Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and his author wife Sudha Murty recently shared insights into the advice they gave to their daughter Akshata Murty and her husband, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on handling increased public scrutiny. The family came under fresh limelight in 2022 when Rishi Sunak assumed the role of Prime Minister of Britain.
Sudha Murty, known for her strong recommendations on lifestyle, revealed that she advised Akshata and Rishi to be honest in their work, serving the nation, and to ignore what people might say.
“I always tell them [Akshata and Rishi], people talk because of your position. And if you’re honest, if you’re helping your country, your job – what you’re doing – people will always talk. ‘Kuch toh log kahenge, logon ka kaam hai kehna.’ So, ignore that,” Sudha Murty told NDTV in an interview.
“As long as the work you do is ethical and legal, do that. You don’t need anyone as a witness; God is the witness. Do your work, let them talk. It may affect you for some time, but in the long run, you should learn to let them talk, and you do your work,” the renowned author added.
These remarks by Sudha Murty come at a time when British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing scrutiny from opposition parties in the UK over the closure of Catamaran Ventures, a company co-founded by Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty with backing from Narayana Murthy.
The operations of Catamaran Ventures UK came under examination due to revelations that several startups it supported obtained financial injections through government-supported programs.
“It was revealed that the firm run by the Prime Minister’s wife received GBP 2m through government Covid support schemes devised by Rishi Sunak himself. It then emerged businesses in which Ms. Murty had invested went bust, costing taxpayers GBP 1m… My colleagues and I have written numerous correspondence to government ministers and bodies. Alongside the outstanding questions, the decision by Ms. Murty to liquidate her company raises several others that I believe need to be clarified in the public interest,” said Labour’s national campaign coordinator and shadow minister, Pat MacFadden.
The advice from Sudha Murty seems to underscore the importance of integrity and a focus on ethical and legal work in the face of public scrutiny. It reflects the family’s philosophy of staying committed to one’s responsibilities and principles while dealing with the challenges that come with public life. As Akshata Murty and Rishi Sunak navigate these challenges, Sudha Murty’s words highlight the resilience required in public service, emphasizing the long-term impact of ethical conduct and dedicated work.
