Name: An Uncommon Love – The Early Life of Sudha and Narayana Murthy
Author: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
No. of Pages: 345
Genre: Non-Fiction
Publisher: Juggernaut Books
Price: Rs. 799/-
Published in: 2023

How did I get it? From the publisher.

THE BLURB SAYS:

Sudha Kulkarni was forging a career as TELCO’s first woman engineer when she met the serious, idealistic and brilliant Narayana Murthy, and they fell in love. For the first time comes the story of their early years – from their courtship to Infosys’s founding years, from their marriage to parenthood – told by master storyteller Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.

What drew this unlikely pair together? And what kept them bound tightly through the challenges and loneliness they faced? What was it like to create a start-up at a time when license ruled, there were no VCs, and entrepreneurship was regarded as a dirty word? How did Sudha Murty balance being a career woman, a mother and a startup wife, and what was the toll that Narayana Murthy’s obsession took on both himself and his family?

Taking us deep inside the minds, hearts and values of the Murthys, with exclusive access to them, Divakaruni tells their story with extraordinary emotional depth, bringing them and their worlds (small-town and rural Karnataka, India, in the 70s and 80s) vividly alive.

This book is about the sacrifices it takes to forge a powerful and lasting marriage, about the early story of Infosys and Indian business before liberalization, and most of all about two icons before they became the legends that transformed the fields of business and philanthropy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is an award-winning writer, activist, professor and speaker, and the author of 21 books.

Her work has been published in over a hundred magazines and anthologies, and translated into thirty languages, made into films, plays and dance dramas, and performed as operas. Her awards include an American Book Award, a PEN Josephine Miles Award, a Premio Scanno and a Light of India Award. In 2015 the Economic Times included her in their list of the 20 Most Influential Global Indian Women. She is the McDavid Professor of Creative Writing in the internationally acclaimed Creative Writing Program at the University of Houston and lives in Houston with her husband Murthy.

MY THOUGHTS: 

The Writing:

The author is one of the favourite authors, “Palace of Illusions” being one of my all time favourite books. But this being a non-fiction book (her first non-fiction work), the narrative has been kept very simple and conversational, like she telling you anecdotes and events from the subjects’ lives without any exaggeration or fanfare.

What I liked and what I didn’t:

It is Sudha Murty and Narayana Murthy. So what’s there not to like? I am especially awed by the strength, endurance and patience of Sudha Murty. From being the only girl student in her engineering class to being the first female employee of TELCO, her perseverance is truly inspiring for all women. Infosys exists because of her and the continuous support of her parents and elder sister. She represents the thousands of faceless women who stand by their husbands unwaveringly, giving it all, enduring all, so that the men can achieve their dreams.

It was a pleasure to read about their courtship days, when they were young and carefree. It is repeated many a times throughout the book how much Sudha missed those times they spent together in Pune in her later years. Truly, marriage is a different game altogether, wherein all aspects of the couple are tried and tested.

Unlike Sudha, it was difficult for me to imagine Mr. Murthy as an adventurous young man hitchhiking across Europe, or someone who was hopelessly romantic in his own way. But it was really amazing to learn about the various aspects of their personalities.

The difficulties that the couple faced in building Infosys demonstrates that great heights can only be achieved through hard work, sacrifices and faith. Despite all odds, Mr. Murthy never wavered from his beliefs, principles and ideals. And that sets him apart. Sudha Murty’s side of the story shows that with great mental strength and a solid support system, it is possible for a woman to excel in the professional front while taking care of her home and family.

I particularly felt for their children Akshata and Rohan, who have been deprived of their parents’ undivided attention and time, and also sacrificed in their own ways, for the sake of a greater good since the day they were born.

On the downside, I only felt that the narrative could have been more engrossing and flowing.

Final thoughts:

It is always inspiring to read memoirs and biographies of people who have achieved their dreams and work for the greater good. The story of the Murthys reminds us that nothing great comes easy. It tells us that families sacrifice the most in building a business, and an honest path might be longer but it will take you where you want to be. Most importantly, it shows us how your life partner can make all the difference. So choose wisely!

~“When we give something to others, we should always give the best. God is not in temples or churches or mosques. He’s with the people. If you serve them, you serve God.”

~“A woman can do a man’s job. But a man cannot do a woman’s job.”

I give “An Uncommon Love”

I thank the publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.