to charity.
She has received several national and international honors, including:
- Padma Shri (2006) – for social work
- Padma Bhushan (2023) – for her contribution to literature and education
- Honorary doctorates from multiple universities in India and abroad
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Sudha Murty’s age?
She was born on August 19, 1950, and is 74 years old as of 2025.
2. What is Sudha Murty’s educational background?
She holds a B.E. in Electrical Engineering and an M.E. in Computer Science.
3. What is Sudha Murty’s mother tongue?
Her mother tongue is Kannada.
4. What religion does Sudha Murty follow?
She follows Hinduism.
5. Who is Sudha Murty married to?
She is married to Narayana Murthy, the co-founder of Infosys.
6. Is Sudha Murty related to the UK Prime Minister?
Yes, her daughter Akshata Murty is married to Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
7. What are some famous books written by Sudha Murty?
Some of her famous books include Wise and Otherwise, How I Taught My Grandmother to Read, and The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk.
8. What is Sudha Murty’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated to be over ₹200 crore as of 2025.
Conclusion
Sudha Murty’s life is a beacon of how education, humility, and service to humanity can coexist with success and recognition. She remains one of India’s most respected women, admired not just for her association with Infosys, but for her unwavering dedication to storytelling, philanthropy, and social change. Her journey continues to inspire millions across the world, especially young women striving to break barriers and make a meaningful impact.
