Renowned author and philanthropist Sudha Murthy on Saturday said she began writing children’s stories to instil moral values in young minds, amid the decline of joint family systems in modern India. Speaking at the 19th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival 2026, she observed that the erosion of intergenerational bonding has reduced everyday conversations that once shaped children’s character.

Murthy noted that children today often grow up without the guidance of grandparents, while family interactions have been replaced by television and digital distractions. To address this gap, she said she turned to storytelling as a gentle yet powerful way to impart values such as empathy, honesty, and resilience. Her session, titled The Magic of the Lost Earrings, was moderated by filmmaker Mandira Nair.

Appealing directly to grandparents, Murthy urged them to introduce children to India’s historical heritage and natural beauty instead of prioritising foreign travel. She emphasised that the country offers countless opportunities for learning and exploration, citing destinations such as the Northeast and Cherrapunji as places that help children connect more deeply with their roots.

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The 75-year-old author stressed the importance of teaching children about India’s past, particularly the trauma of Partition. She said her latest book consciously addresses the subject to help young readers understand that Partition was a tragic mistake that should never be repeated. According to Murthy, understanding history is essential for making thoughtful decisions in the future.

Drawing from personal experience, Murthy said her desire to explain Partition was inspired by conversations with her granddaughter, Anoushka Sunak, on whom the book’s central character is based. She also referred to the family history of her son-in-law, former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, whose grandparents were displaced multiple times due to Partition and later migration from Africa.

Murthy concluded by reminding audiences that success and wealth alone do not define a meaningful life. True strength, she said, lies in self-confidence, resilience, and the ability to overcome hardship—values she hopes to pass on to future generations through her writing and public engagement.

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