Akshata Murty on Instagram: "Yesterday I watched with unspeakable pride as my mother received the Padma Bhushan award from the President of India at the #padmaawards2023 ceremony (India's highest civilian awards) in New Delhi, in recognition of her contributions in social work. On #IWD last month, I reflected on my mother’s extraordinary journey, from STEM to storytelling, but her charitable and volunteering efforts have served as her greatest inspiration to me. Always asking if she can be doing more, she has given back to her community countless times: founding and running a series of philanthropic organisations for 25 years; funding numerous literacy initiatives; and jumping into action to aid those most in need - many in the most remote parts of India - after natural disasters have destroyed their lives. Her example has put volunteering, learning and listening at the heart of how I hope to live in @10downingstreet. My mother doesn’t live for recognition. The values my parents have instilled in my brother and me - hard work, humility, selflessness - mean she is always on to the next thing. But it was such a moving experience to see her have a moment of recognition yesterday." | Zootzle
