Attorney Sheela Murthy Profiled in the Deccan Herald (Bangalore)
19 Jan 2010A major Indian newspaper, the Bangalore-based Deccan Herald, recently featured a profile of immigration lawyer and philanthropist, Sheela Murthy, who was in India last month on business. See: Mingling Cultures, Crisscrossing Lives, by Sharada Prahladrao, Deccan Herald, Jan 16, 2010.) The profile lauded Murthy as a “rare and brilliant combination of a very successful immigration lawyer and a committed philanthropist.” It highlighted Murthy’s many awards and professional accomplishments, including the establishment of a highly-successful law practice, “considered one of the world’s best U.S. immigration law firms.”
With roots in India and a rewarding life in her adopted country, Murthy has the best of both worlds, the article says. “While cherishing her roots, which have taught her to make the most rewarding use of every opportunity that comes her way, Sheela is also deeply attached to her adopted country, which respects perseverance over inheritance,” the Deccan Herald said, noting that Murthy has been honored for her philanthropy here and in India, and in 2009 was named Philanthropist of the Year by the United Way of Central Maryland for her $1 million pledge in 2008.
The story recounted a telling moment when a woman donated 100 rupees to Attorney Murthy’s foundation – a gesture Sheela found to be very humbling. The article quotes Murthy as saying, “I’m sure that 100 rupee note meant a lot more personal sacrifice for the woman than the $1 million meant for me.” The writer concluded that “[m]oney, for Sheela, is meant to be used for the greater common good.”
Attorney Murthy also discussed the challenges of globalization, that have made India a leader in the software and technology sector, but also have facilitated a brain drain that moves Indian talent overseas for educational and employment opportunities. The article cited the MurthyNayak Foundation’s efforts to address these challenges, focusing energy and resources on Agastya International Foundation, which the article credited with “a creative, revolutionary and result producing approach to education.” Murthy told the Deccan Herald that Agastya’s “peer-to-peer method of learning helps in building self confidence. We need to tap the energy, brilliance and creativity of every child. We need to make them feel valued and empowered.”
For further information about the MurthyNayak Foundation’s work in India, with Agastya International Foundation and many other charitable projects, visit the website. At the Murthy Law Firm, we are very proud of the important work that we are able support through the MurthyNayak Foundation, and we encourage everyone to take their cue from the woman who gave 100 rupees: give generously of what you have to help others in need. We know generosity matters!