Jaipur: Nowadays, joint families are breaking up. Children don’t get to live with their grandparents, and women are often engrossed in TV serials. This is leading to a decline in conversation at home and the moral values children receive. To fill this void, she started writing stories for children, so that good values could be taught through storytelling. This was stated by author and social worker Sudha Murty.
On the third day of the Jaipur Literature Festival 2026, author and social worker Sudha Murty’s session in the front lawn was a special attraction for the audience. The session was titled ‘The Magic of the Lost Earrings,’ in which she was seen in conversation with filmmaker Mandira Nair. Sudha Murty spoke openly about her life, writing journey, and children’s literature. She said that she has written nine novels, six experience-based books, and several technical and inspirational books so far. Feeling like a foreigner in Pakistan: Recalling her visit to Pakistan, Sudha Murty said that about 20 years ago, when she went there, the food, language, and music felt quite familiar, but she still felt like a foreigner. She said that the Sindhi and Punjabi communities prosper because they are not afraid to start a new life and work hard wherever they go.
Advice for the youth: She said that one wrong decision in life can affect many people, so every step should be taken thoughtfully. She clearly stated that money and success are important, but they are not everything. True strength lies in self-confidence and the ability to overcome difficult situations. Without these, neither success nor peace of mind can be achieved. Show the country’s heritage: Sudha Murty said that her ideal is the former Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Reciting a verse, she said, ‘We don’t need the Kohinoor diamond; we have people like gems in our country.’ She appealed to grandparents to show their grandchildren India’s historical heritage and natural beauty instead of taking them abroad. There are countless wonderful places to visit and learn from in India. She will personally take her grandson to the Northeast and Cherrapunji so that he can understand his country better.
