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'Proud day': UK PM Rishi Sunak reacts to mother-in-law Sudha Murty's Padma Award

by Trans World Features | @twfindia 07 Apr 2023, 10:17 am

New Delhi/London : Author and philanthropist Sudha Murty has been recently conferred with the Padma Bhushan Award for her social work by President Droupadi Murmu.

Her daughter, Akshata Murty, who is married to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, was one of the attendees of the ceremony.

Later, she took to Instagram to share her "unspeakable pride" as her mother received the award for her extraordinary journey.

"Yesterday I watched with unspeakable pride as my mother received the Padma Bhushan award from the President of India in recognition of her contributions in social work," wrote Akshata.

UK PM Rishi Sunak reacted to the same, stating it was a "proud day".

"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," Akshata continued.

The UK first lady said she wants to learn from her mother's journey and live with the same at 10 Downing Street, which is the official residence of the UK Prime Minister.

"Her example has put volunteering, learning and listening at the heart of how I hope to live in @10downingstreet.

She further said that her mother doesn't live for recognition and works hard selflessly.

"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," Akshata ended her long post.

Sudha Murty's husband and Infosys founder, NR Narayana Murthy, son Rohan Murty and her sister Dr Sunanda Kulkarni were also present at the ceremony.

A philanthropist, and renowned author, Sudhar Murty, was also the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation until December 2021.