Introduction:
Sudha Murty is the author of the book "Three Thousand Stitches". In addition to serving as the chairman of the Infosys Foundation, Sudha Murty writes columns for English and Kannada newspapers and is a prolific non-fiction novelist from India. She is also well renowned for her charitable efforts to improve the lives of the poor and the oppressed.
"Three Thousand Stitches" is based on a few incidents and recollections from her life. It is a collection of eleven inspirational stories that were expertly chosen from her life and her travels. The tales educate us on a variety of human relationships and the emotions connected to them. As a young child, college student, and chair of the Infosys Foundation, she made serious commitments to attain her ambitions and demonstrate her commitment at each stage of her life.
Synopsis:
Each real story in this collection is a reflection of a life lived with grace, exposing both the good and the bad in human nature.
Three Thousand Stitches:
This title story tells us how Sudha Murty assisted 3000 devadasis in leaving that system, becoming independent, and leading lives of respect and dignity. They gave her a bedspread made by all 3000 of them as a thank-you gift.
How to Beat the Boys:
The problems and biases she encountered resulted from attending an engineering college where all the students were boys.
Food for Thought:
A mouthwatering tale describing India's strong and varied desire for its cuisine.
Three Handfuls of Water:
The author's life was irrevocably altered by a journey to Kashi for a Ganga bath and a promise to give up a longing while offering three handfuls of water.
Cattle Class:
Murty's encounter at an airport while waiting to board her trip utilizing the business class privilege is the subject of an amusing and widely shared story.
A Life Unwritten:
The story of the author's father, R.H. Kulkarni, illustrates an important lesson: a single gesture of kindness can mean the world to someone.
No Place Like Home:
This is a tragic tale about the hardship of women who, in an effort to provide a better lifestyle for their family, move to places like Kuwait and Dubai in search of more salary and a pleasant lifestyle—only to find themselves reduced to the whims and fancies of their employers. The author helped these women back home safely.
A Powerful Ambassador:
This narrative describes the global impact and influence of India's Bollywood industry, particularly the actors.
Rasleela and the Swimming Pool:
The granddaughters of Sudha Murty edited and told the modernized versions of the classic tales of Krishna's Rasleela and Draupadi's Akshaya Patra.
A Day in the Infosys Foundation:
The title itself contains a synopsis of the narrative. The twist is that Suddha Murty accompanied her buddy around one day since she couldn't understand why she couldn't go to a ceremony at her friend's house.
I Can’t, We Can:
This tale is about the 'Alcoholics Anonymous' group. "Alcoholics Anonymous" (AA) is a support group that helps alcoholics permanently quit drinking. How alcohol destroys lives, is explained here through various people who are taking help from AA. AA helps them quit alcohol and celebrates their journeys.
My Perspective:
A mind-blowing, spontaneous read is "Three Thousand Stitches". Every anecdote she tells is like a chapter in her life, filled with meaningful messages, experiences, and lessons. Along with some humour to relieve the tension, one is sure to learn something new. She casually discusses her outlook on life in a straightforward manner. Her compelling narrative style, which is direct from the heart, keeps the story on point. An interesting read with lots to consider. She tackles topics like alcoholism, conservatism, exploitation, and discrimination in her most friendly and straightforward stories, which in turn spark some thought. The style makes reading more effortless, and the honest style attracted me to read this book in one go. I strongly recommend this book to everyone.
My Rating: 10/10
