Author and philanthropist Sudha Murty has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu. Congratulating Ms Murty, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said her presence in the Rajya Sabha is a powerful testament to the country’s ‘Nari Shakti’ as the announcement came on International Women’s Day.

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

“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 our ‘Nari Shakti’, exemplifying the strength and potential of women in shaping our nation’s destiny. Wishing her a fruitful Parliamentary tenure,” said PM Modi.

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

Ms Murty’s husband Narayana Murthy is the founder of IT giant Infosys. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is her son-in-law. She received the Padma Bhushan – the third-highest civilian award in India – for social work last year and Padma Shri in 2006.

Known for her simplicity and candidness, Ms Murty began her career as an engineer with TELCO (now Tata Motors). She is currently the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation. She is a prolific writer in English and Kannada, and her books have been translated into all major Indian languages.