How does Sudha Murty define gender equality? 'Like two wheels of a bicycle'

Author and Rajya Sabha MP, Sudha Murty, recently shared her views on gender equality through a video on X (formerly Twitter), sparking a conversation on the topic. She articulated her belief that men and women are equal but in different ways, using the analogy of "two wheels of a bicycle" to illustrate her point.

"In my view, men and women are equal but in different ways. They complement each other like two wheels of a bicycle; you can't move forward without the other," Murty stated in the video.

Murty began by questioning the definition of equality, emphasizing that it is essential to recognize the inherent differences between genders. "What is equality? You should define first," she said. She explained that while both genders are distinct, they bring unique strengths to the table.

Unique Strengths of Women and Men

Murty highlighted that women are often skilled in languages, compassionate, and excellent managers. "Women are normally very good at languages. They are excellent managers, compassionate, and giving," she noted. In contrast, she mentioned that men, while often having a high intelligence quotient (IQ), may lack the same level of emotional intelligence (EQ) that women typically possess. "Men are wired differently. Their emotional quotient is not like women's. They may have a good IQ, but they definitely don't have a good EQ," she explained.

The video, which has garnered over 4,740 views, received a mixed response from social media users. Comments varied from strong agreement to more nuanced reflections. "So true!!" wrote one user. Another added, "True. Both face hardships in life. Without both, nature is incomplete."

A Memorable Call from APJ Abdul Kalam

Earlier in the week, Murty shared a personal anecdote involving a surprise phone call from former President APJ Abdul Kalam. She initially thought the call was meant for her husband, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, but was pleasantly surprised to learn it was for her. Kalam had called to praise her for her contributions, leading to her receiving the Padma Shri award in 2006.

Sudha Murty, 73, is renowned not only for her philanthropy but also for her literary contributions, particularly in children's literature. She has received several accolades, including the Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar, Padma Shri (2006), and Padma Bhushan (2023). She was nominated to the Rajya Sabha earlier this year by President Droupadi Murmu.

Murty is married to NR Narayana Murthy, and the couple has two children: Akshata Murty, who is married to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Rohan Murty, who co-founded a tech firm specializing in AI.