Wise and Otherwise: A Salute to Life

“Wise and Otherwise: A Salute to Life”
Sudha Murty is a social activist and worker and also a prolific writer in Kannada and English. She is well known for her social work as the chairperson of Infosys Foundation. Through her writings, she tries to highlight the social issues prevalent in the society. ‘Dollar Sose’ authored by her in Kannada is her most renowned work and beside that. she has authored several other books like How I taught my grandmother to read, The Accolades Galore, House of Cards etc in English and Yashashvi, Tumula, Paridihi Computer Lokadalli in Kannada language. Sudha Murty has been decorated with several awards from prestigious institutions. She is the better half of N.R. Narayana Murthy.
Wise and otherwise has generated interest not just as an inspirational book of people’s struggles and how they overcome it but also for its settings. It present a realistic picture of India with its values, traditions and imperfections and lay before the readers certain set of moral values whose validity they have to judge for themselves. It unravels human nature and shows all that is good and bad in it and how it is often shaped by intention and circumstances. From the story of a son who leaves his father in an old age home pretending he is a stranger to the story of earthquake aid being exploited and not reaching to victims, each story is a moving one and will generate myriads of emotions within the readers, ranging from anger to kindness to pity to the realisation of reality of the world. The book grabs the attention of the reader through its skilful narration of characters, setting and situations.
Sudha Murthy’s Wise and Otherwise: A Salute to Life is a reflection of the many paradoxes life offers. Through a collection of real-life stories, the author provides readers with glimpses of human nature at its best and worst. Each story in the book is deeply personal, recounting instances from Murthy’s life or the lives of those she has met during her extensive travels and experiences. This unique blend of personal and universal themes creates a profound narrative that resonates with readers on a deeper emotional level.
Murthy’s writing is simple, clear, and grounded, making her observations both relatable and impactful. What makes Wise and Otherwise special is the way it explores the gray areas of life. She presents a range of emotions and situations – from kindness and honesty to betrayal and greed – showing that life is never black and white. This juxtaposition of good and bad, wisdom and folly, is what makes the stories stand out. In one particular story, Murthy narrates the tale of an encounter with a beggar, which taught her the true value of kindness and humility. Through such moments, Murthy gently encourages the reader to be more introspective, questioning their beliefs and perceptions.
The book’s title itself—Wise and Otherwise—sums up the essence of Murthy’s exploration. It reminds us that wisdom is not just about making the right choices, but also about learning from the wrong ones. With humor and compassion, she urges readers to reflect on their own lives, reinforcing that every moment, good or bad, carries lessons for personal growth.
In addition to the moral lessons, Murthy’s writing style is refreshing for its simplicity. There is no complex jargon or heavy philosophy. The clarity of expression makes each story easy to follow, yet the messages stay with you long after you’ve finished reading. The beauty of the book lies in its capacity to evoke introspection without being preachy.
Overall conclusion, Wise and Otherwise is a compelling read for anyone who seeks wisdom in the everyday moments of life. Sudha Murthy offers not just a collection of stories, but an invitation to live more consciously and with greater empathy.