The Hidden Gem – Sudha Murty

Sudha Murty is a powerful personality in her own right, an engineer, author, philanthropist, teacher, and a voice of wisdom wrapped in simplicity. Sudha Murty was born in Shiggaon, Karnataka, in 1950. She grew up in a humble, middle-class family where education, values, and kindness mattered more than money.

She once said, "Charity is not about giving money. It is about giving your time, knowledge, and service to those who need it." That’s the kind of person she is—grounded, hands-on, and deeply human.

What Makes Her So Special?
It’s not her awards (though she has many), or her fame, or her connection to big names in business and politics. What makes Sudha Murty special is that she stays real in a world that often celebrates the fake. She teaches us that you don’t need to be flashy to be impactful. You can live simply, speak gently, and still move mountains as long as your heart is in the right place.
How One Book Changed My View on Reading
I never thought a random moment would lead me to a new favorite author.
It started when I saw my friend quietly reading a book by Sudha Murty. She looked so deeply absorbed in the book. I asked what it was about, and she simply said, “It’s just beautiful, simple stories with no dramatic plots.”
Out of curiosity, I borrowed the book.
What I found inside wasn’t just stories; it was life. Honest, heartfelt, and deeply human. Stories about kindness, values, small-town lives, and big hearts. Nothing loud. Nothing dramatic. Just gentle truths we often forget. Since then, I’ve read more of her work, and each time, I feel grounded. There’s something about Sudha Murty’s writing; it speaks to the part of you that still believes in goodness.
A Simple Book with Powerful Lessons
How I Taught My Grandmother to Read and Other Stories By Sudha Murty is more than just a book; it's a window into everyday life, filled with warmth, wisdom, and valuable lessons. Told in a simple, conversational tone, each story is based on real-life experiences, many drawn from the author’s own life. What makes this collection truly special is its ability to inspire, especially young readers, without being preachy.
Each of the 25 stories in this collection carries a moral or life lesson. Whether it's honesty, humility, empathy, or courage, the stories are short yet impactful. Sudha Murty uses ordinary people and situations to teach extraordinary values. For example,
"A Lesson in Life from a Beggar" shows how wealth doesn't always bring peace.

Lovely Mithilesh Jha
Student - IX A