A Family Tradition

ARTIST & BILINGUIST

A native of Flower Mound, Texas, Archana Murthy ’22 began learning the Kalakshetra style of Bharatanatyam, a religious Indian classical dance, at 6 years old. At the same time, her parents introduced her to Carnatic music, the primary classical composition of South India, as well as her mother tongue, Kannada. She acquired discipline, teamwork and time management skills through dance lessons all while learning about her family’s Hindu culture and values, which stress love and humility.

“The value of loving family and elders in an unselfish way while giving every person basic human respect and love is something I hold close,” she said. “Friendliness and charity are very important in Indian culture.” 

Today, she balances dance with her academic studies as a biology major. “I wouldn’t be who I am today without dance; it is the one constant in my life that I can turn to when I need a break,” she added. “For me, dancing is a spiritual experience that leaves me invigorated and humbled.”

SCHOLAR

Murthy’s parents, first-generation immigrants, emphasized the importance of education as a way to succeed. From that, her ambition and love for learning began. Now, Murthy is the recipient of a Brown Scholarship and the Mr. & Mrs. H. J. McKenzie ’27 President’s Endowed Scholarship, which are highly competitive, merit-based awards for Aggie students. “I chose Texas A&M University because of the amazing financial support I received,” she said, “but when I saw the pride and love Aggies have for the university, it solidified that this was the place for me.” 

ASPIRING DOCTOR

As a child, Murthy knew she wanted to pursue a career in service. She dreamed of being a veterinarian but realized later that she would rather heal people. Today, Murthy has been accepted into the Partnership for Primary Care program, an initiative in the Texas A&M College of Medicine designed to educate primary care physicians who wish to serve rural and underserved areas. While on a service trip to India, Murthy discovered her passion for rural health care while visiting villages and organizing free health checkup clinics for locals.

“What I experienced on that trip changed my life,” she recalled. “Listening to their stories and understanding their struggles put my own privilege into perspective, and I realized that giving back to small communities is the most significant way I could serve the world. I've always dreamed of being a doctor; I feel called to heal and care for others, almost like it’s in my DNA.” 

Scholarships help Aggies achieve their dreams. You can create a scholarship for aspiring students using a five-year pledge or company matching programs. Contact Marcy Ullmann ’86 at (979) 845-6383 or at mullmann@txamfoundation.com to learn more.