MPW 2025: How Sudha Murty is rewriting the rules of impact

As a social worker, acclaimed writer, educator, Padma awardee and now a Rajya Sabha member, Sudha Murty’s influence and impact goes beyond one specific sector. Having been awarded the Padma Shri in 2006 and Padma Bhushan in 2023 for her contribution to various sectors, including social work, the 74-year-old was nominated and sworn in as a member of the Rajya Sabha in March 2024. “It was something very unusual for me because corporate life is entirely different from political life,” says Murty.

While at the Infosys Foundation her life revolved around fixed deadlines and faster implementation of timelines, being a people’s representative carries an increased sense of responsibility. “You are with people, not clients. People depend on your policies,” says Murty. Her first speech in the Rajya Sabha on the need to promote cervical cancer-prevention vaccines also saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauding her for drawing attention to women’s health issues.

As the chairperson of Infosys Foundation, Murty served on the board of the trust for 25 years till her retirement in December 2021. The foundation’s work on empowerment and rehabilitation of devadasis is something she cherishes to date.

Murty says there is no age bar to pursue one’s passion. She is attending classes by PRS Legislative Research to familiarise herself with the workings of Parliament!