VETERAN Indian author, educator and philanthropist Sudha Murty has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha or the Upper House of the Indian parliament by the country's president, Droupadi Murmu, prime minister Narendra Modi announced on X on Friday (8). The elated leader also called the decision a "powerful testament" to India's 'Nari Shakti' (women power).
In his post which came on the International Women's Day, Modi said, “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."
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For Murty, who is the mother-in-law of British prime minister Rishi Sunak, it is the second big felicitation in two years. Last year, the 73-year-old received the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian award, which she took from Murmu. In 2006, she was awarded Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award.
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The Indian president nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha, people who are known for their contributions in various walks of life, including arts, literature, sciences and social sciences.
Murty is the wife of Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Indian information technology giant Infosys, and the mother of Akshata Murty, wife of Sunak and a businesswoman.
Murty started her professional career in computer science and engineering and is a member of the public health care initiatives of the Gates Foundation. She has formed many orphanages and took part in rural development works. She has also played a role behind setting up of the Murty Classical Library of India at Harvard University. She has also authored many books and taught in Bengaluru's Christ University.
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