Don't let our kids miss out on classic Indian stories: Sudha Murty

Mumbai: Its Vasant Panchami today, the day students seek the blessings of Goddess Saraswati. Interestingly, Sudha Murthy has always credited Goddess Saraswati as her inspiration to write.

Taking the stage at Crossword Bookstores, Turner Road, Bandra, she epitomises simplicity, purpose and energy. The endearing saree clad author, is eager to talk about her new book, “The Serpent’s Revenge: Unusual Tales from Mahabharata”, a book that comprises 25 tales from The Mahabharata.

In her charming introduction to the book, Murthy reiterates that 'she was inspired her to write something different from her previous versions of books." ‘

If so, then why the Mahabharata, an oft told story?

Murthy explained to a rapt audience, ­”-- We know the Mahabharata the story. I kept on removing the important topics.--in Mahabharata the yuddha (war) is common, Draupadi's swayamvar is common, her vastraharan is common. My focus was on the lesser known facts. That's how I found the unusual stories and drafted it. If you are immersed in the subject, you'll get to know what to write, what sequence to write it in."

The author clearly sees the Mahabharata as a confluence of many tales, several of which are not very well-known. For instance; did you know the tale of Yudhisthira and the dog on the pathway to heaven?

Kinjal Shah, CEO Crossword Bookstores expressed his joy at hosting the revered author. He said, " One of the foremost audiences we see at Crossword Bookstores is parents reading out to their children. Sudha Murthy's books are highly sought after by parents; and offer the right kind of reading material that every Indian family bonds over."