Introduction: Who is Neeru Deshpande?
You might have come across the name Neeru Deshpande as the little girl on the iconic Parle-G biscuit packet, but let’s clarify this mystery first, Neeru Deshpande is widely believed (though mistakenly) to be the face on the Parle-G pack. However, this viral claim has no confirmed proof.
That said, the name has also been associated with the remarkable personality of Sudha Murthy, a well-known Indian author, philanthropist, social worker, and the Chairperson of Infosys Foundation. She’s a woman who broke barriers, wrote stories that touched millions, and devoted her life to bettering society. Whether as a techie, an author, or a humanitarian, Sudha Murthy’s journey is one of deep purpose and silent strength.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Sudha Murthy (née Kulkarni)
|
| Also Known As | Neeru Deshpande (in viral claims) |
| Date of Birth | 19 August 1950 |
| Age | 74 years (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | Shiggaon, Karnataka, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Author, Philanthropist, Chairperson – Infosys Foundation |
| Famous For | Books, Social Work, Infosys Foundation |
| Spouse | N.R. Narayana Murthy
|
| Children | Rohan Murthy (Son), Akshata Murthy (Daughter) |
| Known Misbelief | Thought to be the Parle-G girl (debunked myth) |
| Awards | Padma Shri (2006), Padma Bhushan (2023) |
| Languages Known | English, Kannada |
Early Life of Neeru Deshpande (Sudha Murthy)
Sudha Murthy was born on August 19, 1950, in Shiggaon, a small town in the Haveri district of Karnataka. Her early life was filled with books, values, and a love for learning. Raised in a modest household, she inherited a deep sense of discipline and compassion from her parents.
Her father, Dr. R.H. Kulkarni, was a doctor, and her mother, Vimala Kulkarni, was a school teacher. Sudha credits her upbringing in a culturally rich and value-driven family for the foundation of her ethical and simple lifestyle.
Education of Neeru Deshpande (Sudha Murthy)
Sudha Murthy’s academic journey is nothing short of trailblazing. She was the first female engineering student at B.V.B. College of Engineering & Technology, Hubli. Despite social resistance, she graduated at the top of her class.
Later, she pursued her Master’s in Computer Science from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore—an institution renowned for producing top-tier engineers and scientists.
Family of Neeru Deshpande (Sudha Murthy)
Sudha Murthy is married to Narayana Murthy, the visionary co-founder of Infosys, one of India’s leading IT companies. The couple’s story is deeply rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and service to society.
They have two children:
| Relation | Name |
| Husband | N.R. Narayana Murthy |
| Son | Rohan Murthy |
| Daughter | Akshata Murthy (married to UK PM Rishi Sunak)
|
Their daughter, Akshata Murthy, made global headlines when her husband became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, linking the Murthy family to global leadership.
Career of Neeru Deshpande (Sudha Murthy)
Sudha Murthy’s professional life is filled with “firsts.” She became the first female engineer hired by Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO), breaking gender norms in India’s male-dominated tech space.
After marrying Narayana Murthy, she became one of the seed funders of Infosys, investing ₹10,000 to help kickstart the company.
Her professional journey transitioned into philanthropy and writing, and she became the Chairperson of Infosys Foundation. She has led numerous initiatives in healthcare, rural development, education, and public hygiene across India.
As an author, she has written over 30 books in English and Kannada, ranging from children’s literature to real-life stories and novels. Some of her most loved books include:
- Wise and Otherwise
- Three Thousand Stitches
- How I Taught My Grandmother to Read
Controversy About Neeru Deshpande (Parle-G Girl)
A rumor once spread on the internet that Neeru Deshpande, a girl from Nagpur born in 1968, was the original face on the Parle-G biscuit packet. Over time, this name got linked to Sudha Murthy due to her popularity and simplicity.
However, Parle Products clarified that the image was a hand-drawn illustration, not based on any real person. So, while the story of the “Parle-G girl” is charming, it’s not linked to Sudha Murthy.
Net Worth of Neeru Deshpande (Sudha Murthy)
Sudha Murthy herself leads a modest life, but as a co-founder family member of Infosys, her estimated net worth is substantial.
| Category | Amount (Approx.) |
| Personal Net Worth | ₹270 Crore INR |
| Family Wealth (Infosys & Investments) | Over ₹7,000 Crore INR |
| Source of Wealth | Infosys, Books, Philanthropy |
Despite her wealth, she prefers simplicity—often seen wearing cotton sarees and traveling in economy class.
Physical Appearance of Neeru Deshpande (Sudha Murthy)
| Feature | Description |
| Height | Approx. 5’3″ (160 cm) |
| Hair Color | Grey |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Style | Traditional, Simple |
Social Media Accounts of Sudha Murthy
Sudha Murthy herself is not very active on social media, but Infosys Foundation and various literary forums share her work:
- Infosys Foundation Website
- Goodreads Author Profile
- Interviews on YouTube
Interesting Facts About Neeru Deshpande (Sudha Murthy)
- She wrote a letter to J.R.D. Tata questioned gender bias, which led to her historic hiring at TELCO.
- Her books are used in school syllabi in multiple Indian states.
- She still prefers traveling in economy class despite being a multimillionaire.
- She donated all her royalties from book sales to social causes.
- Her daughter, Akshata Murthy, is married to the UK Prime Minister.
- Awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2023 for her contribution to social work.
- She is an advocate for handlooms and the indigenous crafts of India.
FAQ About Neeru Deshpande (Sudha Murthy)
Q1: Who is Neeru Deshpande?
A: Neeru Deshpande is often mistakenly identified as the girl on the Parle-G wrapper. The name is sometimes associated with Sudha Murthy, an Indian author and philanthropist.
Q2: Is Sudha Murthy the Parle-G girl?
A: No, Sudha Murthy is not the Parle-G girl. The image on the biscuit packet is a hand-drawn illustration, not based on any individual.
Q3: What is Sudha Murthy famous for?
A: She is known for being a successful author, social worker, and the Chairperson of Infosys Foundation.
Q4: What are some famous books by Sudha Murthy?
A: Wise and Otherwise, The Old Man and His God, Three Thousand Stitches, and Grandma’s Bag of Stories.
Q5: What is the net worth of Sudha Murthy?
A: Her estimated personal net worth is over ₹270 Crore INR.
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