Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty delivered a masterclass in national progress during her Budget speech, juxtaposing her 1979 American odyssey against a recent red-carpet reception. Back then, as a 28-year-old first-timer, she endured a barrage of ignorant queries at immigration: purpose of visit, return plans, husband’s earnings. Customs added insult, with an officer fixating on her sari and jesting about street snakes in India.
She navigated it with grace, explaining her attire and clarifying misconceptions, though the visa officer arbitrarily capped her stay at three months. ‘Courage failed me to challenge it,’ she admitted. Today, the vibe is electric—praise for India’s startup revolution, IT giants, Bengaluru’s dynamism, industrious citizens, compliance culture, and timeless traditions greeted her.
Crediting this renaissance to consistent governments, audacious budgets, fiscal prudence, and heritage-embracing helm, Murty hailed Sitharaman’s ninth outing as a feminist triumph. Budget nods to cultural preservation inspired her ‘Project Mausam’ pitch: convene 39 ancient partner nations at heritage jewels like Konark.
‘ She-Markets’ got a thumbs-up with tweaks—autonomous, lit, safe spots prioritizing accessibility, nursing zones for moms. Universal district hostels for women? A lifeline for dignity via restrooms and refuge. Challenges persist, but Murty’s faith is unshakeable: right values and policies will script India’s unstoppable saga, evolving from suspicion to stature.