A photo of Infosys foundation chairperson and philanthropist Sudha Murthy has sparked a massive debate on social media. In the photograph, which has resurfaced online, Ms Murthy is seen bowing before Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, a member of the Mysuru Royal family. We can also spot actress B. Saroja Devi in the frame. The picture goes back to 2019 when Ms Murthy was invited to attend the birth centenary celebrations of Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, the last ruler of the Mysore state. Pramoda Devi Wadiyar is the wife of late Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar.
While several social media users criticised the practice of bowing before royals in this day and age, others said it was just a gesture to show respect.
Posting the photograph, a user asked, “Sudha Murthy bowing before a member of the Mysore royal family. She is supposed to be a role model. Is this still a tradition of greeting the members of the Royal family in India? Or was it more like an action out of reverence or respect?”
Sudha Murthy bowing before a member of the mysore royal family. She is supposed to be a role model.
— Kamran (@CitizenKamran) September 26, 2022
Is this still a tradition of greeting the members of Royal family in India?
Or was it more like an action out of reverence or respect? pic.twitter.com/1xSedjLXXB
Another wrote, “Look at Sudha Murthy bowing before a member of the Mysore royal family. She is supposed to be a role model.”
Look at Sudha Murthy bowing before a member of the mysore royal family. She is supposed to be a role model. https://t.co/6KhT7vTyOd
— ವಿನಯ್ ಕೂರಗಾಯಲ ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸ Vinay K S (@vinaysreeni) September 25, 2022
Many did not approve of the gesture shown by Ms Murthy.
Oh god????????♂️… is that Sudha murthy? Bowing in front of royalty? The mindset we have it in our blood, no amount of wealth and achievements would remove that from our behaviour…
— sunil (@thenamesunil) September 25, 2022
Highlighting the philanthropist's illustrious work, a person said, “I have great respect for Mrs Sudha Murthy. Her books inspired many women to look up and move on. Her prostration to the royal is an emotional expression and she is more royal than the Mysore royal family.”
I have great respect for Mrs Sudha Murthy. Her books inspired many women to look up and move on. Her prostration to the royal is an emotional expression and she is more royal than the Mysore royal family.
— Santhanam Srinivasan (@santhraj5) September 27, 2022
Another wrote, “Yes if it's her personal choice then no one can question. If someone who benefits from charity or other good work done by royal family does this then it's valid but a great achiever like Sudha Murthy doing this feels out of place.”
Yes if its her personal choice then no one can question.
— Abhishek (@Abhishekf1) September 26, 2022
If someone who benefits from charity or other good work done by royal family does this then its valid but a great achiever like Sudha Murthy doing this feels out of place.
However, there were also some users who did not find the act problematic.
That's a true respect to our Royal family one can give..but Sudha murthy bowing down is out of of this world..she is highly educated but stil follows our culture..so that's it.
— Raj (@KalaRaj11) September 26, 2022
However, there were also some users who did not find the act problematic.
That's our culture. Keyboard Leli journalists won't understand. Irrespective of age, stature, position everyone bows to Rajamatha. Her culture has taught her this.
— Varun (@Varunm96) September 26, 2022
Besides being chairperson of Infosys, Sudha Murthy is known for her work as author, educator and philanthropist. Along with her husband and Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, she founded the Infosys Foundation, a non-profit arm of the company, in 1996. The foundation supports programmes in the areas of healthcare, rural development and education.
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