Beyond After School: Expanding Horizons through Sewa
Varsha Chauhan- MOS, Atlanta
Over the past 12 months, our Sewa efforts have focused on expanding access, building trust, and creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for our students. As Program Director of the AmeriCorps Afterschool Program, I have led a hybrid model that meets students where they are—providing virtual afterschool homework help Monday through Thursday, and in-person community-based enrichment every Saturday. This structure has allowed us to consistently support academic growth while also creating space for deeper engagement beyond the screen.
One of our most impactful initiatives came during our month-long in-person Summer Camp 2025 in the Chamblee area. We welcomed two Sewa interns as assistant camp counselors, and their contributions quickly evolved into something transformative. They didn’t just assist—they inspired. One introduced students to ballet, and the other to violin. For many of our K–8 students, this was their first exposure to the arts. Watching a child hold a violin for the first time—tentative, then gradually confident—was a powerful reminder of how access can shape self-belief. These experiences opened doors that many of our students didn’t even know existed.
We also organized a field trip to the Chamblee Municipal Court, offering students a real-world look at civic systems. What could have been an intimidating experience became an empowering one. Students learned how the court operates, asked thoughtful questions, and began to see police officers not as figures to fear, but as community helpers. That shift in perception was profound. This year reaffirmed for me that real change happens when we combine consistency with opportunity—academic support paired with exposure to new ideas, environments, and role models. Through Sewa, we didn’t just provide homework
help; we expanded horizons.
Mindfulness in Action: Building Resilient Communities
Shilpa Shastry- Bay Area
Over the past 12 months, I had the privilege of participating in a community wellness initiative through Sewa USA that truly transformed both my perspective and my sense of purpose. One of the most impactful experiences was leading a mindfulness workshop focused on stress reduction and emotional regulation. The event was designed to help participants manage anxiety, especially in times of uncertainty.
What stood out to me was the power of youth involvement in these programs. I collaborated with fellow young leaders, and together we led sessions that integrated mindfulness with practical safety techniques. This allowed us to not only impart essential skills but also share our own stories of resilience. I distinctly remember guiding a breathing exercise during a community preparedness workshop and seeing how the group, including adults, visibly calmed. That moment made me realize the value of emotional well-being in creating stronger, more resilient communities.
The initiative didn’t just benefit the participants; it changed me as well. Working closely with mentors, engaging in community outreach, and facilitating meaningful discussions pushed me to become a more confident and empathetic leader. It gave me a deeper understanding of how wellness, mindfulness, and leadership can work together to create lasting change. This program didn’t just leave a lasting impact on the community; it reshaped my approach to leadership and social service. It reminded me that real change happens when we lead with empathy, share our resources, and build a collective sense of responsibility toward each other.
Sewa’s work ignited my passion for making a difference, and I am eager to continue this journey of empowering others and fostering stronger, more connected communities.
Sewa Hindu Mobile Pantry: Serving North Texas
Sachin Sugandhi- Chapter coordinator, Dallas
The Sewa Hindu Mobile Pantry officially launched in February 2026, growing out of monthly food drives at the DFW Hindu Temple that began in 2020. Established in close collaboration with the temple, the initiative was designed to bridge the gap for families facing transportation barriers by delivering essential nutrition directly to their communities.
Currently, the project is making a significant impact through the following initiatives:
• Student & Refugee Support: In collaboration with a dedicated donor, we provide fresh vegetables to over 200 university students across the DFW area and offer vital assistance to Bhutanese refugees facing financial hardship every week.
• Monthly Grocery Distribution: We support 50 families every month with essential groceries, ensuring consistent access to shelf-stable goods.
• Community Expansion: We are actively pursuing a partnership with the North Texas Food Bank to scale our operations and reach even more underprivileged communities across the Metroplex.
By bringing fresh food and essential supplies to those who need them most, the Sewa Hindu Mobile Pantry continues its mission to combat food insecurity and foster a stronger, healthier North Texas.
