In today's rapidly changing global landscape, discovering a true sense of belonging and purpose can feel like an elusive quest. According to Akshata Murty, the solution to this widespread challenge is rooted in two fundamental human qualities: curiosity and an inspiring purpose. She emphasizes that these elements are not just abstract ideals but practical tools for personal and societal growth.
Launching Lessons at 10: A Gateway to Engagement
To translate her vision into action, Akshata Murty initiated the innovative programme known as Lessons at 10. In an exclusive conversation with TOI Women, she detailed its objectives and impact. The programme is designed to bring young people from across the United Kingdom to Downing Street every Friday. Its primary aim is multifaceted: to educate participants about British history, deepen their understanding of democracy, and provide an insider's view of Downing Street. However, beyond these educational goals, the core mission is to foster curiosity among the youth.
The Transformative Power of Curiosity
Akshata passionately explained the profound effects of engaging in curiosity. She stated, "Because I think when we engage in curiosity, as I said earlier, we become more open-minded, and we become more humble." She believes that cultivating these traits in the next generation is crucial for societal progress. "And I think the next generation, if we can have young people be more open-minded and humble, I think we're all in a better place," she added, highlighting the ripple effect of such personal development on community well-being.
The Challenges of Pursuing Purpose
While Akshata champions the importance of following a purpose, she acknowledges that this journey is not without its difficulties. She shared her insights on the taxing nature of maintaining purpose in practice. "Purpose is great as a theoretical exercise, but sometimes when you put it into action, you might find it taxing," she noted. For her, the key to perseverance lies in emotional motivation rather than mere intellectual thought. "And I think, for me, it comes back to what moves you, right? And what moves you is a feeling, it's not a thought, it's a feeling."
Personal Anecdotes and Inspirational Moments
Drawing from her own experiences, Akshata illustrated how a deep-seated belief drives her actions. "What moves me is a genuine belief that we can, I can have some kind of small impact, or I can have a small impact on the people around me. And that gets me out of bed, that gets me motivated, that gets me to push through those obstacles," she revealed. She extended this perspective to young participants in the Lessons at 10 programme, suggesting that discovering what moves them is a pivotal step. For instance, she mentioned how some attendees were profoundly affected by new experiences, such as hearing a piece of music or playing tennis for the first time during the series. "Maybe a young person will hear a piece of music and feel something inside. Maybe they will play tennis for the first time. And we had a few people who did play tennis for the first time during these Lessons at the 10 series, and they were so moved by that, excited and moved," she recounted.
In conclusion, Akshata Murty humbly advises, "So I think I would humbly suggest, let's look at what moves you. And then let's layer that with the values." This approach, combining emotional drivers with core values, offers a sustainable path to finding belonging and purpose in an ever-evolving world.
