In a revealing conversation that showcased the personal influences behind his public life, former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently shared how his in-laws, Sudha Murty and Narayana Murthy, have profoundly shaped his values and political decisions.
Family Wisdom at NDTV World Summit
The heartfelt revelations came during the NDTV World Summit on October 17, 2025, where Sunak discussed the ongoing guidance he receives from his wife Akshata Murthy's parents. He emphasized how their distinct perspectives continue to inform his approach to leadership and personal challenges.
Lessons in Compassion from Sudha Murty
Sunak spoke with genuine admiration about the emotional intelligence he has learned from his mother-in-law. "What I learnt from my mother-in-law was extraordinarily compassionate," he shared, noting how this quality manifests in his wife Akshata as well.
He particularly highlighted Sudha Murty's remarkable ability to connect with people across all social strata. "The way my mother-in-law can connect with people from every walk of life is something that's extraordinary, and I want to learn that from her," Sunak acknowledged.
The former Prime Minister also revealed the practical philosophy that guides his mother-in-law's approach to life: "You have to give your best and then leave it to your god." This balanced mindset of maximum effort combined with acceptance has helped Sunak remain grounded while navigating the complexities of political leadership.
Narayana Murthy's Political Guidance
When discussing his father-in-law's influence, Sunak credited Narayana Murthy with playing a pivotal role in his entry into politics. "My father-in-law was very instrumental in my entry into politics," he confessed, recalling the specific advice that changed his career trajectory.
Narayana Murthy had advised him that "you should go into politics, as that's the best way to make a difference," while emphasizing the importance of earning respect through integrity. This focus on principled leadership became a cornerstone of Sunak's political philosophy.
The Infosys founder returned the compliment during the summit, praising Sunak's character and qualifications for public service. "He is intelligent, he was highly accomplished in his work, he is a man of integrity, a man of principles," Narayana Murthy stated, endorsing his son-in-law as "a wonderful example of somebody who should be in politics at this point in time in the world."
Balancing Diverse Influences
Sunak expressed gratitude for receiving different types of guidance from both his mother-in-law and father-in-law, considering himself fortunate to benefit from their complementary wisdom. He reflected on his sense of duty, stating "We all have our dharma to do," while pointing to concrete achievements like reducing inflation to 2% during his tenure.
Educational Foundation and Personal Journey
The former Prime Minister's academic background laid crucial groundwork for his eventual political career. His educational journey included:
- Winchester College, where he served as head boy and edited the school newspaper
- Summer work at an Indian restaurant to stay connected to his roots
- Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Lincoln College, Oxford
- Leadership role as president of Oxford Trading & Investment Society
- Internship at Conservative Party headquarters
- MBA from Stanford University as a Fulbright scholar
It was during his time at Stanford that he met his future wife, Akshata Murthy, beginning the connection that would introduce him to the influential Murthy family.
Blending Compassion with Principle
For Sunak, the combination of Sudha Murty's compassionate approach and Narayana Murthy's focus on integrity and respect continues to guide his decision-making process. He emphasized that these aren't merely theoretical concepts but practical tools that shape his approach to leadership, public service, and personal growth.
Through his candid reflections, Sunak highlighted the enduring value of family mentorship and demonstrated how guidance from trusted figures can influence not only political choices but also personal ethics and leadership style in profound ways.
