MurthyNAYAK Foundation: 2015 Was a Good Year

The MurthyNAYAK Foundation (MNF) is a family foundation begun by Sheela Murthy, President and CEO of the Murthy Law Firm, and her husband, Vasant Nayak. The couple decided to begin their foundation in the wake of 9/11, to do good work and give back to the United States, their adopted country, and to their homeland of India. Murthy serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, and gives of her time and talent to worthwhile organizations, largely in the Baltimore area. Nayak, a photographer and media expert, lends his expertise to support organizations and programs in India that align with MNF’s mission.

In 2015, MNF has supported many organizations. Among them are those who help to empower and educate women, those who provide services to immigrants and refugees to the U.S., and those who augment children’s education or improve their lives in ways that help them to focus on their studies. Following are just a few of the organizations supported this year.

Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service

This organization stands with and advocates for migrants and refugees, transforming communities through ministries of service and justice. Currently, much of their work is focused on helping to protect and resettle Syrian refugees.

Pratham DC Chapter

Universal literacy is Pratham’s foremost goal. Their work began in the slums of Mumbai in 1994. Between 1999 and 2001, the organization expanded to cover 19 cities, and in 2000, Pratham was awarded the Global Development Network Award, sponsored by the World Bank and the Government of Japan, and was named one of the top three “most innovative development projects.”

ASHA For Women

Working against domestic abuse in greater Washington D.C., ASHA provides the support that empowers South Asian women to become self-reliant and safe from abuse, finding medical services, housing, employment, and helping them to maintain legal immigration status, which might be connected to that of their abusers. Beyond her financial commitment, Murthy also serves on their board of advisors.

American Immigration Council (AIC)

AIC’s legal, education, policy, and exchange programs work to strengthen America by honoring our immigrant history and shaping how Americans think and act towards immigration now and in the future. Murthy has served on their board and is a strong supporter of their efforts.

Agastya International Foundation

In rural India, children rarely actually see a science experiment that is described in their textbooks. Agastya is changing this. They train teachers and send them into villages in mobile science labs. Nayak has been working with Agastya to promote their good works through a short film, a new website, and a book to be published early next year.

The Murthy Law Firm is a culture of service, which begins with the work for our clients. Our attorneys and support staff also have the opportunity to serve on a number of committees for in-house projects, leadership, and community outreach. The Philanthropy Committee recently ran a stocking-stuffer drive for United Way’s holiday events: Holiday Helpers, Shop-a-Thon, Wrap ‘n’ Chat, and the Holiday Village. In four weeks they collected 635 items towards the stocking drive from their coworkers. A “Leaf-a-Note” fundraiser, which took place over Thanksgiving, offered employees the opportunity to buy decorative leaves and write personal notes of thanks to other staff members. The funds raised went toward additional stocking stuffers and gifts for the underprivileged families who attended the Holiday Village dinner.

The things that we do to help others make us a stronger team, more sensitive and aware individuals, and better neighbors in our communities. We hope we have spread some joy during the holiday season, and know that many of you are working in your own communities to spread even more. Happy holidays from our Murthy Law Firm family to yours!

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