“I’ve always wanted to travel overseas and achieve; I’ve worked for some of the largest and most prestigious corporations, yet I still felt that something was lacking in terms of my professional career, prompting me to return to India.

My name is G.M. Rao and it’s been more than 20 years since I entered the legal profession. It certainly gives me enormous joy to help someone who is in need; there are hundreds of individuals who come to me, some of whom cannot even pay their fees; I believe my education and ethics would help them in the proper way.

My father is a retired government school headmaster, and having grown up in a teacher’s household, I understand the importance of regulations and morals, as well as constraint and frugality.

I’m never scared to speak up for honesty and truth against injustice because there are a lot of women who are poor and don’t know how to get pensions from their husbands, and others just come to court and don’t know how the court system works.

During this process, I also began to question my purpose in life which prompted me to visit ashrams in Rishikesh and study Advita Vedanta philosophy. Spirituality is something many of us lack, and I keep visiting events in schools and colleges to help the future generation pick the correct route. I have also provided free legal help for the poor and also took up many social activities for the needy. I have had the opportunity to launch the campaign ‘Main Tulsi Teri Aangan Ki’ under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ and also work on projects for women’s empowerment.

Nothing comes easy in life; all we have to do is focus and work hard, and not put it to ourselves. India is a country where we have freedom but also a lot of room for improvement. I am glad that I took up the legal profession which also prompted me to take responsibility for educating people and helping them serve the country in my own unique way.”

• G.M. Rao, Advocate