The faces of Aayushi Jha and Toshna Unni were beaming with excitement as they took the centre stage along with renowned author, educator and philanthropist, Mrs Sudha Murty on the occasion of The Telegraph Online Edugraph 18 Under 18 awards, 2024.
The 17-year-olds were the winners of a creative writing contest where students were asked to write a short paragraph on 'If I was Sudha Murty, I would...' The winners were selected based on their thought processes and their articulation in written words. The purpose of this contest was to give two young minds a chance to ask Mrs Murty a few questions in person.
While Aayushi is a student of the National High School for Girls (CBSE), Toshna is a student of Akshar.
"The times have changed. However, there are certain fundamentals that you must remember. One of them is respecting your parents. They have seen life and have undergone difficulties. When they tell you something, you must sit back and listen to them," she said on being asked by Ayushi about the advice she would like to give to students.
"Having patience is also very important. Having patience can solve many problems in life. Don't think that you should always win. Life is full of surprises. Have the confidence to face it, instead of running away," she added.
Ayushi also questioned her about the changes that she would like to make if she had the power, to which Mrs Murty replied that she would end wars and make the world a peaceful place to live in. She also added that eradicating hunger from the face of the earth would also be her primary task.
Toshna, on the other hand asked Mrs Murty about the most challenging role she has played so far i her life.
Replying to Toshna's question, Mrs Murty said that her most favourite role is that of a teacher.
"Coming from a family of teachers where my parents and even in-laws are teachers, I enjoy the profession," said Mrs Murty.
On the challenging front, she said it was a tough job to be the wife of an entrepreneur as none from her family have been entrepreneurs in the past.
"It was challenging. Back then, we didn't know the outcome. With limited income and two children, all we could do was work hard and hope for the best," she said.
"Handling money is more difficult than earning money. It is very challenging to bring up children with middle-class values despite having money," she added.
The Telegraph Online Edugraph 18 under 18 Awards, 2024 recognised 18 young achievers under the age of 18 years from across Eastern India for their various talents. The event was presented by NSHM Knowledge Campus and Co-powered by Techno India Group and iTech as the Associate Partner.
Click here to meet the winners of The Telegraph Online Edugraph 18 under 18 Awards.