Sudha Murty, author and Rajya Sabha MP, expressed admiration for her son-in-law, Rishi Sunak, calling him a “British citizen with good Indian cultural values.”
Murty joined Sunak and her daughter, Akshata Murty, as guest of honor at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s annual Diwali gala in London. She praised Sunak’s upbringing, highlighting how his mother, Usha Sunak, provided him with a strong cultural foundation, making him both a proud British citizen and someone rooted in Indian cultural values.
“I want to congratulate Ushaji, my sambandhi and a good friend of mine, who gave her son Rishi Sunak, former prime minister, a great route to identify with the culture, making him a proud British citizen as well as [having] good Indian cultural values,” she remarked.
The event also saw Sunak’s parents, Usha and Yashvir Sunak, in attendance as students performed Indian classical music and dance.
In her keynote address, Murty emphasized the importance of good education and cultural grounding. “I always believe when you are abroad, your parents must do two things: one is good education, which gives you wings in return and you can fly anywhere and settle; the second is great culture, your origin which is Indian origin or roots which you can get at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan along with your parents,” she said.
Murty encouraged the British Indian community to support Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan UK, urging them to send their children there to experience Indian culture. “When you grow old you go towards your roots… that gap is addressed by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, so you have to help them in every way to survive,” she added.
The Diwali gala featured Vedic chants and celebrated Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s achievements in Indian arts, music, dance, Yoga, and languages. Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty presented mementoes to the team behind the center’s work, while students showcased Kuchipudi, Kathak, and Bharatanatyam performances and appealed for donations to enhance their programs.
