- Sunday, November 24, 2024
My mother’s endeavours in science, technology, engineering and maths allowed her to push boundaries both academically and professionally, she said at an event held on the International Women’s Day on March 8.
By: Shubham Ghosh
AKSHATA MURTY, wife of prime minister Rishi Sunak, recently praised her mother Sudha Murty, an author, educator and philanthropist, as a role model for women. She was speaking at an event to mark the International Women’s Day at Downing Street in London on Friday (8) where she highlighted the role that mentors play for women and girls in business.
Akshata, who was born in India to Sudha Murty and Narayana Murthy, co-founder of India’s information technology giant Infosys, played host to a mentoring session with female role models and business leaders for girls and young women.
The event was part of her regular “Lessons at 10” programme, which provides children from across the UK an opportunity to see behind the scenes of the famous black door of No. 10 Downing Street – the office and residence of the British premier.
Read: Sunak’s mother-in-law Sudha Murty nominated to India parliament
“I’m so pleased to be marking this International Women’s Day by celebrating women in business. It is fantastic to host a special mentoring session with female role models and business leaders for girls and young women at Downing Street,” said Murty.
“I know the phenomenal work that goes into running a business. My mother’s endeavours in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) allowed her to push boundaries both academically and professionally and gave her a ringside seat to the technological revolution,” Akshata, who is a mother of two girls, said.
Read: Sudha Murty has this special advice for daughter Akshata & son-in-law PM Sunak
Sudha Murty, who began her career in computer science and became the first female engineer to be hired at the Mumbai-based TATA Engineering and Locomotive Company, was nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha or the Upper House of the Indian parliament last week for her contribution to social work and education.
The 73-year-old Sudha Murty’s nomination coincided with International Women’s Day. Last year, she was conferred Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award.
“I hope other women and girls are inspired by role models around them to pursue their own passions,” added Akshata, who until recently was director of Catamaran Ventures UK – an early-stage investment firm with a focus on British brands.
On moving into No. 10 Downing Street when Sunak was elected leader of the Conservative Party in October 2022, Murty launched “Lessons at 10” to encourage a love of learning and inspire children from across the UK with the help of special guests, industry experts and charitable organisations.
The Sunaks also hosted a reception at Downing Street to celebrate inspirational female leaders from across a wide range of industries from businesses to civil society and the National Health Service (NHS). “I am committed to delivering the long-term change needed to build a brighter future for women and girls,” said PM Sunak.
“And we’ve made huge progress since I became prime minister – investing millions to ensure women feel safe on our streets, ensuring girls receive a world class education by boosting standards and championing STEM careers, giving women more choice with the largest ever childcare expansion in England’s history and launching the Women’s Health Strategy and Pharmacy First, making it easier for women to get the care they need more quickly,” he said.
(With PTI inputs)
