An Uncommon Love: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of An Uncommon Love, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
A love story of shared values
Divakaruni tells the story of Sudha and Narayana Murthy, co-founders of a family and of the Infosys story.
She presents their marriage as a partnership built on shared values, sacrifice and simplicity.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
Sudha challenged a job advert
As a young engineer, Sudha saw a Telco job advertisement saying women need not apply.
She wrote a postcard to JRD Tata protesting this, and was later hired as the company's first woman engineer.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
Two very different people met
Divakaruni describes how Sudha, lively and outgoing, met Narayana Murthy, quiet and idealistic.
Despite their differences, they shared a love of books and ideas. Their friendship slowly grew into love.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Family doubts were overcome
Sudha's father was initially unsure about Murthy, who had modest prospects.
Divakaruni describes how the couple waited and eventually married with family approval. Patience, the author suggests, strengthened their bond.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Her savings helped start Infosys
When Murthy wanted to start a software company, Sudha lent him her savings.
Divakaruni describes how she stayed home to support the family while he and his partners built the company.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
Early years were a struggle
Divakaruni describes the hard early years of Infosys, with little money and many setbacks.
The couple lived simply and sacrificed comforts to keep the company going. Several times the company nearly failed.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
Sudha found her own calling
Later, Sudha led the Infosys Foundation, supporting education, health and rural development.
Divakaruni shows how she built her own identity through philanthropy and writing. She also became a popular author of books for children and adults.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Simplicity shaped their success
Despite great wealth, the couple continued to live simply.
Divakaruni presents their story as an example of how values, hard work and partnership can build lasting success. Their story is told with warmth.
Get one idea like this every daySwipe through ideas, go deeper on any of them, and save the ones that matter. Free.
Read An Uncommon Love in the app