Interviewer: "A life of simplicity, hard work, and selflessness can change the world.

"Ladies and
gentlemen, today we have the immense honor of speaking with an inspiring author,
philanthropist, and social worker, Sudha Murty. Her remarkable journey from being an engineer
to becoming a celebrated writer and the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation is a testament to
her dedication and compassion. Through her books and charitable work, she has touched
countless lives and made a lasting impact on society. Let's delve into her journey and wisdom.
Please join me in welcoming Sudha Murty!

Question 1: How hard was your journey from being an engineer to becoming a renowned
author and philanthropist?

Sudha Murty: The journey was filled with challenges, but also with immense satisfaction. Being
one of the first female engineers in my state was not easy, but it taught me resilience. Writing
and philanthropy came naturally to me as ways to express my thoughts and give back to
society. It wasn’t always easy, but the joy of helping others and sharing stories kept me going.

Interviewer: Your journey is truly remarkable, Mrs. Murty. It’s inspiring to see how you’ve
navigated through different roles and made such a significant impact.

Question 2: Who or what has been your biggest inspiration throughout your life?

Sudha Murty: My biggest inspiration has always been my parents. They instilled in me the
values of hard work, simplicity, and service to others. My husband, Narayana Murthy, has also
been a tremendous source of support and inspiration. His vision and dedication to building
Infosys while maintaining integrity have deeply influenced me.

Interviewer: It’s heartwarming to hear how your parents and Mr. Murthy have inspired you.
Their values clearly resonate in all your work.

Question 3: You’ve written many beloved books. Which one holds a special place in your
heart?

Sudha Murty: Every book I’ve written is special to me, but if I had to choose one, it would be
Wise and Otherwise. It’s a collection of real-life stories that have touched me deeply. These
stories reflect the diversity of experiences in India and remind us of the importance of empathy
and understanding in our lives.

Interviewer: Wise and Otherwise has indeed touched many readers. It’s a powerful reminder of
the importance of compassion in our daily lives.

Question 4: What motivated you to establish the Infosys Foundation, and what has been its
most significant achievement?

Sudha Murty: The motivation behind establishing the Infosys Foundation was to give back to
society and address the needs of the underprivileged. We wanted to create an organization that
could make a real difference in areas like healthcare, education, and rural development. One of
our most significant achievements has been the construction of over 10,000 libraries in rural
India, which has helped foster a culture of reading and learning in many communities.
Interviewer: The work of the Infosys Foundation is truly commendable. The impact you’ve
made through these initiatives is immense and transformative.

Question 5: How do you balance your work as a writer, philanthropist, and family life?

Sudha Murty: Balancing these roles has required careful planning and time management. I’ve
always believed in leading a simple life, which helps me stay grounded. My family has been
incredibly supportive, and I make sure to prioritize time with them. Writing is something I do
early in the morning, while philanthropy and family time take up the rest of my day.

Interviewer: Your ability to balance so many roles with grace and humility is truly admirable. It’s
a wonderful example of how simplicity and dedication can lead to fulfillment.

Question 6: Can you share a particularly challenging moment in your philanthropic work and
how you overcame it?

Sudha Murty: One of the most challenging moments was during the early days of the Infosys
Foundation when we were setting up rural healthcare initiatives. Convincing people in remote
areas to trust and access healthcare services was difficult. We overcame it by building
relationships within the communities, understanding their needs, and providing consistent
support. Patience and persistence were key.

Interviewer: It’s incredible how you were able to build trust and make such a meaningful
difference in these communities. Your commitment to helping others is truly inspiring.

Question 7: What was your experience like serving as a member of the Rajya Sabha, and how
do you believe it influenced your work in philanthropy?

Sudha Murty: Serving in the Rajya Sabha was a valuable experience. It gave me a deeper
understanding of the political landscape and the importance of policy-making in addressing
social issues. I was able to raise awareness about various challenges faced by the
underprivileged and advocate for meaningful changes. It reinforced my belief that we need both
grassroots efforts and policy changes to create a lasting impact.

Interviewer: Your experience in the Rajya Sabha certainly adds a unique perspective to your
philanthropic work. It’s great to see how you’ve used that platform for advocacy.

Question 8: What role do you see education playing in empowering underprivileged

Sudha Murty: Education is the cornerstone of empowerment. It provides individuals with the
tools to improve their circumstances and break the cycle of poverty. By focusing on education,
we can create a more informed and skilled population that can contribute to society and drive
change. Our foundation emphasizes the importance of education, especially for girls, as they
are often the most marginalized.

Interviewer: Your focus on education is so vital. It truly has the power to transform lives and
communities.

Question 9: Looking back on your career, what legacy do you hope to leave behind, and how
do you want to be remembered?
Sudha Murty: I hope to be remembered as someone who lived a simple life with a strong sense
of purpose. I want my legacy to be one of compassion, humility, and dedication to the
betterment of society. My aim has always been to make a positive difference in the lives of
others, whether through my writing, philanthropy, or personal interactions.

Interviewer: Your legacy of compassion and service is already well-established. It’s clear that
you have touched many lives in profound ways.

Question 10: What advice would you give to young people in India who aspire to make a
difference in society?

Sudha Murty: My advice to young people is to always stay true to your values and be
passionate about what you do. Whether you choose a career in business, art, social work, or
any other field, remember that your work should benefit others. Be empathetic, humble, and
willing to learn. The satisfaction of making a positive impact on someone’s life is the greatest
reward you can achieve.

Interviewer: That’s inspiring advice, Mrs. Murty. Your words will undoubtedly encourage many
young people to pursue their dreams with purpose and a sense of responsibility towards
society.

Interviewer: As we conclude, it’s evident that your life and work have had a profound impact on
countless individuals and communities. Your dedication to service, education, and storytelling is
truly inspirational. Thank you for sharing your journey and insights with us today.

Sudha Murty: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you.

Interviewer: Ladies and gentlemen, that was the extraordinary Sudha Murty. Stay tuned for
more inspiring interviews. Until next time!