The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk by Sudha Murty

The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk by Sudha Murty is an inspiring collection of real-life stories drawn from the author's personal encounters. The beauty of the book, what I loved most, is how the book speaks to everyone, regardless of age or reading habit through simple, relatable storytelling.

Each story carries a unique message, which makes us think while also highlighting how help and generosity are often interpreted differently by people, influenced by their attitudes and circumstances. The book encourages readers to reflect on their own values and actions, reminding us that the ability to help doesn't depend on wealth or status, but on intent and compassion.

The title story refers to an incident when Sudha Murty visited a tribal village in Karnataka. Out of respect and love, the villagers offered her milk to drink. But later, she realized that the villagers themselves had no milk to spare for their own children. From that day, she decided never to drink milk again as a mark of solidarity with them and a reminder of the inequalities in society.

Among the twenty-three short stories in The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk, the ones that left a lasting impression on me are Bombay to Bangalore, Life’s Secret Lessons, Rahman’s Avva, Ganga’s Ghat, and Changing India. 

This book is a gentle yet powerful reminder that selfless service, no matter how small, has the power to change lives, including our own. Personally, this book made me pause and reflect on how I can be more compassionate and giving in everyday life.

                                                                                                                                                                                                         ~ Arya P R