Murali Vullaganti is very matter of fact when he tells me that he is now in the “business of life”. His goal is to resolve a pinch point in the system that is in plain sight, but never addressed. He earnestly explains to me what led to the formation of Rural Shores—an initiative in India aimed at “bringing jobs to the people” by establishing work centers in rural areas.

 

“People talk about onshore, nearshore and offshore. Why not take it to the next level where it can really make a difference – why not establish a ‘rural shore’.”

 

Reaching the answer to this straightforward question was a labor of love and perseverance. Despite helping more than 25,000 rural youth in building a career, Murali insists that this is just the start and looking at his determination, I believe it! Building on RuralShores’ success, Murali launched PeopleShores in the US, adapting it to local needs and focusing on soft skills development.

 

“Spending significant years in the US, achieving personal growth and financial stability, I felt indebted to the country that had given me so much.”

 

Currently, PeopleShores has centers in six communities: Clarksdale (MS), Pine Bluff (AR), Brooklyn (NY), South Dekalb (GA), South Bronx (NY) and East Tampa (FL). Thanks to PeopleShores, these communities have seen a real turnaround with new skills, more direct and indirect jobs, and a boost in local businesses that’s brought a fresh wave of optimism.

 

Murali doesn’t plan to stop there. With the support of big companies, his team is rolling out these successful strategies to other areas and hoping to address other challenges such as access to reliable and timely health care along the way.

 

Drawing from this success, he encourages the diaspora to start making a difference.