Last year, desis rejoiced when Indian-origin British politician Rishi Sunak took over the UK’s highest seat and became the country’s Prime Minister.
He’s not just of Indian origin but also the damaad of India. Well, he’s married to a fashion designer Akshata Murty who is an Indian citizen. The new first lady of the UK is also the daughter of the founder of the Indian multi-national IT company ‘Infosys’ N. R. Narayana Murty and Sudha Murty.
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A couple of days ago, Rishi’s mother-in-law Sudha Murty was conferred with one of the coveted awards of the country, the Padma Bhushan for social work.
President Droupadi Murmu presents Padma Bhushan to Smt Sudha Murty for Social Work. A philanthropist, renowned author and Chairperson of Murty Foundation, she has initiated many projects in the fields of healthcare, education, art & culture, animal welfare and women's empowerment pic.twitter.com/qQJeEjnKfY
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 5, 2023
UK’s first lady, Akshata Murty was also present at the Rastrapati Bhavan when her mother was given the award at the Padma Awards Ceremony by the President Of India Droupadi Murmu.
U.K Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's wife Akshata Murty was present today at Rastrapati Bhavan at the Padma Awards Ceremony. Her Mother Smt Sudha Murthy was conferred with Padma Bushan Award…🙏@RishiSunak pic.twitter.com/YY4PGDIybS
— Adarsh Hegde (@adarshahgd) April 5, 2023
Taking to Instagram, Akshata shared pictures from the ceremony and wrote a heartfelt post sharing how her mother inspired her to do her duties in the UK as the country’s first lady.
“Yesterday I watched with unspeakable pride as my mother received the Padma Bhushan award from the President of India at the #padmaawards2023 ceremony (India’s highest civilian awards) in New Delhi, in recognition of her contributions in social work.
On #IWD last month, I reflected on my mother’s extraordinary journey, from STEM to storytelling, but her charitable and volunteering efforts have served as her greatest inspiration to me. Always asking if she can be doing more, she has given back to her community countless times: founding and running a series of philanthropic organisations for 25 years; funding numerous literacy initiatives; and jumping into action to aid those most in need – many in the most remote parts of India – after natural disasters have destroyed their lives.
Her example has put volunteering, learning and listening at the heart of how I hope to live in @10downingstreet.
My mother doesn’t live for recognition. The values my parents have instilled in my brother and me – hard work, humility, selflessness – mean she is always on to the next thing. But it was such a moving experience to see her have a moment of recognition yesterday.” (sic)
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Her husband, Rishi was among the first people to comment on her post. Overjoyed with her MIL’s recognition, he wrote, “A proud day.”
Good that he was quick to acknowledge his MIL’s feat otherwise no matter which country’s PM he is, hai toh vo unka damaad he!