Akshata Murthy: "Art And Storytelling Can Unite Divided Societies"

Akshata Murthy, trustee of London’s Victoria & Albert Museum, spoke about the power of art and heritage to bring people together in an increasingly polarised world. Participating in a conversation at the NDTV Art Awards, she shared insights from her initiative “Stories in 10 Objects,” a programme that uses museum artefacts to connect history, culture and communities. Murthy explained how the series was designed to showcase South Asian collections at the V&A, not just as beautiful objects, but as living narratives layered with context, craftsmanship and tradition. The aim, she said, is to appeal especially to young people, helping them engage with art in a meaningful and accessible way.