Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty return to Stanford, where it all began
Murty revealed that their connection may have been fated. A former admissions director once told her, based solely on their application essays, that she and Sunak were meant to be together. 'So, thank you, Stanford. Twenty years and two daughters later, forget about being the best business school in the world, you're an even better matchmaking service,' she joked, drawing applause and laughter from the crowd.Sunak shared a three-part framework of lessons they had learned together and from each other. The first was about the 'comfort of data.' 'I'm a numbers guy,' he said, adding that it helped him bond with his father-in-law, Infosys founder Narayana Murthy. He underlined the value of combining data with intuition, saying, 'Data can't look around corners.'advertisementThe second lesson, delivered by Murty, focused on balancing big dreams with practical steps. She reflected on her desire to tackle inequality and social change in India, and how Sunak always challenged her to think beyond idealism. 'He always asked, 'how?' I had genuinely never met someone my age who thought like that,' she said.Their third takeaway was rooted in the Sanskrit concept of Dharma, the idea of doing one's duty without obsessing over the reward. 'It's about finding fulfillment in effort, not outcomes,' they said.Murty also looked back at their student days with affection. 'I used to get annoyed with him. He'd insist on joining me for a run, and wouldn't stop talking,' she quipped. But she didn't shy away from praising him either: 'A practical idealist can achieve the remarkable.'Sunak concluded with a nod to their dynamic. 'We've always pushed each other's thinking to become sharper and better.'The event wasn't just a nostalgic return, it was a full-circle moment, filled with honesty, humour, and the kind of grounded advice that can only come from experience, love, and a shared path.Watch the video here: Later, in an Instagram post, Murty shared a picture from their favourite spot in Stanford, writing, "Back up at the Dish for our favourite morning run in Stanford." advertisementTake a look at the post here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rishi Sunak (@rishisunakmp)Their speech reminded graduates that while ambition and intellect matter, it's the people you meet and the values you carry that truly shape the journey ahead.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
39 minutes ago
- Time of India
Sanskrit key to Vedic knowledge, needs to be preserved: CM Fadnavis
1 2 Nagpur: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said that Sanskrit is the key to all forms of ancient Vedic knowledge, and it not only needs to be preserved but also re-cultivated. He was speaking at the inauguration of the Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar administrative building and the bhoomipujan of new hostel complexes of the Kavikulguru Kalidas Sanskrit University's new campus in Waranga near Wardha Road. Calling Sanskrit a "complete language," Fadnavis highlighted its role in shaping India's scientific, spiritual, and philosophical heritage. "Sanskrit is the master key to all knowledge. Ayurveda , mathematics, astronomy, metallurgy — every innovation of ancient India was rooted in this language. Sanskrit language holds over 10,200 crore words in its vocabulary," he said. Fadnavis recalled visiting Koyasan in Japan, where he saw Buddhist monks performing Indian rituals and reciting prayers in Sanskrit. "Their pronunciation had a Japanese accent, but the language was Sanskrit. It showed the global influence and timeless relevance of our traditions," he said, adding that he personally regrets never having learnt Sanskrit properly, even though his mother holds an MA in the subject. "While I couldn't do it, it would give me great pleasure to contribute even a little in ensuring that our future generations learn this language," he said. Referring to the university's journey, Fadnavis recalled that it was late MP Dr Shrikant Jichkar, one of the most highly qualified individuals in the country, who first conceived the idea of a Sanskrit university in Kalidas's name. "It took shape gradually. Ideally, it should have been in Ramtek (as it is the birthplace of the great poet), but to give it international reach, it was necessary to house it in Nagpur," Fadnavis said. The CM also announced that the university's infrastructure will be developed at par with international standards, similar to the Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU) campus, which shares a common wall with the KKSU. "A master plan will be prepared soon. Funds will be sanctioned, and the university will be developed within a fixed timeframe," he said. He also announced plans to expand KKSU with sub-centres in Pune, Parbhani, Chattrapati Sambhajinagar, and Jalgaon, furthering Sanskrit education across Maharashtra, whereas in Ratnagiri, the centre has already commenced. Earlier in the day, KKSU vice-chancellor Hareram Tripathi announced that a Rs120 crore proposal has been sent to the state govt under the Rashtriya Uchhatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) scheme for the university's infrastructure development. The plan includes setting up Ayurvedic gurukuls, clinics, a Sanskrit school from Classes 1 to 12, multiple academic buildings, an indoor sports complex under Khelo India, auditoriums, and a temple. "The hostel buildings will accommodate 200 students in each building," he said. The administrative building has been named after RSS founder Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar as a tribute to his contribution to reviving Indian traditions and values. "As RSS completes 100 years, it is only fitting to honour Hedgewarji in this way. He stood for the rejuvenation of India's spiritual and cultural roots," the CM said. PLAN DETAILS Abhinav Bharati International Educational Campus to be set up in Waranga (KKSU) Total campus area: 50 acres Total classrooms: 10 Construction cost: Rs6 crore Funding source: RUSA (Rashtriya Uchhatar Shiksha Abhiyan) Boys' and Girls' Hostel Capacity: 200 boys + 200 girls Total grant approved: Rs52.04 crore
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
In current global scenario, India must strive to become self-reliant: RSS chief
1 2 Nagpur: In the current global scenario, India must strive to become self-reliant, but that goal will remain incomplete unless the country rediscovers its own identity, said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat on Friday. Speaking at the inauguration of the Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar International Gurukul at the new Waranga campus of Kavi Kulguru Kalidas Sanskrit University on Wardha Road, Bhagwat underscored the critical link between cultural self-awareness and national strength. Though he didn't directly castigate anyone, RSS sources said his remarks may have come in view of United States President Donald Trump's move to impose a 25% tariff against India. "If we want to be truly self-reliant, we must first fully understand our own 'swaroop' — our intrinsic nature," he said. "Where there is selfhood, there is strength, energy, and prosperity. When we forget our essence, decline sets in. That is what history has taught us." The RSS chief traced India's past glory to a period when the country was rooted in its cultural identity. "Even by western historical accounts, India led the world from the year 1 to 1600 AD. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Our downfall began when we started forgetting who we are," he said, adding that British colonial rule deepened this loss by enslaving not only territory but also the Indian intellect and minds. Bhagwat highlighted the role of language in expressing national character. "Language is the medium through which we express our inner nature. The way a society thinks is reflected in how it speaks," he said. He warned against blindly embracing western concepts like global markets, which he said failed to resonate globally, unlike India's inclusive philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family). Strongly advocating the revival of Sanskrit, Bhagwat remarked, "To know Sanskrit is to know India. It is the source of all Indian languages and the largest reservoir of vocabulary. Anyone who knows Sanskrit can learn other languages quickly." He emphasized that Sanskrit must return to everyday use and that it should not be confined to academics or liturgy. "Universities have a crucial responsibility in ensuring Sanskrit gains janashray — public adoption — along with rajashray or state patronage," he said. The Sangh supremo said India's path to becoming Atmanirbhar lies not just in economic or technological strides but in reconnecting with its foundational identity. "Swatatva — our inner truth — is the seat of real strength, intellect, and prosperity. When this is forgotten, decline begins," he said, drawing parallels with India's history and the colonial erosion of native pride. Bhagwat also pointed to traditional Indian households where Sanskrit chants are memorised and recited despite speakers not understanding the language. "This shows that Sanskrit can survive in practice, but we now need to bring it into conversation," he stressed. While acknowledging the academic study of Sanskrit, Bhagwat pointed out its limited use in daily life. "I passed the final examination of Sanskrit Bharati, but I still cannot speak it fluently. That's the issue — without vyavahar (usage), learning remains incomplete," he admitted. He said that Sanskrit, which houses India's collective memory and is the mother of most Indian languages, makes learning other tongues easier. "To know Sanskrit is to know India. Every Indian must engage with it — in schools, in homes, in public life," he said. Stressing that a truly self-reliant India must rediscover its Swatatva — the inner essence and identity that define the nation — Bhagwat called for a cultural and linguistic renaissance rooted in Indian traditions, particularly through daily use of Sanskrit. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, higher and technical education minister Chandrakant Patil, KKSU vice-chancellor Hare Ram Tripathi, former vice-chancellors Pankaj Chande and Uma Vaidya, and director Krishna Kumar Pandey were present.
NDTV
3 hours ago
- NDTV
Building Opened As Orphanage In 2021, Never Used, Inaugurated Again As Hotel In Assam
Guwahati/New Delhi: A government building that was inaugurated as a home for orphans and destitute children four years ago in Assam's Dima Hasao district was again inaugurated this month as a hotel. The baffling matter was reported from Boro Haflong village in the hill district Dima Hasao. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the government building on July 26, 2021. His cabinet colleagues were also present at the event then. The government facility was built under the non-lapsable central pool of resources (NLCPR) project at an estimated cost of Rs 2.98 crore. It was meant to be used as a home for orphans and vulnerable children in the hill district in Assam. The building remained unused and its purpose as an orphanage never materialised, government sources said. In February 2022, the structure was partially demolished and renovated, but the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council never explained why, sources said. On July 26, locals said they were surprised when the same government building that was meant to house orphans was inaugurated as a private hotel. Debolal Gorlosa, the chief executive member of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, inaugurated the private hotel and even shared visuals of the event on his social media handles. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Debolal Gorlosa (@debolal_gorlosa) The DHAC has not issued any statement on the matter.
