Sudha Murty Nominated To Rajya Sabha; "Nari Shakti," Says PM Modi

President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Sudha Murty to the Rajya Sabha, a decision warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, especially notable

President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Sudha Murty to the Rajya Sabha, a decision warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, especially notable on International Women's Day. He praised Ms. Murty's wide-ranging contributions to social work, philanthropy, and education, heralding her Rajya Sabha membership as a testament to India's 'Nari Shakti' and the pivotal role of women in national development.

"Thrilled at President of India's nomination of @SmtSudhaMurty Ji to the Rajya Sabha. Sudha Ji's extensive and inspiring work across various domains underscores our 'Nari Shakti's incredible capacity and influence in charting the course of our nation. Wishing her a successful tenure in Parliament," PM Modi stated.

The President of India has the authority to appoint 12 distinguished individuals to the Parliament's Upper House for their exemplary contributions to the arts, literature, science, and social services.

I am delighted that the President of India has nominated @SmtSudhaMurty Ji to the Rajya Sabha. Sudha Ji's contributions to diverse fields including social work, philanthropy and education have been immense and inspiring. Her presence in the Rajya Sabha is a powerful testament to… pic.twitter.com/lL2b0nVZ8F

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2024

Who is Sudha Murty?

Sudha Murty is a prominent Indian author, philanthropist, and social worker. Born on August 19, 1950, in Shiggaon, Karnataka, India, she has made significant contributions in various fields, including education, public health, and rural development, through her work with the Infosys Foundation, where she has served as chairperson.

Sudha Murty is also well-regarded for her literary work, having authored numerous books that span children's literature, fiction, and non-fiction, primarily in Kannada and English. Her writing often reflects her experiences and the diverse aspects of Indian life, culture, and values. Some of her popular books include "Wise and Otherwise," "The Serpent's Revenge," and "How I Taught My Grandmother to Read," among others.

She is the wife of N. R. Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, one of India's leading information technology companies. Her contributions to society have been recognized with several awards, including the Padma Shri in 2006 and the Padma Bhushan in 2021, which are among the highest civilian honors in India.

Thank you, Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji. It is my privilege and honour to be nominated to the Rajya Sabha by our Hon'ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji @rashtrapatibhvn. I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve our nation. 🙏🏽

|| परोपकारार्थं इदं… https://t.co/VgZ12ApSoX

— Smt. Sudha Murty (@SmtSudhaMurty) March 8, 2024

Sudha Murty's work and life are characterized by simplicity, compassion, and a strong commitment to social welfare. Her efforts have had a lasting impact on various social initiatives and have inspired many to engage in philanthropic activities.

Sudha Murty is married to Narayana Murthy, the founder of the tech behemoth Infosys, and is the mother-in-law of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. She was honored with the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, for her social work last year, following her Padma Shri award in 2006. Renowned for her humility and forthrightness, Ms. Murty initially embarked on her professional journey as an engineer with TELCO (now Tata Motors) and presently serves as the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation. An accomplished author, her works are published in English and Kannada and have been translated into all major Indian languages.

What is Nari Shakti?

"Nari Shakti" is a Hindi term that translates to "Women's Power" or "Women Empowerment" in English. It encapsulates the concept of empowering women to recognize their true potential and strength in various spheres of life, including social, economic, political, and personal domains. Nari Shakti emphasizes the importance of women's roles in society and advocates for their rights, equality, and participation in decision-making processes at all levels.

The term is often used in India to highlight the achievements of women who have broken barriers, overcome challenges, and contributed significantly to the country's development and culture. It also reflects a collective aspiration to create a more inclusive and equitable society where women have the freedom to pursue their dreams, live with dignity, and contribute to the nation's progress without facing discrimination or limitations due to their gender.

Promoting Nari Shakti involves addressing various issues such as gender-based violence, discrimination, educational disparities, and economic inequalities. It calls for systemic changes, legal reforms, and societal shifts in attitudes towards gender roles. The concept is celebrated and promoted through various initiatives, policies, and campaigns by the government, non-governmental organizations, and civil society to ensure that women are empowered and have equal opportunities.

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