Sudha Murty Credits Akshata For Inspiring Her To Do Philanthropy: 'My Daughter Woke Me'

When one thinks of philanthropists in India, Sudha Murty’s name often comes at the top. The educator and author has made a name for herself by leading several charitable initiatives under the Infosys Foundation. Recently, Sudha Murty spoke about how her daughter Akshata Murty inspired her to pursue philanthropy. In an undated video, Sudha Murty recalled a moment years ago when her daughter told her about a boy named Anand Sharma. He was very bright and could get admission to the famous St. Stephen’s College. However, since he was poor, he could not afford a college education.

Akshata Murty asked her mother to sponsor Anand Sharma’s education. At the time, Sudha Murty was very busy with her professional engagements and she instead asked Akshata Murty to do the sponsoring. At this time, Sudha Murty explained that she would not give money to her two kids but instead tried to accommodate their wishes based on a wishlist system.

The Padma Bhushan awardee recalled her daughter saying, “Amma, you’re well travelled, well-read, fairly intelligent, and if you can’t do philanthropy, then you don’t have a right to say to anyone that they should do philanthropy.” After introspecting on her daughter’s words Sudha Murty decided to do full-time philanthropy. Describing her change of mind, she said, “I was sleeping, I felt, my daughter woke me up.”

Commenting on this heartfelt video, an X user wrote, “Women who always inspire through her wisdom and simplicity.”

Sudha Murty is currently serving as the nominated member of Rajya Sabha. Previously, she credited Akshata Murty with helping her husband become the UK Prime Minister.

In an undated video, Sudha Murty said, “See how a wife can change a husband. I made my husband a businessman, and my daughter made her husband a Prime Minister.” She also spoke about how Rishi Sunak’s family is very religious despite staying in the UK for decades. Sudha Murty said her son-in-law’s mother holds a fast every Monday and Rishi Sunak fasts on Thursdays.

Akshata Murty married Rishi Sunak in 2009. After their marriage, Rishi Sunak advanced in his political career. In 2022, he became the youngest prime minister of the UK at 42.