In 2009, Murali took on a full-time role as Executive Chairman of SEF, USA, guiding the organization to exponential growth and impact. Under his leadership, SEF, USA has grown to support a network of 29 hospitals across 14 states in India, performing around  500,000 free eye surgeries annually. Inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s teachings, Murali has galvanized a vast network of volunteers across the U.S. Reflecting on his journey, he says, "I thought I was helping eliminate blindness, but I’ve realized I’m the one transformed. Sankara’s work has been my spiritual path." 

In 2014, Murali received the ‘Distinguished Alumnus’ award from NIT Trichy, presented by President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, honoring his impactful leadership in the non-profit space.