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| Sudha Murty's Rajya Sabha Nomination: Empowering Women [Source: See Positive] |
On March 8, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the nomination of Sudha Murty, a renowned Indian educator, author, and philanthropist, to the Rajya Sabha. President Droupadi Murmu's nomination of Murty, coinciding with International Women’s Day, highlights the significance of diverse regional representation and the pivotal role of women in political decision-making.
Prime Minister Modi underscored that Murty’s presence in the Rajya Sabha exemplifies ‘Nari Shakti’ (women power), symbolizing women's strength and potential in shaping the nation’s future. This nomination serves as an inspiration for women across India, emphasizing the importance of their contributions in various fields.
Sudha Murty’s Contributions:
Sudha Murty, the wife of Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and mother to venture capitalist Akshata Murty, is a prolific writer in Kannada and English. She has authored numerous novels, technical books, and travelogues, showcasing her literary prowess.
As the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, Murty has been deeply involved in philanthropic work, focusing on issues such as poverty alleviation, healthcare, and sanitation. Her initiatives include building thousands of homes in flood-affected areas, establishing libraries in schools, and funding the construction of public toilets. Murty’s impact extends beyond India, as she founded the Murty Classical Library of India at Harvard University.
Awards and Recognition:
In recognition of her social work, Sudha Murty was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2006, followed by the prestigious Padma Bhushan in 2023, highlighting her continued dedication to societal betterment.
Nominated Members of Rajya Sabha:
Under Article 80 (3) of the Constitution, the President nominates 12 out of the 245 members in the Rajya Sabha based on the government's recommendation. These nominated members should possess special knowledge or practical experience in areas such as literature, science, art, and social service.
Murty is the 12th nominated member in the Upper House and has the option to join a political party within the next six months. She joins a distinguished list of nominated members, including Ram Shakal, Rakesh Sinha, Sonal Mansingh, Ranjan Gogoi, Mahesh Jethmalani, Ilaiyaraaja, Veerendra Heggade, P T Usha, Ghulam Ali, V Vijayendra Prasad, and Satnam Singh Sandhu.