Infosys foundation chairperson, Sudha Murthy, is an Indian novelist, philanthropist, and social worker known for her novels that explore the human spirit and impact generations. Murthy’s novels are characterized by lyrical writing and a profound awareness of human emotions.
Sudha Murthy, who is Infosys foundation chairperson received the Padma Shri, India’s highest civilian honor, and the R.K. Narayan Award for Literature.
From Sudha Murthy’s classic work Mahasweta: “The sunrays embraced her as if caressing a lost soul, a flame that had endured the wrath of darkness.” Mahashweta stood erect, her will unwavering. Her hopeful eyes told a narrative of perseverance and determination—a story I was lucky to see and share.”
Sudha Murty easily tells narratives of ordinary people with tremendous dreams. She is a prominent Indian novelist, philanthropist, and social worker whose novels explore the human spirit and impact generations.
She writes stories for all types of readers with lyrical writing and a profound awareness of human emotions. Her reality comes from her personal life. Sudha Murty’s simple yet profound writing allows readers to relate with people’ joys, sufferings, and aspirations.
Sudha Murty’s literary and social efforts have been widely lauded. She received the Padma Shri and the R.K. Narayan Award for Literature. Sudha Murty is regarded in literary and social circles for her charity and empowerment of the downtrodden.
Sudha Murthy uses real-life events to tell approachable stories about the victory of the human spirit. Her stories are so real that readers may relate and contemplate. Sudha Murty finds comfort in writing about others’ struggles and successes. She used writing to communicate optimism and promote change.
Sudha Murty has influenced societal transformation via her philanthropy and writing. She has fought to empower the impoverished, promote education, and promote social equality as a famous social worker and Infosys Foundation chairperson. Her contributions to society are invaluable.
1. Mahasweta
Sudha Murty’s “Mahasweta” is a powerful book that explores our society’s flaws, problems, and successes. It tells the story of a woman with leukoderma (vitiligo), Anupama. It depicts how society’s beauty ideals affect people. This book shows society’s hard truths that are often overlooked. “Mahasweta” promotes awareness and encourages us to discuss society’s problems through its great tale and intriguing characters.
2. Gently Falls the Bakula
Another slice-of-life novel, discusses marriage issues. As ambition and self-interest prevail, a loving marriage falls apart. It shows how love alone cannot save a marriage. Sudha Murty’s debut novel, published over 30 years ago, examines current values and work ethics in a surprising way.
3. Wise and Otherwise: A Salute to Life
One of Sudha Murty’s bestseller, this moving collection of stories shows the richness of human life via the experiences of people from diverse social classes. This book’s stories reflect humanity’s successes and sorrows, from a domestic help’s sacrifice to an old widow’s fortitude. Murty exposes readers to unusual people she has met in this collection of true stories. These stories show India’s diversity and regular people’s tenacity, kindness, and wisdom. “Wise and Otherwise” illuminates human kindness.
4. Dollar Bahu
Another best-seller from Sudha Murty, Dollar Bahu examines how traditional Indian ideals and contemporary desires conflict. She explores relationships, cultural expectations, and financial prosperity via a middle-class household. The author depicts human emotions with empathy, producing a thought-provoking story. In a conventional joint family, a young woman emigrates to the US and faces challenges. Sudha Murthy analyzes identity, family relationships, and happiness via culture clashes and the quest to connect tradition with modernity.
5. How I Taught My Grandmother to Read and Other Stories
This collection of stories shows the transformational potential of literacy. The vibrant stories emphasize education and reading. The stories depict children’s innocence, curiosity, and insight while highlighting societal challenges and promoting change.
6. The Mother I Never Knew: two novellas
This novel explores adoption and identity issues. Sudha Murty sensitively weaves the lives of three women—Vinita, Bhavna, and Mummy—together. Venkatesh, a bank manager, encounters his doppelganger. He finds his father’s abandoned wife and child while searching for answers. The author addresses parenthood and forgiveness as they battle with their pasts and seek solutions.
7. House of Cards
Sudha Murty brilliantly depicts the evil side of ambition and greed in this compelling business story. Mridula struggles to reconcile her profession and personal life in the competitive corporate environment. The author explores honesty, loyalty, and happiness via her protagonist.
