Event
SCRF: Grandma tales fame Sudha Murty looks at audiobook to connect with children
Celebrated author, educator and philanthropist Sudha Murty left a packed hall of all age groups at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) captivated and craving for more just as her books do even at the age of 72.
Her session, titled ‘Tales of Grandma’, was the highlight of the day and the organisers even had to shut the doors midway into the session after the alleys also filled up with people standing. Many trooped in a little late because there were no clear directions on the agenda.
The love and affection from the children and parents alike, clamouring for pictures, blessings and signed autographs on her books, became so overbearing that the SCRF security had to called it off fearing a stampede on the dias.
Ms Murty, awarded India’s highest civilian honour Padma Bhushan last month, regaled the audience with tales as a grandmother would. Asked to choose a favourite among her published works, she said: “It is difficult to ask a mother to choose between her children, and my books are my children.” the author of 44 books (29 in English and 15 in Kannada) acknowledged that she now releases one book a year.
The Intellectual Hall at the Expo Centre was packed to the rafters. SCRF
To an interesting question about embracing technology through mediums such as podcasts to deliver her stories, Ms Murty gave a revealing confession. “I have always been comfortable just writing. Lately, I have been told that I need to look into new formats to share my stories. Podcasts are not for me. However, I recently requested my daughter to look into the possibility of audiobooks”.
Ms Murty’s advice to the young audience is to develop hobbies. “It can be anything, even one is fine if you pursue it in all earnest without letting your studies get affected. In fact, the hobby will help you focus on your studies, while also helping you become a better person.”
For the uninitiated, most of Ms Murty’s books are based on her real-life experiences, and hence “non-fiction to a large extent,” she said. Among her latest works has been a three-book set: Gopi Diaries. Citing the latest trilogy as an example, Ms Murty revealed that Gopi in the book is actually his dog. She also shared anecdotes of how the dog was initially unwanted, but ended up becoming “my son” within a year of entering the household.
Ms Murty is a philanthropist and wife of tech multinational Infosys head Narayan Murthy. Their daughter Akshata is married to British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Recently, a video of her casual chat about Sunak went viral.
House of Wisdom visit
The author then visited the House of Wisdom (HoW), Sharjah’s iconic cultural centre and futuristic library, where she was introduced to the emirate’s efforts to promote culture, knowledge and innovation amongst the younger generation in the UAE and beyond. She sifted through HoW’s exhaustive physical and digital archives and was briefed on the various programmes and initiatives led by HoW to stimulate imaginations and boost cross-cultural understanding and exchange.
As part of her tour through HoW’s world-class facilities, Ms Murty stopped at the Little Reader section, where she was briefed on the events and workshops that are designed exclusively for children in order to develop their skills in a variety of areas. She also reviewed the wide-ranging collection of children and young adult titles in English, Arabic and other languages.
A tactical ride from Mansoor Al Shedi aboard Nil Boy 16 ensured Zabeel Stables won the DIEC 101km Commemoration Day Cup for Private Stables at Dubai International Endurance City in Seeh Al Salam on Thursday.
Partnering the nine-year-old gelding, Al Shedi won the four-loop ride in a time of three hours, 25 minutes and one second (3:25:01), the pair going about their business at an average speed of 29.56kph, which was marginally faster than the average speed recorded by second finishing pair of Fares Al Mansoori and Al Tantawy, representing SS Stables, who completed the ride in 3:25:27.
Placing a distant third, with 3:26:53 on the clock, were Ahmed Al Marzooqi and Adrar, who competed in the colours of Al Qubaisi Private Stables.
Al Shedi and his mount were third at the end of the first loop, where the lead was secured by Anan Al Katheeri aboard Dakar who were quickest in the opening stage.
In a race that saw the lead change hands constantly, Khalifa Salem Al Ameemi of SS Stables took over at the end of the second phase aboard Ras Trovador. However, their elimination during the course of the third loop, left Al Marzooqi and Adrar in charge of the leaderboard.
Al Shedi had dropped four places during the second loop, but worked his way up from that seventh position he found himself at to reach second going into the fourth and final phase.
And as he turned on the heat, leader Al Marzooqi and his mount Adrar failed to keep pace and ceded the initiative to them with Al Mansoori and his racing partner Al Tantawy doing well to sneak into second with Al Marzooqi forced into the third and final podium spot.
Board Member and General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, Major General Dr. Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, presented the winners with their trophies, commenting: “It was a terrific effort from the winning combination to finish the way they did and I would like to congratulate the winners for their efforts. I would like to thank the stables for participating in the event and getting their horses and riders ready for this very important ride.
“We have a long season ahead of us that is going to be very exciting and we wish all of those involved all the very best for what lies ahead.”
The season at Dubai International Endurance City includes a series of top rides with the world-renowned HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival and Crown Prince of Dubai Endurance Festival, the two showpiece events on its calendar.
Jaffna Titans secure dominant win over Colombo Jaguars on rain-hit Day 2 of Lanka T10
Bring your best, or fall short”: Tom Kohler-Cadmore on thriving in the DP World ILT20
