Muthu G Mudaliar
Founding Director
DFW Hindu Temple, Irving | Dallas Indian Lions | Texas, US
Janam Bhumi:
Tirupur, Tamil Nadu, India
Dharma Bhumi:
Tirupur, Tamil Nadu, India
Karma Bhumi:
Dallas, Texas, USA
Investing in Purpose & Compounding Values
Investing in Purpose & Compounding Values
The ‘Muthu’ Factor: “You don’t have control over what happens to you—but you have control over how you react. Focus on your effort, not the outcome.”
THE MAN
Muthu G Mudaliar and his wife, Manomani, live in a senior living facility, Bharatiya Nivas, which caters to the Indian American community. “This facility is unique—it’s culturally familiar, the food is right, we celebrate Indian festivals, and most importantly, we are among people who understand where we come from.” This is quite an unconventional move for two people who come from a culture where the norm is elders to live with their children or be cared for at home. But for Muthu and his wife it was a conscious decision where pragmatism, community, and independence outweighed the demands of tradition. “After a point, you need a system that can support your needs with dignity,” Muthu explains. “This facility is unique—it’s culturally familiar, the food is right, we celebrate Indian festivals, and most importantly, we are among people who understand where we come from.”
The choice is perhaps the most accurate reflection of who Muthu is and what his values are. Born in Tirupur, Tamil Nadu, in 1940, Muthu was among ten siblings in a household that ran on the meagre earnings of his father, Gopal Mudaliar, a small-time business person. When Gopal travelled, Muthu took care of the business. This was his first lesson in independence, practicality, and finance. The moral and spiritual education came from the emotional anchor of the house, his mother Parvathi, who nurtured the siblings to understand empathy, and kindness.
These early taster sessions in life led Muthu to becoming the first one in the family to attend college. Academically bright, Muthu received scholarships that enabled him to spread wings. He still has great regard for the public education system then. He says, “If you were meritorious, you were helped. It was a just system, and I have carried that fairness with me throughout life.”
THE JOURNEY
India’s job market at the time was more inclined towards public sector roles and Muthu, a graduate in Electrical Engineering from PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, had different dreams for his future, one that took him to the US in 1966. Securing loans from the bank, and relying on friends who stood by him, Muthu pursued his MS in Electrical Engineering at the University of Iowa. Once again, a scholarship came to his aid, followed by a Research Assistant role at the University. After completing his studies, he joined IBM in 1968 and continued there for a decade. “Though I was happy, working for someone else was never my idea,” says Muthu. The next step was an MBA in Finance, and a journey into a field he knew was his own. At EF Hutton, he started as a financial service provider in 1981 and became one of the top 30 traders out of 6500 by 1985. By 1986, he was named a VIP Advisor. The 1987 market crash ricocheted into a brief return to India in 1994, where he launched a garment export business. But the US was where Muthu was meant to be, and in 1998 he was back there, building his financial career in New Jersey. He established NVS Financial Strategies Inc. in Texas and remains a registered financial consultant. Among the many significant achievements is Muthu’s stewardship in the US immigration reform, helping over 100,000 H-1B professionals secure permanent residency. This advocacy work and subsequent win was an emotional one for Muthu because “it felt like true service.”
THE SPIRIT WITHIN
Muthu quotes the Bhagavad Gita with as much ease as he can navigate complex finance laws. “You don’t have control over what happens to you, but you have control over how you respond,” he says, summarising the Gita’s teachings. He has used this as his guiding principle throughout, applying it to his profession, family, and philanthropy. Apart from decades of philanthropic work., he has built platforms that build emotional infrastructure. He is a Founding Director of the Dallas Indian Lions Club, a Director of the Tamil Nadu Foundation, and active in various Indian community associations across North America. “We don’t just need money. We require continuity. That’s why I encourage legacy planning for nonprofits. We need to secure these cultural spaces for the next generation.”
THE LEGACY
To be content in life is a true blessing and to live it on your own terms, without compromising on values is a remarkable achievement. One that is possible when you have a liked-minded life partner. For Muthu that is his wife, Manomani, who is the secret behind his success When Muthu was out building his career, Manomani was building the internal grounding for their family. Their two sons, Velan and Dr. Senthil, grew up in the US, but Muthu and his wife ensured they were never too alienated from their roots. He says, “My sons grew up here. Their lives are easier, yes. But that also means they don’t always understand the path I walked.”
They would learn the lessons only if they walked a mile or two in their father’s footprints. So, when they moved to India, it gave Muthu the opportunity to show them the life he led. “They endured the weather, learned the language, took bus rides, and visited temples. “They saw who I was before I became who I am now.”
Who is Muthu now? He is a decorated financial adviser and mentor, honoured with multiple Lifetime Achievement Awards, the Immigrant Professional Excellence Award, the Jewels of India Award, and a Telly Award. He is also a celebrated contributor to bestselling books ‘The Coach Exchange’ and ‘Ready, Aim, Influence.’ An Octogenarian now, Muthu remains a Tour de force, showing the world how practicality, spirituality, and service can be lived.
MAPPING THE INDIA WITHIN
Bharat: Then and Now
“We lived with less, but we lived with grace. Education was public, honest, and merit based. Today, everything is commercialised. Children are being priced out of their future. That breaks my heart.”
Bharatiya Values that Travelled
“I didn’t carry things when I left India—I carried values. Respect for elders, the idea of karma, the daily rituals of gratitude. Even now, I meditate every day. I believe in effort, not outcomes. These things keep me anchored.”
Generations Abroad: A New Bharatiya Identity
“My children grew up in a different world. They were born into comfort. But I made sure they saw the other side—my India. They know the struggle. And today, I see them trying to connect—through food, music, even language. That gives me hope.”
Pride, Progress, and the Spirit Of Bharat
“India has found its voice. Whether it’s on digital payments, AI, or global diplomacy, we are not in anyone’s shadow. I’m proud to say I come from India. It no longer looks outside for validation but is finding strength from within.”
Dreams for the Youth and Future of Bharat
“For India, I dream of a level-playing field where everyone has access to quality education, opportunities. My advice to the youth is: Don’t wait for opportunities—create them. Also, use technology but don’t lose your grounding.”
BACK TO THE FUTURE – IN FIVE MOMENTS
Food Cravings
THEN
Nothing can alter the taste of Amma’s ‘idli’, ‘dosa’, chutney, and steaming ‘pongal’.
NOW
We eat the same food. But now we have added oats, for health.
Sport Spirit
THEN
We played football barefoot, ran in the fields, and cheered each other on.
NOW
I do stretching exercises, breathing routines, and walk with friends every day.
Music Tastes
THEN
I grew up listening to Kannadasan’s lyrics and Ramamurthy’s tunes; they shaped my imagination.
NOW
I listen to the same music and from the newer crop of artists, A.R. Rahman reminds me that Indian music still has soul.
Holiday Life
THEN
No holidays. We didn’t have the means to travel.
NOW
I have travelled for work and pleasure. Now Bhartiya Nivas is the best destination.
Leisure Habits
THEN
Cards, cinema, conversations with friends in the courtyard.
NOW
I enjoy yoga, carom, card games and conversations with friends at Bharatiya Nivas.
AKA
Muthu G Mudaliar Founding Director | Muthu Mudaliar DFW Hindu Temple | Muthu G Mudaliar Indian Lions | Community Leader Muthu Mudaliar
