Three Thousand Stitches By Sudha Murty | Quotes And Summary
Three Thousand Stitches is Sudha Murty at her best: honest, warm, and deeply human.
This essay collection shares real stories from her work with the Infosys Foundation. You'll meet 3,000 devadasis who stitched a quilt to thank her. You'll travel with her to Kashi. You'll sit beside her at an airport where someone judged her for wearing a simple sari.
Sudha Murty doesn't preach. She observes. She reflects. And somehow, her simple stories stay with you long after you finish reading.
I picked up this book expecting light reading. What I got was a masterclass in empathy and the quiet power of kindness.
📖 Quick Info:
- Pages: 224 pages
- Genre: Essays / Non-fiction / Memoir
- Published: 2017
- Reading time: 4-5 hours
- Best for: Readers who love true stories, Indian culture, and Sudha Murty's signature warmth
- Vibes: Heartwarming, reflective, Indian values, travel stories, social work, simple wisdom
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Three Thousand Stitches
My rating
4 / 5
Author
Sudha Murty
Publisher
Penguin Books
Genre
Non-fiction/ Short Stories
Number of Pages
179
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About Three Thousand Stitches
Unmasking both the beauty and the ugliness of human nature, each of the true stories in this collection is reflective of a life lived with grace.
‘A language is but a vehicle. It’s the person inside who’s weaving the story that’s more important. You are a storyteller. So just get on with your story and the language will fall into place.’
Here I present a brief summary of each story and a quote from it.
1. Three Thousand Stitches - The devadasi rehabilitation story
The story of how Sudha Murty helped 3000 devadasis get out of that system and become independent and live a life of dignity and honor. To show their appreciation, they gifted her a quilt stitched by all 3000 of them.
“This is from our hearts to yours. This will keep you cool in summer and warm in winter-just like our affection towards you. You were by our side during our difficult times, and we want to be with you too.”
2. No Man's Garden - Her engineering college days as the only woman
The story of her engineering college days, where all students in her college were boys, and the ensuing difficulties and prejudices she faced because of that.
“I aimed to become self-sufficient; I would be my best friend and my worst enemy.”
3. A Tale of Two Cultures - India's diverse food culture
A delicious story detailing India’s vibrant and diverse appetite for its food.
“Who really said that India is a country? It is a continent – culturally vibrant, diverse in food and yet, distinctly Indian at heart.
4. Three Handfuls of Water - The Kashi pilgrimage and giving up desires
A trip to Kashi for a dip in the Ganga and the vow to give up a desire while offering three handfuls of water changed the author’s life forever.
“The truth is that the vow turned out to be a gateway to freedom. The desire to acquire has vanished over time.”
5. Terrible Someday - The airport business class incident
A hilarious and very popular story about Murty’s experience at an airport while waiting to board her flight using her business class privilege.
“The concept that you automatically gain class by acquiring money is an outdated thought process.”"If you enjoy this, check out my complete list of 40+ Sudha Murty books."
6. The Gift of Sacrifice - R.H. Kulkarni's kindness changing lives
An important message is conveyed through this story of Murty’s father R.H.Kulkarni, that a single act of kindness can mean the world to someone.
“A few kind words and encouragement had changed a young girl’s life.”
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7. When the Rains Failed - Women exploited abroad in Kuwait/Dubai
This one is a sad story about the plight of women who, for the sake of a better lifestyle for their family, relocate to countries like Kuwait and Dubai under the pretence of higher pay and a comfortable lifestyle and become slaves to the whims and fancies of their masters. The author gave up on her life’s dream to send these women back home safely.
“India is changing. Gone are the days when people worked for a minuscule salary. Honesty carries a high price in India now.”
8. A Powerful Ambassador
This story narrates the impact and influence that India’s Bollywood industry, especially the actors, has globally.
“If somebody talks about the importance of good values, it may impact one person in the crowd. If someone writes about them, then it may change a few more. But if it is shown in Bollywood through a powerful story, then the impact is much more drastic. As an actor, one must own the responsibility to spread the right messages.”"Looking for more short reads? See my list of 18 Indian books under 200 pages."
9.Horegallu - Krishna's Rasleela and Akshayapatra retold by granddaughters
The 21st-century version of the age-old stories of Krishna’s Rasleela and Draupadi’s story of the Akshayapatra is edited and narrated by Sudha Murty’s granddaughters.
10. A Day in the Foundation - Behind the scenes of her charitable work
The summary of the story is in the title itself. The twist is Suddha Murty tagged her friend along everywhere with her one day, as her friend was unable to understand why she could not attend a ceremony at her friend’s house.
“It isn’t that simple. A day at the foundation is filled with many activities, some of which aren’t easy to explain.”
11.Genes - Alcoholics Anonymous story
Alcoholics Anonymous, a community that helps alcoholics give up the habit of drinking for good. What is their story? What do they do? How do they help others? Where do they operate from?
“In a lifespan of many years, you can take time off for a year to figure out what’s good for you. It is worth it.”“The drinking hadn’t harmed me but it had labeled my child special. He had done nothing to deserve this, and yet he was the one paying for my sins.”Looking for more Indian Books to Read? See my List of 100 Indian Books To Read in a Lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Three Thousand Stitches a novel or short stories?
It's an essay collection. Each chapter is a standalone true story from Sudha Murty's life and work.
Q. Do I need to read other Sudha Murty books first?
No. Each essay stands alone. This is actually a great starting point if you're new to her writing.
Q. What is the main theme of Three Thousand Stitches?
The book explores kindness, social work, Indian culture, and the transformative power of small acts of compassion.
Q. Who are the devadasis mentioned in the title story?
Devadasis were women dedicated to temples, often exploited. Sudha Murty helped 3,000 of them become independent through the Infosys Foundation.
Q. Is this book suitable for teenagers?
Yes. The language is simple, and the stories are inspiring without being heavy. Great for ages 14+.
Q. How long does it take to read?
About 4-5 hours. The essays are short, so you can read one at a time.
Three Thousand Stitches reminds you why Sudha Murty has millions of readers.
She doesn't write to impress. She writes to connect. Every essay feels like sitting with a wise grandmother who's seen the world and wants to share what she's learned.
If you want complicated plots, look elsewhere. If you want warmth, wisdom, and stories that restore your faith in humanity, this book delivers.
- Read this if you like Chicken Soup for the Soul, The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk, essay collections about real life
- Skip this if you prefer fiction or fast-paced narratives
