In a captivating address amid Union Budget discussions, Sudha Murty, the esteemed Rajya Sabha member and philanthropist, bridged four decades of personal encounters in the United States, mirroring India’s ascent. Her 1979 debut trip was marred by interrogative glares from visa officers probing her stay duration, spousal income, and travel intentions. A customs agent gawked at her traditional attire, questioning its nature and tossing in stereotypes about serpents slithering through Indian roads.
Undeterred, the novice traveler answered calmly, securing a stamped three-month visa sans rationale. ‘It wasn’t easy for a young woman venturing abroad solo,’ she reflected. Contrast this with her latest visit: effusive compliments on Bengaluru’s innovation hub status, India’s unicorn surge, tech dominance, hardworking ethos, legal adherence, and cultural depth flowed freely from American officials.
This perceptual pivot, Murty argued, stems from the past 10-15 years’ strides under steady administration, daring fiscal strategies, economic stability, and culturally confident leadership. Extending kudos to Nirmala Sitharaman’s landmark ninth budget, she spotlighted heritage safeguards and proposed hosting a global summit at iconic temples to honor historical maritime links.
The ‘She-Market’ scheme for female vendors sparked enthusiasm, tempered by calls for illuminated, secure venues with maternal facilities and easy access. Women’s hostels per district promise revolutions in safety and hygiene. Murty’s narrative paints an optimistic canvas: perseverance, ethical governance, and welfare-focused reforms will propel India forward, turning past skepticism into global reverence.