PM Narendra Modi says, ‘Testament of Nari Shakti’

New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu has nominated Sudha Murty to the Rajya Sabha, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a social media post on Mar. 8. The 73-year-old’s nomination coincided with International Women’s Day yesterday. She received the Padma Shri award in 2006 and the Padma Bhushan in 2023.

“I am delighted that the President of India has nominated Sudha Murty Ji to the Rajya Sabha. Sudha Ji’s contributions to diverse fields including social work, philanthropy and education have been immense and inspiring,” PM Modi wrote on microblogging site X (formerly Twitter) while sharing the news.

The President of India nominates 12 members to the Upper House for their contributions towards arts, literature, science and social services.

Describing the author, philanthropist and former Chairperson of the Infosys Foundation as “a powerful testament to Nari Shakti”, PM Modi wrote, “Her presence in the Rajya Sabha is a powerful testament to our ‘Nari Shakti’, exemplifying the strength and potential of women in shaping our nation’s destiny. Wishing her a fruitful Parliamentary tenure.”

Sudha Murty, who is travelling at the moment, thanked PM Modi for the nomination and said, “It’s a big Women’s Day gift to me. It’s a new responsibility to work for the country.” Sudha Murty was also congratulated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

 Replying to PM Modi’s social media post, Sudha Murty wrote, “Thank you, Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji. It is my privilege and honour to be nominated to the Rajya Sabha by our Hon’ble President of India Droupadi Murmu Ji. I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve our nation.”

Born on August 19, 1950, in Karnataka’s Shiggaon, Sudha Murty began her career as a computer scientist and engineer, going on to become the first female engineer hired at Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company.

Wife of Infosys Founder N.R. Narayana Murthy, she is also the Chairperson of Murty Trust and has authored several books. Her son-in-law Rishi Sunak is Prime Minister of UK and her daughter Akshata Murty is a businesswoman, fashion designer and venture capitalist.

Sudha Murty is also a member of the public healthcare initiatives of the Gates Foundation. She has founded several orphanages, supportedthe movement to provide all Karnataka government schools with computer and library facilities, and established Murty Classical Library of India at the Harvard University.