In an engaging conversation with the media, Sudha Murthy expressed her belief that “reading is more important than digital life.” She elaborated on the profound impact that reading has on the imagination and knowledge acquisition. Citing her own family’s experience, she explained how her children and grandchildren had very different perceptions of Lord Krishna, shaped by their exposure to digital media. “When I asked my children to describe Krishna, my daughter and son said Nitish Bharadwaj from BR Chopra’s Mahabharat, that’s what Krishna is to them. Then I asked my granddaughter to describe Krishna. She said Suarabh Jain. The imagination stopped by the ceiling of digital media looks like that,” Murthy remarked, emphasizing how the depth of imagination that comes from reading books surpasses the fixed images offered by digital content.

Sudha Murthy also highlighted the evolution of reading practices over the centuries, noting that while the medium may change—whether it’s from stone slates to Bhoja Patra or paper—people’s love for acquiring knowledge remains constant. “The method of acquiring knowledge has changed but the love for knowledge has not. We cannot avoid digital media 100 percent, but reading will always remain essential,” she stated.

The author also reflected on the challenges faced by women writers in earlier times. Recalling her own experience as a young woman, Murthy shared how society once believed that women could only write about domestic matters. “In my olden days, when I was young, it was so difficult for a woman author to publish books. Men never believed. They used to say, ‘Women can write only Kitchen stories but they cannot write about life.’ But today, it is not true. Today, women are changing their whole way of living. They are in good jobs, they are astronauts, and when they come back with much experience, it will be great,” she said.

The 18th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival, which is being held at Hotel Clarks Amer from January 30 to February 3, serves as a platform for dialogue, exploration, and celebration of literary creativity across diverse mediums. Through her reflections on reading, digital media, and the evolving role of women in literature, Sudha Murthy’s presence at the festival has sparked important conversations about the future of knowledge and storytelling.

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In a heartfelt message shared on X, President Murmu conveyed, “Heartiest greetings to all countrymen on Basant Panchami and Saraswati Puja! On this joyous occasion and festival related to education and knowledge, I wish happiness, prosperity, knowledge, and wisdom to all countrymen. I pray to Maa Saraswati to establish India as the knowledge centre of the world.” The President’s words reflected the festival’s deeper connection to education and intellectual growth, with a vision for India to become a global hub for learning and innovation.

Prime Minister Modi also shared his wishes, writing, “Best wishes on the auspicious occasions of Basant Panchami and Saraswati Puja.” The Prime Minister’s message mirrored the sentiments of the occasion, marking a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of Holi preparations.

Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also sent their greetings. Shah expressed, “Heartiest greetings to all the countrymen on the sacred festival of Basant Panchami. I wish that Mother Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, and discretion, brings happiness and prosperity in everyone’s life.” Similarly, Gadkari wished for happiness and joy, stating, “Heartiest greetings to all countrymen on the auspicious festival of Basant Panchami. On this festival of enthusiasm and joy, may Maa Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and learning, bring joy and happiness in everyone’s life.”

BJP National President JP Nadda shared his thoughts on the festival’s focus on learning, wisdom, and nature. He wrote, “Heartiest greetings to all of you on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami, the festival dedicated to the worship of Maa Saraswati, the goddess of learning, wisdom, knowledge, and love for nature. May Mother Saraswati illuminate the life of all of you with the light of knowledge and provide happiness, prosperity, and good health. Hail Mother Sharada!”

Union Minister Anurag Thakur also joined in, wishing, “Happy Basant Panchami to you all. May Goddess of consciousness, wisdom, and discrimination, Maa Saraswati, keep her grace upon you all and bring welfare to the entire world,” accompanied by Sanskrit shlokas invoking the blessings of the goddess.

Basant Panchami, also known as Vasant Panchami or Saraswati Panchami, is celebrated on the first day of spring, typically falling on the fifth day of Magha month. The festival is an important occasion for worshiping Maa Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, and the arts. It also marks the beginning of preparations for Holi, which follows 40 days after the celebration.

As leaders across India extended their warm wishes for Basant Panchami, the festival’s focus on knowledge and intellectual growth took center stage, reflecting the collective hope for prosperity and wisdom in the coming year.

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