Penguin Celebrates the Launch of Sudha Murty’s 50th Book, The Magic of the Lost Earrings, in Collaboration with KNMA
New Delhi, 21 November 2025: On the joyous occasion of Children’s Day, Penguin Random House India, in collaboration with the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA), Saket, celebrated the launch of The Magic of the Lost Earrings, the 50th book by Sudha Murty, one of India’s favourite authors and the chairperson of the Murty Trust as well as a member of the Rajya Sabha. Commencing at 5:00 pm, on 14th November, the event drew over 150 attendees, including young readers, teachers, parents, and long-time admirers of everyone’s beloved Ajji.
The event was graced by Shri Harivansh, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, who was the Chief Guest for the evening. Both Mrs Murty and Shri Harivansh addressed the audience, reflecting on the significance of children’s literature and the power of storytelling, followed by an engaging Q&A session with the crowd. The evening concluded with an enthusiastic book signing, with people bringing everything from newly released editions to their treasured older books to be signed.
The Magic of the Lost Earrings follows Nooni on an unforgettable journey across India and beyond; from the sacred ghats of Ujjain to the vibrant streets of Amritsar, the storied lanes of Delhi and all the way to London. What begins as a quiet holiday with Ajja and Ajji quickly transforms into a mystery-filled adventure when a pair of antique earrings reaches her hands, leading her into tales of heritage, family, and the magic that lies hidden in everyday objects.
Sharing her journey with the book, Mrs Murty said during her address, ‘Today I was thinking about my writing journey that began 45–47 years ago. My first book came in 1979, and from that day to this day, I have fifty books. Out of these, twenty-five are children’s books. The Magic of the Lost Earrings is part of the Nooni series, and it travels through India, Pakistan, and the city of London to remind children that history is not a dead subject. To be proud Indians, they need roots, and to know their roots, they must know their history. Whatever God has given me, I have written and enjoyed. I hope you also enjoy a little something.’
Speaking in honour of Mrs Murty and her work, Shri Harivansh said, ‘Sudha ji’s language is so simple, modest and emotional that her stories reach the heart before they reach the mind. Once you begin reading her work, you feel compelled to journey with her till the very last page. There can be no greater gift for children than the one she has offered through this book. I congratulate Sudha Murty ji and Penguin for bringing young readers such a meaningful chapter of their life.’
The launch found a particularly fitting home at KNMA, which is currently showcasing three major exhibitions that resonated closely with the spirit of Mrs Murty’s work-—please touch gently (zines, comics, ephemera), Extraordinary Line, and jo ġāyab hai, aur hāzir bhi, featuring Saba Hasan’s book sculptures. Spanning independent publications, intergenerational drawing practices, and explorations of the book as an object, these exhibitions created a natural setting for a celebration of stories, creativity, and curiosity. Together, they made KNMA a fitting partner for the milestone launch of Mrs Murty’s 50th book.
Emphasizing on the role of storytelling as a catalyst for cultural dialogue, Apurva Kackar, Director – Institutional Affairs, Learning and Outreach, Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) said, ‘Storytelling has the power to democratize art and culture by opening up conversations around complex ideas and deep human experiences. Sudha Murthy’s work embodies this beautifully— endearing warmth, timeless wisdom, and elegant simplicity make her books universally relatable and deeply moving. Her approach aligns perfectly with KNMA’s belief that art, in all its forms, should invite everyone into the conversation.’
Reflecting on this landmark moment, Sohini Mitra, Publisher, Children’s, Penguin Random House India, said, ‘Through these fifty books, Mrs Murty has built not just a remarkable body of works, but a bridge, between tradition and modernity, between wisdom and wonder, between the writer and every single reader who sees themselves in her words. As her publishers, we are deeply grateful for this long, enduring association and for her faith and trust. It has been an honour to walk alongside her on this journey. On behalf of Penguin, I want to thank Mrs Murty for her generosity and for entrusting us with her creative works.’
The book is now available nationwide. Readers are encouraged to pick up their copy and join Nooni on her latest adventure.
About the Author
Sudha Murty was born in 1950 in Shiggaon, in north Karnataka. She did her MTech in computer science. A philanthropist, a teacher and an author, she is the chairperson of the Murty Trust and a member of the Rajya Sabha.
A prolific writer in English and Kannada, she has written novels, technical books, travelogues, collections of short stories, non-fiction and several bestselling children’s titles. Her books have been translated into all major Indian languages.
Sudha Murty has been honoured with the R.K. Narayan Award for Literature, the Padma Shri (2006), the Attimabbe Award (2011), the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2018 Crossword Book Awards and the Padma Bhushan (2023). She has also received over twenty honorary doctorates.
Generations of young readers have grown up reading her stories, many of which are now included in school textbooks across India.
About KNMA
Established through the initiative of avid art collector Kiran Nadar, the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) opened to the public in January 2010 as India’s first private museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art from the subcontinent. KNMA is a non-commercial, not-for-profit institution supported by the Shiv Nadar Foundation. It seeks to foster a dynamic relationship between art and culture through its exhibitions, publications, educational initiatives, and public programs. Committed to institutional collaborations and artist support networks, KNMA actively engages with diverse audiences through its wide-ranging programming.