A woman can walk into a boardroom wearing a saree and know exactly what she wants to say. Yet, some people may judge her appearance before listening to her ideas. Author, educator and philanthropist Sudha Murty recently highlighted this bias during a conversation with influencer Aisshwarya DKS Hegde.Her message was simple: intelligence does not depend on clothing. The discussion has struck a chord with viewers who see the saree as an expression of identity, not a barrier to professional success.
Sudha Murty reveals the assumption she faces
In the viral video, Murty explained that she wants women to wear sarees and enter boardrooms without feeling the need to change their appearance to appear capable.She recalled people addressing her as “Behenji” and assuming she did not know English because she wore a saree. “They assume that because I wear a saree, I do not know English,” she said.Her response cuts to the heart of the problem. A person’s language skills, education and professional abilities cannot be reliably judged by their clothes. Yet, first impressions often influence how people are treated, sometimes before they get a chance to speak.
Why traditional clothing still faces stereotypes
Western formal wear is often associated with corporate authority, while traditional clothing can be unfairly labelled old-fashioned. This creates an unnecessary choice between cultural identity and professional ambition.A saree does not automatically make someone competent, just as a suit does not guarantee expertise. Both are simply clothing. What matters at work is the person’s knowledge, decisions, conduct and ability to do the job.
Social media praises her message, but not everyone agrees
The video drew affectionate comments from viewers who called Murty an inspiration and praised the conversation between the two women. One commenter wrote, “What is my knowledge is independent of what I wear,” describing the line as particularly powerful.A working woman also shared that wearing sarees at hospital meetings and workshops had become part of her identity, adding that colleagues admired her more for it. The larger point about workplace bias, however, deserves consideration on its own merits.
What the conversation asks society to reconsider
The real issue is not whether a saree is better than a suit. It is why women should have to prove their intelligence despite what they wear.Professional dress codes can serve practical purposes, but they should not become a measure of someone’s worth or ability without a clear reason. Women should be free to choose clothing that suits their work, comfort and identity.Murty’s message offers a useful reminder: respect should begin with a person’s abilities, not assumptions about their appearance.Watch the video here:ID@undefined Caption not available.Disclaimer: This article draws on the supplied interview description, video caption and social media comments. The comments reflect individual opinions and should not be treated as representative of all viewers.