Steps That Build Community: DC 5K Walk & Talk

Kannan Sundaramoorthy- Chapter Coordinator, Washington DC

Sewa DC Morning 5K Walk and Talk is a new initiative from the DC chapter. It was started late last year as a weekly event to promote health among volunteers and also to build participation for the Sewa DC Annual 5K Run. It also serves as an outreach program to introduce Sewa to new people.

The walk is organized and led by Om More, a former LEAD student. It continues rain or shine—indoors at a mall during the winter months and outdoors for the rest of the year. A WhatsApp group created for the event now has more than 50 members, with at least 10 to 15 participants joining every week.

From Idea to Impact: Engaging Seniors in Chicago

Nags Rajaram- Chapter Coordinator, Chicago

Chicago implemented a new initiative using a township grant to support seniors in the community. We have been running these Milans each month since January, featuring a combination of fun and educational activities. We kicked off in January with roughly 30 seniors, in the presence of the local State Representative, and used the opportunity to understand their preferences.

In February, we organized a seminar on Five Wishes and financial awareness, along with engaging the seniors in group singing. We used the March edition to focus on yoga and breathing exercises. Upcoming events include seed planting and mental health awareness presentations.

Overall, it has been a fulfilling experience, as reflected in the seniors’ feedback and their continued participation.

Where It All Began: A Chance Meeting, A Lasting Impact

Shweta Chakradeo- Chapter Coordinator,Pittsburgh

This is a story of how our Pittsburgh chapter started. It began in the midst of COVID, with 2 karyakartas who had never seen or met each other. They met at a gas station and started a chapter with a coat drive, using a manually made flyer. They collected
350+ coats and began a fantastic journey.

Building Leaders, Building Culture: The LEAD Journey

Neha Sehgal- Manager-Youth Engagement, LEAD Program, Delhi

The past year with the LEAD program has been deeply transformative both for the program and for me personally. As part of the national team, I had the opportunity to contribute to restructuring the LEAD program within an already established system to make it more impactful and meaningful.

This journey was not easy. Introducing change required constant dialogue, negotiation, and alignment across multiple chapters. Over the last six months, we have implemented the LEAD program in a completely new way. As a team, we focused on streamlining processes to ensure consistency across chapters while also enhancing the overall leadership and development experience for over 1,800 LEAD participants. A key milestone was transforming the program into a structured, four- year progressive journey with clearly defined year-wise engagement plans.

Unique LEAD Initiative (This Year)

Through the “Pathways to Serve Leadership” program under the new LEAD structure, our national team—supported by course instructors, LEAD coordinators, and a team of student admins (12th graders)—worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. Weekend classes over the past three months have reached over 650+ participants in Level 1, 250+ in Level 2, and 150+ in Level 3 across 27+ chapters. Additionally, 215+ parents have been engaged as mentors, strengthening the ecosystem of learning and support.

When parents become mentors, leadership development stops being a program and starts becoming a culture. It reaches homes, dinner tables, and the quiet conversations that shape who young people become. This is the change we set out to create.

I learned through this that what we built will continue to grow across chapters and impact many more youth lives, but what stays with me most is who I became in the process—more patient in uncertainty, more collaborative in approach, and more grounded in the true meaning of leadership through service.

Powering Volunteer Engagement Through Build

Shubham Sahu- Team Assistant, 9/11, Nagpur

In 17 Sewa USA chapters, using Build exclusively as a Volunteer Management System (VMS) for the 9/11 Sewa Day of Service has created a strong and measurable impact on volunteer management, data tracking, and program expansion. One of the most significant outcomes has been the ability to systematically capture volunteer data such as registrations, participation, and hours contributed, making it easier to measure impact and generate structured reports for future planning.

Beyond the 9/11 event, the VMS has strengthened the overall functioning of the Sewa Serve Program. It is now actively used for posting events, coordinating activities, and enabling smooth communication between program leads and volunteers. This centralized approach has reduced dependency on multiple tools and brought greater clarity and efficiency to operations.

The success of Build has also encouraged chapters like Houston, Atlanta, and Central Jersey to adopt the platform for promotion, registration, and volunteer impact tracking across other programs as well. With all information in one place, these chapters can easily monitor participation trends, improve outreach strategies, and ensure consistency in execution across locations.

Importantly, the usage of VMS is no longer limited to the 9/11 Sewa Day of Service or the Serve Program alone. Chapters have started adopting it for other initiatives as well, recognizing its effectiveness in managing volunteers and organizing events. This wider adoption highlights its scalability and reliability as a unified system for multiple programs.

Overall, Build has enhanced efficiency, improved data-driven decision-making, and created a strong foundation for scaling programs. Its expanding use across chapters and initiatives demonstrates its value as a long-term solution for streamlined volunteer management and impactful community engagement.

Zoho Transformation: Turning Challenges into Foundational Change

Yogesh Dhere- Project Manager, IT Team, Pune

Working on the Zoho Transformation project has been phenomenal. The challenges that came along the way, and how they ultimately paved the foundation for a meaningful shift in our relationship with Zoho Corporation, have been truly encouraging and heartwarming.

From Content to Learning Impact: Building Sewa Academy

Vivek V V- Manager - Learning and Development, Sewa Academy, Delhi

1. Making My Impact Count – Initiatives & Actions

Over the past 12 months, I focused on strengthening Sewa Academy as a structured and scalable learning platform. One key initiative I led was standardizing course development
across departments—transforming scattered training content into well-designed LMS courses with clear learning objectives, engaging visuals, and voice-over–ready narration.

I worked closely with different teams to identify learning gaps, ideate high-impact courses, and convert them into accessible digital formats. This included introducing a consistent course structure, improving content quality, and ensuring that courses are not just informative but also engaging and practical for volunteers.

Another important step was integrating feedback loops—collecting inputs from learners and stakeholders to continuously improve course quality. I also contributed to creating branded templates and improving presentation design, which enhanced the overall learner experience.

Through these efforts, training became more accessible, standardized, and scalable—
reducing dependency on live sessions while increasing reach across volunteers globally.

2. A Sewa Effort That Changed My Life

One of the most impactful experiences for me was working on transforming raw, unstructured knowledge into meaningful learning experiences for others. While developing courses, I realized that Sewa is not just about service delivery—it is about empowering people with knowledge and clarity.

This journey changed my perspective. I began to see how even small improvements in communication, structure, or design can significantly enhance someone’s ability to learn and contribute. It taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of thinking from a learner’s point of view.

More importantly, it deepened my connection with Sewa’s mission. I moved from just contributing to truly taking ownership—ensuring that whatever I create adds long-term value. This experience reshaped how I approach service—with more intention, responsibility, and purpose.

Building a Standard Resource Library to Scale Serve Across Chapters

Shubham Sahu- Team Assistant - Serve Program, Nagpur

To strengthen program delivery and ensure long-term impact, we developed comprehensive pre-designed resource folders for all 44+ chapters across the four regions of Sewa USA. These folders serve as a centralized, easy-to-use toolkit that equips stakeholders and members with everything needed to effectively plan, execute, and sustain Serve initiatives at the local level.

Each resource folder includes a thoughtfully curated set of materials such as instructional and inspirational videos, ready-to-use PowerPoint presentations, standardized documentation templates, and professionally designed Canva posters and communication assets. By providing these tools in a structured and accessible format, we aim to reduce the time and effort required for program setup while maintaining consistency in messaging and quality across chapters.

The primary goal of this initiative is to empower chapters to operate with greater independence and confidence. By minimizing reliance on centralized support, these resources enable local teams to take ownership of their programs, adapt them to their community’s unique needs, and scale their impact organically. This approach fosters leadership development, encourages innovation at the grassroots level, and strengthens community engagement.

Ultimately, these pre-designed resource folders are not just operational tools—they are a strategic investment in building a self-sustaining, community-led Serve ecosystem. By equipping every chapter with the right resources and guidance, we are laying the foundation for a more resilient, scalable, and impactful program.

Creating Meaningful Giving Through Courage and Curiosity

Shradha Agrawal- Donor relations manager, Aligarh

Our Fund Development team identified a growing gap—donors were increasingly seeking smarter commitments and ways to plan their legacy. The conversation was no longer just about how to give, but how to give meaningfully over time. Donors were thinking about sustaining impact and ensuring their contributions created value beyond the present moment.

Many organizations already had structured systems and services in place to support this. Planned and Smart Giving felt like a natural next step for us as well. But there was a challenge—we had no legal framework, no external advisors, and no formal guidance to rely on.

For a moment, this felt like a limitation. But soon, it became our starting point. Instead of waiting for perfect conditions, the team chose to move forward. We immersed ourselves in learning—reading, researching, and understanding global practices. Complex concepts and documents were simplified into meaningful, human conversations. There were multiple calls, countless questions, and moments of uncertainty as we worked to truly understand what this initiative could become.

It wasn’t always easy. There were unanswered questions and moments of hesitation. But we leaned into authenticity. We didn’t position ourselves as experts—we showed up as learners, committed to exploring this space with honesty.

We began small—one conversation at a time, one person at a time. We engaged our brand ambassadors, initiating dialogues around Planned and Smart Giving. And what we discovered was powerful: donors didn’t need perfection—they needed clarity, sincerity, and intention.

Planned and Smart Giving was not built on expertise or external support. It was built on courage, curiosity, and commitment. Because sometimes, the most meaningful change begins when a team simply chooses to start.

From Users to Leaders: Scaling ZOHO Adoption in Sewa

Pranjali Pohankar- Executive Manager, Presidents' Office, Nagpur

Over the last 12 months, one initiative that created meaningful impact in Sewa was the formation of the ZOHO Power Users Group for the Bharat MOS team. As Sewa continued to grow, we needed stronger systems, better coordination, and faster adoption of digital tools. Instead of depending only on external support, we built an in-house model of learning and leadership.

We identified a team of 10 committed volunteers/staff members from Bharat MOS and encouraged them to become “Power Users.” Each member took ownership of learning two ZOHO applications in depth. They invested nearly three hours every week individually to train themselves, practice, and prepare for others.

Once ready, this team conducted structured training sessions for the entire Bharat MOS group of nearly 35 members. Because the learning came from within the team, the sessions were practical, relatable, and immediately useful. As a result, ZOHO adoption across Bharat MOS was fast-tracked within a single quarter. Daily workflows became more organized, communication improved, and teams became more confident using technology.

Beyond internal training, the Power Users also supported Sewa chapters and departments with first logins, onboarding, and troubleshooting. To make the transition sustainable, we developed in-house training resources for 8 basic applications and 4 advanced applications, creating a long-term knowledge base for future users.

This was not just a technology project—it was Sewa in action: enabling others, solving problems together, and strengthening the organization for greater service.

From Readiness to Impact: Smarter Grant Decisions

Smita Chande- Manager (Fund Development and Compliance), Nagpur

I conducted a unique initiative for grant readiness assessment of chapters—an effort that significantly strengthened how Sewa makes grant-related decisions.

At the outset, one of the biggest challenges was the lack of clear visibility across chapters. As grant opportunities expanded, we also encountered multiple compliance gaps and red flags, making it difficult to assess whether chapters were truly ready to implement and manage grant-funded programs effectively.

To address this, I took a proactive approach by designing and implementing a structured Grant Readiness & Chapter Capacity Assessment framework. Through this, I evaluated ~20 chapters across governance, compliance readiness, program maturity, volunteer strength, partnerships, and infrastructure.

The assessment revealed critical gaps—limited SAM registration, uneven leadership structures, and infrastructure challenges affecting federal readiness. These insights directly helped strengthen compliance processes and improve pre-submission quality.

I supported the review of grant proposals across a ~$5.3M pipeline, working closely with the Grants Team (Gauri ji, Amali ji, and Prakriti ji) to ensure alignment with readiness and feasibility. Based on structured Go/No-Go recommendations, we were able to take more informed decisions—resulting in 20 successful grants out of 58
applications, with ~$2.2M secured.

This also enabled better prioritization of chapters for the Fund Development team and more confident leadership decisions on where to expand.

This effort was made possible through strong teamwork—especially the
organizational team (Sagar ji, Shraddha ji, Shruti ji, Radhika ji, Ankita ji), along with guidance from Manali ji, Mahesh ji, and Prem ji.

This experience reinforced that real impact lies in enabling the right programs to begin in the right places—with readiness, accountability, and long-term sustainability.

Where Service Becomes Resistance: Attappady Diaries

Gokul V Gopal- Manager (Grant Management), Delhi

Kerala leads in social development indicators, but my journey bypassed those validations. It led to Attappady—known for child deaths over rights, malnutrition over nourishment. The KSRTC bus from Thrissur to Agali groaned through sharp bends and broken roads, a rehearsal for the uneven path ahead.

Agali was cold on arrival; the hills held their breath. But SVMM hospital buzzed—Dr. Jilshoy brisk in the corridors, nurses preparing for a long day. One name echoed in hamlets and rooms: Dr. Narayanan, the “10-rupee doctor.” Reverence here is embedded in survival, not in shouts.

First stop: Ramyasree, an eight-month-old post-heart surgery patient in Coimbatore, supported by SVMM. Her mother, an unpaid volunteer, cradled her. Gratitude settled silently in the body—years of service repaid through her child’s life.

The hamlets told harsher tales: malnourished children with thin limbs, anaemic mothers, untreated mental illness drifting between lucidity and absence. Children roamed on school days as parents chased daily wages that dissolved into liquor.

Poverty here is generational, behavioural, and structural. In Choondi, frail Thaami ran toward us, trembling but determined. Years of mental illness had eased under Dr. Narayanan’s care; he now takes medicines. “I feel good these days,” he said, a shy smile masking neglect. Nearby, Lokammal showed her daughter Muruki, who lives with mental illness and resists medication.  SVMM’s Akash knelt, speaking gently where force had failed. Hope remained fragile but present.

SVMM’s Sudha, the ANM, continued her work amid resistance—once even chased for urging hospital care. Persistence is not a luxury here. Yet light persists. At SVMM’s Malleeswara Tribal Hostel, children train in volleyball and kabaddi; disciplined bodies, ambitious eyes. Hunger-battling parents now dream of state teams. Service is not charity—it is resistance. SVMM resists Attappady’s forgetting every day.

From Ground to Data: Capturing Sewa’s Impact in Real Time

Amali- Manager - Grants, Delhi 

Over the past 24 months, I initiated a structured, real-time data collection system across Sewa chapters to better capture and reflect our collective impact. Beginning in 2025, this effort focused on gathering key organizational metrics such as number of activities, adult volunteers, lead volunteers, volunteer hours, and beneficiaries served.

What made this initiative truly meaningful was the collaborative spirit behind it. With consistent support from dedicated chapter coordinators like Prakriti ji, Shraddha Dayalkar ji, Shruti ji, Ankita ji, Sagar ji, and Radhika ji, we built a system that was not only functional but also sustainable. Every Wednesday, we come together to review the past week’s activities, troubleshoot challenges, and ensure a steady, accurate flow of information from the ground.

This initiative transformed how chapters document their grassroots services, as well as how they access real-time insights into their growth. The data became a powerful tool supporting cross-functional teams such as Program, Fund Development, and Marketing—strengthening the creation of impactful presentations, reports, outreach materials, and donor proposals.

This structured data helps amplify the voice of grassroots service. It reinforces that every activity, every volunteer hour, and every beneficiary matters—and when documented well, these efforts collectively tell a compelling story of change at an organizational level.

My Sewa Journey: Finding Purpose through Service

Archana Arora- MOS (Sewa Academy), Delhi

Over the past year, my journey with Sewa has been truly enriching and deeply meaningful. Serving as a MOS in Bharat allowed me to connect with communities at the grassroots level and understand the true spirit of selfless service. It helped me see how even small efforts, when done with sincerity, can create a lasting impact.

In the last six months, my experience has further strengthened my bond with Sewa. What makes this journey especially meaningful is not just the work we do, but the values we live by every day—compassion, responsibility, and seeing the world as one family.

One of the most transformative experiences for me has been attending the recent Varga. It was a truly special learning experience where I was able to deepen my understanding of Sanatan Dharma and the Hindu faith in a practical and meaningful way. The teachings were not just theoretical—they inspired me to bring these values into my daily life and also share them with my family. It has helped me feel more rooted, more aware, and more aligned with a purpose beyond myself.

Sewa, for me, is not just an organization—it is a way of life. It has shaped my thinking, strengthened my values, and inspired me to grow both personally and spiritually. This journey has been truly beautiful, and I feel grateful to be part of something so meaningful.

When Writing Becomes Service: My Sewa Journey

Gauri Kittur- Grants Manager, Pune

My journey with Sewa has been both unexpected and deeply fulfilling. Coming from
a legal background, I never imagined I would find myself in the world of grant writing. But during a phase of transition, I told myself—this is an opportunity. An opportunity to nurture my inner writer and align with my basic nature of giving back to society. This role, in many ways, felt like a perfect fit.

As I worked on foundation, federal, and corporate grants, I often wondered about the real impact of my work. Sitting far from Bharat, it was not always easy to see the difference we were making. But whenever we worked on disaster relief grants—and saw them succeed—the impact became real, visible, and deeply motivating.

Sewa has not only helped me sharpen my writing skills but also given me the privilege of contributing meaningfully to those less fortunate. I still remember writing proposals for Mamatva Foundation supporting the transgender community, and for the Mangaon Center led by Prasad ji—both of which helped raise funds and enabled meaningful work on the ground. More recently, contributing to the Atlanta Mobile Van Clinic proposal and seeing it move forward has been equally fulfilling. These moments make the impact tangible and personal.

What truly makes Sewa special, however, is its people. Interacting with and learning
from individuals like Saumitra ji, Prem ji, Arun ji, Vasudev ji, and our favorite Srikanth
ji has been invaluable. Their accessibility, willingness to mentor, and depth of experience create a truly unique environment.

Sewa stands out because of this spirit—of learning, sharing, and growing together.

“सेवा परमो धर्मः” — Service is the highest duty.

 

Enabling Productivity Through Digital Transformation

Rakesh Pathak- Solution Architect, IT Team, Bharat

Implemented the Sewa Desk ticketing system, which made reporting, logging, and tracking all IT issues easy and systematic. It helped the entire organization transition from Google to the Zoho platform. We are now working on bringing in more Zoho products that are easy to use and help improve productivity among MoS and volunteers.

I have been associated with Sewa for the last 22 years, and Sewa is truly a part of my life.

Witnessing Impact: The Pathshala Experience

Veena Bedekar- Program Manager (Influence and Impact), Pune

My journey with Sewa has been a deeply meaningful and inspiring experience, connecting me to grassroots impact in a very real way. This opportunity came when Sandeep ji connected me with a senior karyakarta working in Siliguri, Bharat, for a project we were looking to support. Siliguri holds strategic importance, located in the “Chicken’s Neck” corridor that serves as a gateway to North-East Bharat and a hub for diverse communities.

The project, Bhagwan Birsa Pathshalas, is a chain of preschools being established in tea garden areas—remote and underserved regions where access to early education is limited. Through this engagement, I followed up on communication with both senior leadership and ground volunteers, connecting teams from Sewa International USA and Sewa Bharat. This gave me a valuable end-to-end perspective of how a project evolves—from vision and planning to execution on the ground.

Visiting the project sites and schools was the most enriching part of this experience. Traveling to these remote locations, I witnessed firsthand the hardships faced by tea garden communities and the urgent need for accessible, quality education. It reinforced the importance of education that not only imparts knowledge but also instills values and strengthens cultural identity.

Interacting with students and meeting dedicated ground volunteers brought the work to life. Their commitment and resilience were truly inspiring. I was especially thrilled to witness the opening of one of the Pathshalas—an unforgettable moment symbolizing hope and new beginnings.

This experience reaffirmed my belief in the power of community-driven initiatives and left me deeply motivated by Sewa’s impact.

When Content Becomes Service

Shekhar Chavan- Manager (Cause Marketing), Pune

One effort that deeply impacted me was working on storytelling around disaster relief projects. While editing a short video on relief work, I wasn’t just arranging clips I was witnessing resilience, loss, and hope through real stories. It changed how I see my role. I realized that even though I’m not physically present on the ground, my work can influence how many people step forward to help.

This experience transformed my perspective from being a content creator to becoming a storyteller with responsibility. It made my work more purposeful.

At Sewa, I didn’t just contribute skills; I found a deeper connection to service, where every piece of content has the potential to create real change in someone’s life and in my own.

The volunteer meeting at Sewa Boston’s office had just ended, but the energy it created lingered long after everyone left. A few young Sewa volunteers, still reflecting on the annual planning session, climbed into an Uber Cab and began the ride home. Their conversation naturally turned to the meeting they just attended.

Volunteers spoke about the year ahead, the chapter’s annual plan, and the concept of selfless service that brought them together. They shared stories about the people whose lives had been touched, the goals met, and how volunteers poured their energies into Sewa initiatives to serve others. Their words carried conviction, warmth, and quiet determination.

The driver listened to their conversation without interrupting. At first, he simply glanced at them through the mirror. Then he asked a few thoughtful questions. What inspired them? How did their work help others? What kept them going?

They answered honestly, speaking not with rehearsed explanations, but with sincerity. Gradually, the atmosphere in the car shifted. What began as a routine ride became a shared moment of reflection. As the trip neared its end, something unexpected happened. Before they stepped out, the driver reached into his wallet and handed them $15. He asked only one thing — that they donate it to the cause on his behalf. He did not want a receipt. He did not want recognition. He simply wanted to give.

The amount was small, but the gesture carried profound meaning. In that brief journey, genuine passion had moved a stranger to act. It was a simple reminder: when service comes from the heart, people feel it. And sometimes, the quietest moments create the most lasting impact.

There was a quiet excitement and anticipation in me before coming to Suriname this time—excitement to meet our Sewa volunteers here, and anticipation stirred by familiar memories from my visit to Nickerie in July 2023. I landed at the Paramaribo airport on Saturday night and was warmly greeted by Sewa Suriname volunteers Aswin ji Charoe and Abhinay.

The next morning, I travelled to Nickerie by taxi. Conversations with my co-passengers made the long drive more thoughtful and enjoyable. Mungra Medical Center arranged my stay in the physicians’ residence—an individual house with everything one needs for comfortable living. The experience was made even more pleasant by the delicious meals provided by MMC. I had carried a few essentials for the mornings—milk, eggs, and some snacks. Residences of physicians from the Netherlands surrounded the house. Though I didn’t find enough time for an informal dinner with them—perhaps next time—I did speak with several of them about cases and local challenges.

One of them, to my surprise, was the great-grandson of the legendary Dr. Snellen, who introduced the Snellen chart used worldwide for visual acuity testing. Life has a subtle, beautiful way of connecting past and present. Each day began with 7:30 a.m. sign-outs by the overnight staff, followed by rounds to see admitted patients, then the outpatient clinic. I saw many interesting and challenging cases, made more complex by resource limitations—restricted medication availability, limited MRI scanner availability, and the geographic gap between Nickerie and Paramaribo. Despite this, the volunteer physicians from the Netherlands have been holding the system together remarkably well.

What deeply touched me was the joy on the faces of Hindustani patients. One 83-year-old gentleman said, with tears in his eyes, that he was so happy someone from his grandfather’s country had come to treat him. I felt that warmth and connectedness to his roots, and it stayed with me. Overall, this journey has been inspiring, joyous, and humbling. We live in a global village, and the health and well-being of people in Suriname is a responsibility I share. Building and nurturing these connections is essential.

As the sewa motto reminds us: “Together we serve better.”

Bridges built with compassion, beyond all differences, can transform the well-being of communities—of the whole planet. Carrying all these wonderful memories, I depart with a small ache— a sense of unfinished care. And maybe that is what will bring me back again.

--Dr. Kiran Patil is a board-certified Neurologist at Independence Health System in Butler, PA, and a core member of the Doctors for Sewa team. He is currently volunteering in Suriname, where 20–25% of the population is of Indian origin. A patient interaction in Surinamese Hindi, reflecting shared ancestral roots, left a lasting impact on him. Based in Pittsburgh, he comes from a family involved in social work and actively supports Sewa work with his wife and two children.

It was a pleasant evening in Andaman, a picturesque island in the Indian Ocean. It was a special event organized by Sewa International’s SHE (Sanitation, Hygiene, and Empowerment Project for the Girl Child) program, focused on providing bicycles to school-going girls. Around thirty girls had come with their parents. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation, laughter, and excitement.

As I spoke about how a bicycle can change a girl’s life—helping her reach school safely and save time —my eyes stopped on one small girl sitting quietly in the audience. She had a sweet smile on her face — calm, silent, and full of innocence.

Unlike the other girls who were talking and laughing, she silently watched everything. Her smile caught my heart. I mentioned her in my speech, “Look at that little girl—her smile shows real happiness and hope.” When it was time to give out the bicycles, she walked up to the stage, received her bicycle with the same gentle smile, and quietly returned to her seat—no over excitement, no jumping with joy — just a simple smile on her face.

Later, one of our volunteers came up to me and said softly, “there is so much sorrow behind that little girl’s smile. Her family has been through tremendous trauma. Her father passed away a few years ago. Her mother remarried, but was brutally killed in front of the girl by her stepfather, who is now in jail. Now she and her five sisters live with their grandparents.”

My heart felt heavy. That little girl with a calm face had endured so much pain at such a young age. And yet, she smiled — not with sadness, but with strength. I am sure it wasn’t just the bicycle that made her face so radiant. It was something deeper — the realization that she is not alone, and there are people ready to support her and stand with her. That smile was her quiet acknowledgment that she was not alone.

Since that day, her face often comes to my mind. Her silent smile touches something deep within me. I still struggle to control my emotions — sometimes tears well up, and I find myself turning away to hide them. I ask myself — after twenty years in social work, have I truly made a difference? Seeing children like her reminds me how much more there is to do, and how many lives still wait for even the smallest spark of hope.

But then I remind myself, maybe this is the reason I continue this journey. Maybe the meaning of all these years lies in moments like this — in one child’s smile, in one spark of courage, in one heart that refuses to give up. That day in the Andaman Islands, I didn’t just see a girl receiving a bicycle. I saw hope wearing a smile — a silent reminder of why we serve, and why we must never stop...

- Jinesh Lal, Executive Director, Sewa International Bharath

When the Storm Wouldn’t Pass

Rupa (name changed), a young woman from Birmingham, Alabama, had already been struggling to stay afloat. She faced housing instability and an uncertain income. Then a storm hit, damaging her apartment and making her situation worse. Soon after, she lost her income, and the pressure of bills and eviction notices quickly mounted.

With few options left, Rupa sought help through a partner referral and connected with Sewa International’s Family Services (FS) team. The volunteers responded quickly. They arranged groceries so she would not go hungry and helped cover rent, utilities, and car insurance. When she was locked out of her home, they also secured a temporary shelter, ensuring she had a safe place to stay.

Throughout this period, the team worked within their defined scope, doing everything they could with limited resources. However, as time went on, challenges arose. Errors and delays led to growing frustration, and communication became strained. Eventually, the situation escalated and involved legal action.

Even then, Sewa’s volunteers remained steady. They honored every commitment and handled each step with professionalism, ethics, and humility. They continued to serve with integrity, despite the difficulties.

One Call That Changed Everything

Rajat (name changed), a student from Karnataka, India, had just begun settling into life in Springdale, Arkansas. One day, as he crossed the street, a car struck him. The impact shocked him. Though he escaped with minor injuries, he felt shaken and unsure of what to do next.

Far from home, Rajat struggled to make sense of the situation. He did not know the local procedures or how to handle medical care, police reports, or insurance. Anxiety grew as questions piled up. In that moment, he reached out through the Indian Students Association (ISA), which connected him to Sewa International’s Family Services (FS).

The response came quickly. Volunteers listened patiently and understood his concerns. First, they guided him on how to seek proper medical attention. Then, they explained the steps to file a police report. They also helped him understand his legal and insurance rights in clear, simple terms.

With each step, Rajat felt more at ease. What had seemed confusing and overwhelming slowly became manageable. The fear that followed the accident began to fade, replaced by a sense of direction and control.

In the end, Rajat recovered well. More importantly, he regained his confidence. In a moment that could have left him lost, someone answered his call, stayed present, and helped him move forward with clarity and calm.

Compassion in Action: Standing Beside a Family in Grief

Biswa (name changed) had traveled from Orissa, India, with his family, looking forward to a peaceful vacation. Instead, life took a sudden and heartbreaking turn. His mother passed away unexpectedly while they were in Sacramento, California. In a moment, joy gave way to shock and deep grief.

Far from home, the family felt lost. They did not know the local customs or where to begin. Each decision felt heavy, and the unfamiliar surroundings only added to their distress. Unsure of how to manage the final rites, Biswa searched for help and reached out to Sewa International’s Family Services (FS).

The FS team’s response was immediate. Volunteers stepped in with care and clarity. First, they guided the family to nearby funeral homes and explained the process in simple terms. Then, they helped coordinate the necessary arrangements, ensuring that nothing was missed during such a difficult time.

More importantly, the FS team stood beside the family through each step of the final rites, offering quiet support and reassurance. Their presence brought a sense of calm when everything else felt uncertain.

As the days passed, the burden felt a little lighter. Biswa’s family no longer felt alone in a distant city. Later, the family shared their heartfelt gratitude. In their darkest hours, someone had shown up, stayed close, and helped them move forward—one step at a time.

A Heartbreaking Case of Courage and Resilience

Kartikeya (name changed), a young student, had once lived with quiet dreams and simple routines. Then, in a single violent moment, everything changed. During a robbery, he was shot multiple times. He fought for his life through several critical surgeries and survived. However, the injuries left him paralyzed below the waist.

After the surgeries, a long and painful journey began. He needed constant medical care and intensive rehabilitation. Each day brought new challenges, both physical and emotional. Meanwhile, his parents, back in Tamil Nadu, India, could not travel to be with him. In their place, his sisters stepped forward. They stayed by his side, caring for him while carrying the weight of worry, exhaustion, and rising expenses.

During this difficult time, Sewa International’s Family Services (FS) team stepped in. Volunteers showed up consistently. They brought groceries, visited him at the hospital, and spent time with the family. They listened, reassured, and helped ease the silence that often follows trauma.

Although student insurance covered only a small part of the costs, support from the community began to grow. Each gesture, big or small, helped the family move forward.

Through it all, Kartikeya held on. Despite pain and uncertainty, he continued to fight, one day at a time. And around him, people stood close—reminding him that even in life’s hardest moments, he did not have to face them alone.

When Everything Fell Apart

Payal (name changed), a young woman from West Bengal, India, had been trying to rebuild her routine in Dover, Delaware. Then, in a single moment, a car accident left her injured and unable to work. She struggled to recover, both physically and emotionally. Just as she tried to steady herself, another crisis struck. Severe storms damaged her home, cutting off electricity and leaving her without food or cash.

Days grew harder. The uncertainty weighed heavily on her. Then came the news that her housing voucher would not be renewed. The risk of losing her home suddenly became real. With no clear path ahead, Payal felt overwhelmed and alone.

In that moment, she reached out to Sewa International’s Family Services (FS). The response came without delay. Volunteers listened carefully and understood the urgency of her situation. First, they arranged immediate food support so she could meet her basic needs. Then, they guided her through available shelter options, helping her see practical next steps.

At the same time, they connected her with legal aid to address her housing concerns. With each conversation, they brought clarity and calm. Slowly, the chaos began to settle. Although her challenges did not disappear overnight, Payal no longer faced them alone. In a time when everything seemed to fall apart, someone showed up, stood by her, and helped her find a way forward.