Journeying Through Time: Sudha Murty's Vacation Memories
Sudha Murty, chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, renowned author, and the mother-in-law of UK's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, is known for her accomplishments. Yet, beneath her many roles lies a treasure trove of cherished childhood memories. In a heartwarming conversation, she takes us back to her village, where the essence of bonding, games, and the sweet aroma of mangoes painted her vacations.
Could you tell us about your childhood vacations?
Certainly. Every year, it was a tradition for our family to journey to our grandparents' village in Karnataka during my school vacations. This escapade extended for over a month, allowing us to immerse ourselves fully in the embrace of the village. Moreover, the planning and anticipation that preceded this annual trip was itself a source of excitement. As the school began to wind down, the prospect of leaving behind the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives for the village filled our hearts with anticipation. The very thought of reuniting with our grandparents brought smiles to our faces.
Can you paint a picture of your village for our readers?
Imagine a radiant sun casting a golden hue and the air filled with the intoxicating scent of mangoes. Thirteen cousins—Lata, Ranganath, Lalita, and more—gathered, immersed in games, stories, and endless bonding. The scorching sun prompted early starts. With no electricity or tap water, dawn meant trips to the nearby stepwell for our baths. We'd gather water for our large family, an experience that built our connection with nature. Our mornings involved fetching water competitively from the well. We'd see who could carry the most pots on their head—someone even managed ten! The village rhythm, starting tasks by 8 am to beat the heat, taught us self-reliance. Afternoons brimmed with games like antakshari, book reading, and crow-chasing during papad-making. Amid the modest lunch—jawar roti, rice, veggies, papad—mango juice was a constant companion. Afternoons meant retreating to the world of books, avoiding the sun's heat. Stories captivated me, transporting me far from the village.
And what about evenings?
As the sun dipped, we invented games—balancing stones, dice games, and even mango-peeling competitions. History lessons followed, imparted by our grandfather. Movie nights in tents, where we spent hours viewing Tamil classics like Dasavatharam and storytelling while sitting on the verandah, concluded our evenings. Bedtime was marked by playful bickering over who'd sleep next to our grandmother—a fitting close to our days.
Were vacations also a time of celebrations?
Absolutely. Weddings filled our vacations with elaborate preparations at home, lasting a week. The festivities brought us closer as a family. We had several relatives getting married every year, and since my father had five sisters and four brothers, we had many people in the family. In those days, all the wedding arrangements, from cooking the food to holding the ceremony, were done at home, unlike modern weddings in commercial venues.
As life evolved, did your vacations change?
Yes, vacations did transform with time. Cousins were lost, and the taste of mangoes lost its allure. My granddaughters in London have their own way of spending their vacations. They do horse riding, water sports, cycling, and other modern pastimes. Our family has become smaller, and weddings are no longer annual.
How do you summarise the essence of those childhood vacations?
Vacations taught us that simple pleasures, shared moments, and family bonds are treasures worth cherishing. Travel needn't be distant—it can be enjoyed with a simple life, sharing, learning new things, and spending time with family.
How do you feel looking back at those days?
Of course, I miss them. The abundance of mangoes is irreplaceable! But those memories remain etched, guiding me to appreciate life's simplicity.
Lastly, how would you encapsulate your childhood vacations in a single line?
"Wo kagaz ki kashti, Wo barish ka pani..."
