Watch: Rishi Sunak explains how following Dharma helped him become first Hindu UK PM
In a rare joint address that felt more like a fireside conversation than a commencement speech, former UK Prime Minister
Rishi Sunak
and his wife, investor-philanthropist Akshata Murthy, took the stage at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) to reflect on leadership, life, and the Eastern values that have guided them through power, politics, and parenthood.
But it was one ancient Sanskrit word—
Dharma
—that became the philosophical cornerstone of their address to the Class of 2025.
'It's a concept known in Sanskrit as Dharma,' Sunak explained. 'The idea that we should gain our fulfilment from simply doing our personal duty, rather than from any rewards that may come with our efforts.'
It was not just an abstract idea. Sunak revealed that Dharma was the principle that guided his decision to step into the chaos of British politics in 2022—after losing the Conservative Party leadership race, only to return weeks later as Prime Minister following Liz Truss's resignation and a market meltdown.
'At that point,' Sunak recalled, 'a purely ambitious politician would have sat out the impossible situation. But Akshata reminded me: my Dharma was clear.'
That invocation of duty over ambition—a far cry from the usual Machiavellian fare of Westminster—drew warm applause from the GSB audience. For a school known for producing Silicon Valley unicorns and global CEOs, the speech was a gentle, unexpected reorientation: success isn't just about spreadsheets, scalability, and shareholder value.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik
IC Markets
Mendaftar
Undo
Sometimes, it's about doing the right thing, even when it costs you.
A Love Story in the Schwab Courtyard
The speech was also deeply personal. Akshata and Rishi, both graduates of Stanford GSB's Class of 2006, met during their time on campus. 'This is literally where we met,' Murthy told the audience. 'In the Schwab courtyard, to be precise.'
Their anecdotes—him in 'seriously uncool' cargo shorts, her dragging him along on runs—were a charming counterpoint to their more weighty themes.
But even those early conversations, they said, were seeded with discussions about leadership, values, and Dharma.
'We started talking about this idea without knowing it,' Murthy said. 'At Arbuckle Café over breakfast… and whether 11am was too early for some ice cream for Rishi.'
From Omicron to Om
Sunak drew on his COVID-era experience as Chancellor of the Exchequer to drive home a broader point: while data was critical, instinct—rooted in values—was what made the difference.
'I used to find comfort in the idea that data could always provide a certain answer,' Sunak said. 'But Akshata helped me see that data can't look around corners. It can't make the decision for you.'
It was a lesson, he said, that helped him resist pressure for a second national lockdown in late 2021, when the Omicron variant emerged. While the experts were divided, Sunak trusted his intuition—and ultimately, his duty to protect not just lives, but livelihoods.
Dharma for the Next Generation
The concept of Dharma wasn't just for prime ministers. Murthy extended it to young people, particularly through initiatives like Lessons at 10 and The Richmond Project, both aimed at increasing youth numeracy and life skills across the UK. 'Successes and failures are part of the package that comes with leadership,' she said. 'Dharma isn't just relevant in public service… it gives you the resilience and clarity to overcome whatever's thrown at you without losing your way.
'
The GSB audience—diverse, ambitious, and often torn between idealism and practicality—was urged to embrace the same principle. Not to obsess over outcomes, but to anchor themselves in purpose. 'If you want to lead,' said Sunak, 'it's not a question of data or intuition. You've got to get comfortable with both.'
An Indian Ethos in Global Power
Data, Dreams and Dharma: Stanford GSB Commencement Speech 2025
That both Sunak and Murthy come from families steeped in Indian values added an additional layer to the message.
As the daughter of Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, and as Britain's first Indian-origin prime minister, they embodied a fusion of East and West, Silicon Valley and Westminster, tradition and modernity.
In invoking Dharma, they weren't just quoting a Sanskrit term—they were redefining global leadership with it.
For a generation of graduates who will face climate breakdowns, AI disruption, political upheavals and moral dilemmas far more complex than case studies can capture, the message resonated:
Don't just optimise.
Do your duty.
Whether it's in public service, entrepreneurship, or social impact, the world, they said, needs more leaders shaped not just by capital markets—but by Dharma.
As the applause rang out and the tassels turned, Rishi and Akshata Murthy left the GSB stage not as power couple or policy wonks, but as philosopher-guides—reminding the next generation that greatness isn't just built on ambition or data, but something older, deeper, and infinitely more enduring.
A sense of duty.
Or as the Bhagavad Gita would put it: 'Karmanye vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana' — 'You have the right to perform your duty, but not to the fruits of your actions.'
That, perhaps, is the ultimate graduation gift.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
What is Israel Doomsday Clock and is it still running or destroyed? Here's when Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei predicted Israel would no longer exist
Israeli airstrikes hit several government and military-related targets in Tehran on Monday. The strikes focused on facilities tied to Iran's internal security, military infrastructure and an Israel Doomsday clock counting down to the nation's end. Targets Linked to Iran's Internal Forces The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said fighter jets attacked headquarters and other facilities used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran's internal security forces. The targeted forces work under the Iranian regime's military. Their duties include internal defense, controlling threats and maintaining government stability. These forces have been involved in controlling unrest and protests within Iran. Also Read: Strait of Hormuz Closure: What is Iran's next move as regime takes final call to close Strait of Hormuz with Yemen joining Iran in war against US and Israel? See if Russia may come to Iran's aid in war by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Chi phí cấy ghép răng là bao nhiêu vào năm 2025 (kiểm tra giá) Cấy ghép răng | Quảng cáo tìm kiếm Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Evin Prison and Israel Doomsday Clock The airstrikes also hit Evin Prison, known for housing political detainees. Israeli officials said the prison represents the government's control over dissent. A digital clock in Palestine Square was also targeted. This clock was unveiled in 2017. It displayed a countdown to 2040, the year when Iran's Supreme Leader predicted that Israel would no longer exist. Iran Releases Footage Denying Damage After Israel said the countdown clock was destroyed, Iran's Mehr news outlet published a video. It showed the clock still active. The outlet said the footage was taken after the Israeli attack. However, the timing of the video could not be verified. Iran has tight control over images showing effects of Israeli strikes, making confirmation difficult. Live Events Also Read: Which country can give nuclear warheads to Iran? Russia's Dmitriy Medvedev says US strikes may backfire as Iran may now begin nuclear weapons production and procure nuclear warheads from other nations Large-Scale Strikes in Tehran Area In a separate action, more than 50 Israeli fighter jets carried out another wave of strikes. These attacks hit missile factories, radar systems, military headquarters and missile storage locations. The IDF said this operation aimed to damage Iran's ability to build and store missiles. The military added that it intended to reduce the operational power of Iran's armed forces. FAQs Why did Israel target the Doomsday clock in Tehran? Israel targeted the clock because it symbolized Iran's desire to see Israel gone by 2040, as stated by Iran's leader. What sites were hit by Israel in the latest airstrikes? Israel targeted IRGC bases, internal security offices, Evin Prison, missile facilities, radar systems, and Israel Doomsday Clock in central Tehran.
Time of India
31 minutes ago
- Time of India
Nightlife getaway at Palayam-Ayyankali Hall to open
1 2 3 4 T'puram: The vibrant stretch between Palayam and Mahatma Ayyankali Hall is all set to be transformed into a premier nightlife hub, as part of the Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL) initiative. The infrastructure upgrade, valued at approximately Rs 2 crore, is scheduled to begin in Aug, by adding parklets, smart lighting, accessibility features and cultural spaces. The project includes interactive lighting installations designed to create a dynamic evening ambience while parklets will provide greenery and seating. Accessibility was a priority, with ramps, tactile indicators and signage ensuring an inclusive experience. "The work has reached the final stage and we can open it in Aug itself. In addition to basic amenities, we integrated disability-friendly features at every stage," said a senior SCTL official. "By combining parklets, smart lights and performance spaces, we aim to make this stretch a cultural heartbeat after sundown," he said. The smart amenities include EV charging stations, modern public toilets and automated vending kiosks. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Top 25 Most Beautiful Women In The World Articles Vally Undo LED interactive floor tiles, bicycle points, bollard lighting, planter boxes, wheelchair-accessible provisions, cobblestone flooring with casual seating, signage and landscaping works are also included. Utility cables were rerouted underground to avoid the common visual clutter seen commonly across older urban corridors and to create a clean skyline. Roads were relaid and energy-efficient LED street lamps were installed for safer nights. A new performance stage and open-air area will host music, street theatre and community events, blending tradition with modern urban beat. The Palayam-Ayyankali road is already being recognised as the city's second "nightlife hotspot" after Manaveeyam Veedhi. These upgrades echo a larger push by SCTL: Renovating 24 key stretches across the city with smart road infrastructure. These include dedicated pedestrian walkways, cycling lanes, underground utility ducts and modern drainage — parts of which were highlighted during the chief minister's inauguration of the smart roads project last month. SCTL officials said the Palayam-Ayyankali hub exemplifies the city's charm of retaining cultural richness while embracing modern amenity standards.
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
Where is Iran's uranium? Questions abound after US strikes
After President Donald Trump bragged US strikes had "obliterated" Iran's nuclear capabilities, officials cautioned it was still too soon to assess the impact on the country's nuclear programme. Many questions remain after Sunday's strikes, especially about the whereabouts of Iran's sensitive stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 percent -- a short step from the 90 percent required for a nuclear weapon. Where is Iran's enriched uranium? The US attacks, carried out by B-2 stealth bombers, targeted three Iranian nuclear sites: Isfahan and Iran's main enrichment plants in Fordo and Natanz. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Florida: These Companies Are Overcharging You for Auto Insurance OTTO Insurance Read More Undo While significant damage has been reported, the International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA ) has voiced concern about Iran's stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium. Tehran has an estimated 408.6 kilogrammes of uranium enriched to 60 percent, according to the UN nuclear watchdog, whose inspectors last saw that stockpile on June 10. Live Events That material, if further refined, would theoretically be sufficient to produce more than nine nuclear bombs. IAEA head Rafael Grossi on Monday demanded access to Iran's nuclear sites, saying the agency needs to "account for" the uranium stockpile. Concerns about the fate of the sensitive stockpile have loomed large. On June 13, the day Israel began its Iran offensive, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sent a letter to the IAEA, announcing the implementation of "special measures to protect nuclear equipment and material". Days before the US attacked, satellite imagery showed vehicles near Fordo's entrance. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had "interesting intelligence" on the matter, declining to elaborate. Israel announced Monday it had carried out strikes to block access routes to Fordo. "It will be difficult if not impossible to track down all of Iran's 60 percent enriched uranium, stored in small canisters that are easily transportable by car," Kelsey Davenport, an expert with the Arms Control Association, told AFP. "They (Iranians) no longer have the capacity to turn that stockpile of highly enriched uranium to weapons-grade uranium, and that was really the goal there," US Vice President JD Vance told ABC News. He added the Trump administration would deal with the uranium "in the coming weeks". Can Iran still make a nuclear bomb? Analysts have been treading carefully when addressing this issue. Before the attacks, Iran had about 22,000 centrifuges -- the machines used to enrich uranium. Many of them were damaged when Natanz was hit, the IAEA head said. Grossi also said "very significant damage" is expected to have occurred at Fordo, "given the explosive payload utilised and the extreme vibration-sensitive nature of centrifuges". Experts however say that it is unclear how many centrifuges Iran has, with some of them believed to be stored at unknown locations. With "60 percent enriched uranium and a few hundred advanced centrifuges, Iran still has the capability to weaponise, and now there is more political impetus to dash for a bomb", said Davenport. What are the proliferation risks? Before the conflict, the IAEA said it had "no indication" of the existence of a "systematic programme" in Iran to produce a nuclear weapon. But without access to nuclear sites, the agency no longer has oversight. Grossi warned Monday that the "global non-proliferation regime that has underpinned international security... could crumble and fall", urging parties to return to diplomacy. Iran ratified the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) in 1970, committing it to declare its nuclear material to the IAEA. But it has recently begun preparing the grounds for a possible withdrawal from the treaty, accusing the agency of acting as a "partner" in Israel's "war of aggression". Reza Najafi, Iran's ambassador to the IAEA, said Monday the "unlawful act of aggression" by the United States had "delivered a fundamental and irreparable blow" to the non-proliferation regime. "I do think there is a major risk that Iran withdraws from the NPT and expels inspectors, or simply does not provide them with access to key sites," said Eric Brewer of the US research institute Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI). He added that Iran could also "over time, build (a) covert" programme like North Korea, which withdrew from the NPT in 2003 and went on to become a nuclear-armed power.
