Rat race robbing kids of their childhood: Sudha Murty

Bengaluru: Sudha Murty, Chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, spends her time juggling her many passions – writing, philanthropy, social work and teaching – and one can conclude that all this involves a rather packed schedule! Still, it is from her idyllic, laidback childhood in Hubballi that her inspiration stems, as she looks back on a world that wasn't quite as ruthless or fast-paced as it is now.

Her latest book, The Magic of the Lost Temple, is the story of 12-year-old Nooni, a bright little city girl who finds herself spending eight weeks with her grandmother in a small village in Karnataka. It doesn't take Nooni too long to stumble into a little adventure of her own and as she does, she discovers the countless joys of rural life.

“The world is a very cutthroat and ruthless place," said Ms Murty, speaking to Deccan Chronicle on Saturday afternoon. “Kids today are always preparing for something, they never really stop to relax. Things were different when I was growing up… we understood the joys of being a child and accepting the good with the bad. If you win all the time, your first failure can break you."

The book is a magnum opus comprising two illustrated novellas. "They wanted me to write them a book and they insisted it be written in two halves, so they each got an equal share," Murty laughed. "Of course, the story had been in my head for a while too, because I have felt that children today don't understand the importance of history. My grandfather, who was a history teacher, would often tell me stories and I inherited a deep love for the subject."

The book took three years to complete, she explained, with research to back every detail. "Kids are so transparent, sincere and imaginative. It's important to use kind words and above all, to stay honest. You need to tell the truth." Despite the apparent bustle of her life, she describes herself as someone who lets her heart lead the way.

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