The San Antonio-based mobile unit will support faster emergency relief operations and serve as a model for other Sewa chapters across the United States.

Disaster Response Vehicle launched — City of San Antonio dignitaries, local chapter leadership, and Sewa national team / Handout

In an effort to improve its disaster response capabilities, Texas-based nonprofit Sewa International launched its first dedicated Disaster Response Vehicle (DRV) in San Antonio. The vehicle was commissioned during Sewa International’s 20th National Conference at Aum Ashram on May 2.

Painted in Sewa’s colors, the trailer bears the organization’s motto, “Service to Humanity is Service to Divinity," and is equipped with emergency response tools including personal protective equipment, shovels, mucking tools, helmets, safety vests, thermal insulated jackets, solar-powered generators, and other supplies commonly needed in the immediate aftermath of floods, storms, and other disasters.

The mobile emergency operations unit is capable of being deployed anywhere in Texas within just a few hours and can potentially serve as a model for chapters nationwide, the team behind the effort said.

View showing the items stored inside the DRV / Handout

The unveiling ceremony was led by the Sewa San Antonio chapter leadership, with volunteers dressed in the organization’s signature yellow safety vests and hard hats. National board members and senior leadership also attended the event

Several public officials from Texas joined the launch ceremony, including State Senator Jose Menendez, State Rep. John Lujan, and San Antonio Council member Ivalis Meza Gonzalez. Representative John Lujan said, “This is a fantastic initiative by Sewa toward strengthening disaster response capabilities in San Antonio and beyond. I encourage Sewa to continue working closely with local disaster response agencies to further enhance our collective emergency response efforts.”

John Lujan, State Representative, addressing the gathering during the DRV launch / Handout

The initiative emerged from lessons learned during the severe flash floods that struck the Texas Hill Country in July 2025. Following those floods, Sewa mobilized volunteers from multiple cities to assist with relief and recovery efforts, working alongside the Texas Division of Emergency Management and Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster. According to the organization, more than 200 volunteers contributed over 3,000 service hours in the recovery effort.

Sewa officials said that experience highlighted the need for a dedicated mobile response center that could streamline logistics and improve deployment speed in future emergencies.

“The first 72 hours after a disaster are critical, making advance preparedness essential for an effective volunteer response,” said Vinayak Astekar, associate director for disaster recovery at Sewa International. “This fully equipped, air-conditioned DRV will support volunteers by storing and dispensing essential gear while also serving as a mobile Sewa disaster control center. While we hope it is never needed, staying prepared is vital.”

Founded in 2003, Sewa International has grown to 46 chapters across the United States and works with more than 5,000 volunteers. The organization said it has responded to 14 disasters in the United States and 36 international disasters, providing rescue, relief, rehabilitation, and long-term recovery assistance.

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SAN ANTONIO, May 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ Delivering the keynote address at Sewa International's 20th national conference on "Strategic Horizons & Operational Excellence," Prof. Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor of Nalanda University and a distinguished economist and policy thinker, noted, "Sewa International is bringing forward the power of consolidation and collective strength by harnessing organizational strength to drive meaningful social transformation."

Members of Sewa International’s Board of Directors, Advisory Board, executive team, chapter presidents, coordinators, and
other functionaries convened at Sewa’s 20th National Conference at Om Ashram, in San Antonio, Texas

"The way we look at humanity must change, and we must move toward a collective, cosmic perspective, where the unit of concern is not just the individual but the entire ecosystem. This aligns with Indian principles of law, work, and prosperity, and acknowledges the limits of purely human-centered development," Dr. Chaturvedi added. He strongly advocated that we must reimagine institutions for humanity based on lessons from Nalanda, a celebrated seat of learning from ancient India. He also pointed out that the Washington Consensus, a set of economic policies aimed at developing countries, leads to the exploitation of nature.

Dr. Chaturvedi drew a parallel, noting that Sewa International is a grassroots, volunteer-driven organization reflecting Nalanda's age-old community-embedded model. At the 20th National Conference held in San Antonio on May 2–3, 2026, over 170 volunteers from 25 chapters attended. Participants included Sewa's board of directors, advisory board members, executive team, chapter presidents, coordinators, and other functionaries.

Jose Menendez, State Senator representing Texas Senate District 26 and a resident of San Antonio, appreciated Sewa's 20-year journey serving the underserved. John Lujan, State Representative from District 118 and a football coach, and Ivalis Meza Gonzalez, a councilwoman from San Antonio, attended the conference.

From left to right, sitting: Dr. Hetal Nayak, an Anesthesiologist; Saumitra Gokhale, a Sewa advisor; Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi,
Vice Chancellor of Nalanda University; Suresh Jain, the chairman of Sewa’s Board; & Srikanth Gundavarapu,
Sewa USA’s President at Sewa’s 20th National Conference at Om Ashram, in San Antonio, Texas

In his welcome address, Suresh Jain, Sewa Board Chairman, said the national convention provides an opportunity for volunteers to learn from each other and get inspired.

Sewa International USA President, Srikanth Gundavarapu, released the annual report, describing it as a reflection of "compassion in action" and a mirror of Sewa's impact. He also announced key new leadership positions to strengthen focus areas, including community engagement and promotion, IT, youth engagement, grants, and thought leadership and policy.

In his concluding remarks, Saumitra Gokhale, Sewa advisor, said, Sewa's vision is to create a harmonious world where humanity experiences oneness through service.

Sewa honored Ramesh Bhutada, member, Board of Directors, and Ramesh Shah, a well-known community leader from Houston, with the Sewa Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their service and commitment to the community over the past six decades.

Founded in 2003, Sewa International now has 46 chapters across the US and over 5,000 volunteers. In 2025, Sewa conducted 1,217 events and 800 outreaches. Its major programs include Disaster Recovery, Family Services, LEAD, SHE, and Sponsor a Child (SAC), supporting thousands of beneficiaries and students in the US, India, and Sri Lanka.

About Sewa International
Sewa International (www.sewausa.org) is a 501 (c) (3) Hindu faith-based charitable nonprofit that works in the areas of disaster recovery, education, and development. Sewa has 43 Chapters across the USA and serves regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin.

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Lowell, MA, April 22, 2026: Sewa International Launches ASPIRE STEM Program For Lowell Students

ASPIRE aims to address gaps in public education by providing consistent, hands-on STEM learning environments for students

Sewa International USA, in partnership with Project Learn and Lowell Public Schools, has launched the ASPIRE STEM Enrichment Program across middle and high school sites in Lowell, Massachusetts. According to a press release, the program has evolved from a three-month planning initiative into a live program serving 67 students as of March 2026, with participation continuing to grow.

The program initially enrolled 25 middle school students and 11 high school students. Within weeks, those numbers rose to 38 middle school students and 29 high school students. ASPIRE aims to address gaps in public education by providing consistent, hands-on STEM learning environments for students in Lowell, many of whom are first-generation and multilingual.

Applied Learning and Academic Rigor

ASPIRE operates twice weekly and focuses on a curriculum developed with Project Learn that integrates engineering challenges and scientific experiments. Students participate in activities such as designing marshmallow towers to understand load distribution and observing carbon cycle demonstrations.

“ASPIRE has been really unpredictable,” said Phillip Keo, a Lowell High School student. “When I joined, I expected it to be all schoolwork. But we get to have fun while learning.”

Educators have noted the impact of the hands-on approach on student engagement.

“It is a great mix of hands-on learning and critical thinking,” said Kate Keefe, Community Schools Manager at Lowell High School. “We’ve seen the program grow week by week because students are telling their friends to join.”

Mareena Sullivan, a STEM Academy teacher, added that the program allows students to expand on their classroom learning and apply it in real-world situations.

Reducing Barriers to Education

The program model includes transportation support and incentive-based participation to ensure consistent attendance among underserved youth. Chris Hickey, Community School Manager at STEM Academy, noted that families appreciate the support systems built into the program.

The initiative is supported by an anonymous donor focused on educational equity. The Sewa Boston Chapter, led by Chapter Coordinator Kumar Subramanian, has made the launch a long-standing priority for the local South Asian community and the city at large.

“ASPIRE is more than an afterschool STEM program—it is a launchpad for middle and high school students to explore, build, and discover their potential to shape the future,” Subramanian said.

Local community partners are also involved in the program’s ecosystem. Dr. Suresh Jain, a member of the Sewa Board of Directors, noted that the Dharma Center of America, which has provided food services in Lowell for a decade, has extended its commitment to include educational incentives for these students.

Operational Architecture and Scalability

The program was architected and operationalized by Radhika Sathe, a Harvard-trained researcher. Serving as Program Architect and Systems Lead, Sathe designed the operational framework across Sewa International, Project Learn, and Lowell Public Schools. Her work included establishing compliance frameworks, audit-ready documentation, and tracking systems for evaluation.

“I was drawn to this work because it sits at the intersection of structure and impact,” Sathe said. “The goal was to build a model that is accountable, scalable, and responsive to student needs.”

Sewa International’s ASPIRE framework has served over 3,400 students across various U.S. centers. This collaborative model combines Sewa’s focus on mentorship and development with Project Learn’s three decades of experience within Lowell Public Schools.

A public event is planned for June 2026 to bring together students, families, and community leaders. The long-term goal for the organizers is to develop a replicable model for other school districts.

This text was edited with the assistance of an AI tool and has been reviewed and edited for accuracy and clarity by India Currents.

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Cumming, GA, April 17, 2026: Thousands of people gathered at the Cumming Fairgrounds on March 7 for the 19th annual “Holi – Festival of Colors,” hosted by the Atlanta Chapter of Sewa International USA.

The event brought together families and community members from across the region in a vibrant celebration marking the arrival of spring. Attendees of all ages participated in traditional color throwing, music, dance performances, and enjoyed a variety of food offerings, creating a festive and inclusive atmosphere.

Holi, widely celebrated in India and among the Indian diaspora, symbolizes renewal, positivity, and togetherness. Organizers said the event aimed to foster community bonding while showcasing cultural traditions.

Local leaders were also in attendance, including Carter Barrett and Bridget Thorne, reflecting broader community support for the celebration. “Events like this bring people together and showcase the rich cultural diversity that makes our community so vibrant,” Thorne said. “It was wonderful to see families and friends celebrating together in such a joyful atmosphere.”

Barrett praised the organization’s efforts, stating, “Sewa International continues to do tremendous work bringing communities together through service and cultural celebrations. Holi is a beautiful example of how traditions can unite people from all backgrounds.”

“Sewa Holi is more than a festival of colors; it is a celebration of community, culture, and the spirit of service,” said Raj Radhakrishnan. “We are grateful to the thousands of attendees, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners who joined us in making this celebration a memorable experience.”

Organizers acknowledged the role of volunteers and local partners in ensuring the success of the event. The Forsyth County Commissioners’ Office, staff at the Cumming Fairgrounds, and the Cumming Police Department were thanked for their support in maintaining safety and smooth operations.

The event also received backing from sponsors including Level Solutions Group, Assure Guru, Karma Injury Law, AI Technologies, Desi Brothers, and other community partners.

With complimentary admission, free parking, and an emphasis on environmentally responsible practices, organizers said the celebration remained accessible to the wider community. Through events like this, Sewa Atlanta continues to strengthen cultural connections while promoting service and civic engagement.

Sewa International, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with 43 chapters across the United States, works in disaster recovery, education, and development, serving communities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin.

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New India Abroad: Volunteers across Houston, Dallas and Austin mobilised within hours as shelters remained open in sub-freezing conditions.

Houston Chapter provided 1800 blankets to help vulnerable residents stay warm during extreme
winter conditions / Sewa International

Non-profit organization Sewa International started relief operations across Texas to assist vulnerable residents and unhoused people affected by Winter Storm Fern, distributing blankets, food and essential supplies through its local chapters.

In the Greater Houston area, volunteers delivered more than 1,800 emergency blankets within 24 hours to over a dozen emergency management agencies and shelters.

Sewa DFW delivers food, blankets, and essential supplies to support local shelters / Sewa International

In North Texas, the Dallas–Fort Worth chapter coordinated with local officials, including Irving city council members, and supplied over 150 pounds of food, 100 blankets and hygiene materials to shelters.

In Central Texas, Austin volunteers distributed about 300 blankets to shelters ahead of the coldest phase of the storm. Srikanth Gundavarapu, president of Sewa International, said volunteers from multiple chapters stepped up “to serve those most at risk” during the extreme weather.

Sewa Austin volunteers mobilized early to deliver blankets to shelters serving
the unhoused / Sewa International / Sewa International

Swadesh Katoch, vice president of disaster relief at Sewa International, thanked donors and volunteers, saying timely support during disasters “can save lives.”

The organisation said donations to its Disaster Relief Fund are being used to continue supplying blankets, food and emergency materials to affected communities across Texas, and contributions can be made through its official donation portal.

Winter Storm Fern formed around Jan. 22 and swept from the South toward the Northeast, bringing snow, sleet, freezing rain and prolonged sub-zero temperatures across dozens of states.

The system disrupted air and road travel, strained local infrastructure and led to widespread power outages as ice weighed down trees and power lines. Authorities in several states, including Texas, reported weather-linked deaths and warned residents to avoid travel as melting and refreezing made roads hazardous.

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Indo American News - Houston: Sewa volunteers and runners had an incredible experience at the Chevron & Aramco Houston Marathon on Sunday, January 11, 2026—an event that showcased the very best of Houston’s spirit and community. Among Sewa’s participants, two Houston community leaders stood out for the inspiration they brought to the course and for the impact they created for Sewa International:Dr. Randeep Suneja and Mr. Swatantra Jain.

Mr. Swatantra Jain and Sewa runners before start of the race.

Dr. Randeep Suneja, a respected practicing cardiologist with 33 years of service in the medical field, completed his 16th half marathon in 2:56:57 which translates to a pace of 13:30 per mile—and did so with a remarkable achievement. He improved his finish time by 23 minutes compared to last year, returning close to the strong benchmark he has maintained over the past two decades. He attributes this significant enhancement in his time to his commitment to a strict low-carb diet and a consistent exercise regimen, resulting in a loss of 20 pounds weight in the past year.

Along the course, his children, Nikhil and Divya , cheered him at the 6.5-mile mark and helped ensure he stayed replenished. He is highly allergic to the color in Gatorade, which is served on the course, which necessitates that he gets his own hydration.

Dr. Suneja shared deep gratitude for the encouragement he receives from his family, friends, patients, colleagues, and his trainer Caro Nobles. As part of Sewa’s Run for a Reason program, he also raised a record $6,700 —a powerful milestone made possible by generous donors. He looks forward to sharing his running journey again as he prepares for his next race.

Equally inspiring was Mr. Swatantra Jain , a well-known entrepreneur, community leader, and dedicated philanthropist, who completed his very first marathon at the age of 78 years, proving that age is just a number. He began the day expecting to run only a few miles, but when his grandchildren cheered him on at Mile 6 , he made a decision in the moment: why not go all the way to 13.1 miles? With grit, determination, and strong will, he pushed through to the finish line. He called it one of his most meaningful accomplishments and shared his intent to return next year—fully prepared. His wife, Bimla Jain , encouraged him months earlier to start training, and his son Dr. Ajay Jain and daughter-in-law Audrasupported him while running alongside him. His dedication towards spiritualtity and meditation provided fuel needed to complete. He too participated in “Run for a Reason “charity program, raising funds for Sewa while achieving this personal milestone.

Their journeys—one built on years of endurance and discipline, the other sparked by family encouragement and sheer determination—reflect a shared belief: service and purpose can be pursued at any stage of life. Together, they inspired many in the community through their examples of commitment, philanthropy, and perseverance.

Dr Suneja and Sewa runners after completing the race

Sewa’s broader presence at the marathon amplified that spirit. 120+ Sewa runners took the course starting at 6:30 AM , energized by the outstanding support of race staff and spectators and everyone completed their Full/ Half marathons. Sewa volunteers reported by 6:30 AM to staff the Mile 11.5 Half Marathon Refueling Station , supporting 15,000+ runners with water and Gatorade and completing cleanup by 11:30 AM. Sewa also hosted a breakfast booth near the GRB Convention Center, serving hot tea and breakfast for runners and volunteers.

The Chevron & Aramco Houston Marathon drew 30,000 runners, 7,000 volunteers, and an estimated 250,000 spectators, with participants from all 50 U.S. states and 118 countries—and with women making up 51% of Half Marathon runners. Sewa was proud to be part of this extraordinary day, bringing people together to celebrate health, community, and service.

This was 4th year of Sewa engaged in the biggest sporting extravaganza of Houston. This is also the 2nd year of Sewa being an Elite Charity, supported by the Marathon Committee’s “Run for A Reason” program. Our heartfelt thanks to volunteers, runners, donors, partners, and the Chevron Houston Marathon organizers for making this experience—and its impact—possible. We encourage Houstonians to participate in next year’s run and raise funds for Sewa. Contact Mahesh Bhat on 281 248 6737 for more information.

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American News brings you the latest in South-Asian Community News from Houston, Texas

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KERRVILLE, Texas, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The City of Kerrville, Texas, along with the Kerr Economic Development Corporation and the Kerr Together Long-Term Recovery Group, honored Sewa International and other Indian American organizations on December 9 for their outstanding service and leadership during the July 4 flash floods that affected the city this year.

Kerrville City officials, partner organizations, and Sewa volunteers gathered to showcase their shared commitment
to uniting communities and leading long-term recovery efforts after the devastating July 4 floods this year

Reflecting on the experience, Mayor Joe Herrington remarked, "This wasn't just emergency response—it was a ministry. Helping others is how we serve God, and Sewa International embodied that spirit every single day. Their volunteers brought hope, structure, and humanity when our community needed it most."

In addition, the Indo-American Charity Foundation (IACF), Sewa's partner organization, made a significant contribution of $50,000 toward flood recovery efforts. Representatives from the Indo-American Charity Foundation Houston (IACF) shared their guiding principle: "We live here, we give here."

In October 2025, Sewa and the DFW Hindu Temple formalized a one-year lease for a property adjacent to the temple, providing storage space for just $1 per year. This agreement will help Sewa volunteers better organize, manage, and distribute food through the mobile pantry.

"It was impossible to miss the sea of yellow T-shirts," a city representative recalled, Sewa International volunteers who managed traffic, coordinated logistics, and organized hundreds of community volunteers at the Tivy Antler Stadium emergency site. "At a moment when we were overwhelmed and unsure how to manage the sheer scale of operations, Sewa stepped in and brought order, compassion, and unwavering commitment. That made all the difference," the representative said.

Key city officials, including Economic Development Manager Kelly Hagemeyer, Kerr EDC Deputy Director Theresa Metcalf, Todd Bock, Executive Director, Kerr Economic Development Corporation, and City Manager Dalton Rice, expressed gratitude for the early and sustained support provided by Sewa International, which played a central role in uniting Indian American organizations across Texas to support Kerrville's recovery.

Prashant Sona, Head of Chancery, Indian Consulate in Houston; Pankaj Rana, President, Indo American Charity
Foundation; Theresa Metcalf, Deputy Director, Kerr Economic Development Corporation; Todd Bock, Executive
Director, Kerr Economic Development Corporation; Vinayak Ashtekar, Sewa volunteer; and Nikhil Jain, Director of
Marketing, Sewa International, present at the event (From left)

Drawing from years of experience handling hurricanes in Houston, Sewa volunteers immediately organized and prepared to help emergency teams deal with the Kerrville situation and joined the relief efforts.

Under the guidance of Mr. Prashant Sona of the Houston Indian Consulate, and the leadership of Ramesh Cherivirala and Pankaj Rana of IACF, multiple organizations rallied together, including Arya Samaj, Indian Muslims Association of Greater Houston, Indian Doctors' Association, Indo American Conservatives of Texas, and Indian Doctors' Charitable Clinic.

Emphasizing the collaborative effort, IACF President Pankaj Rana said, "The strength of our response came from unity. Partnering with Sewa International allowed us to break silos, combine resources, and make a meaningful impact quickly."

City leaders also expressed deep appreciation for Sewa volunteers, many of whom traveled from Houston and San Antonio and arrived within hours of the disaster to support the affected community.

Several individuals—Nikhil Jain, Vinayak Astekar, Sunil Kolluru, Trinabh Shukla, Jitendra Chaudhary, Swapnil Padate, and others—were also recognized for their direct contributions, both financially and on the ground.

Overall, city leaders credited Sewa International USA for being among the first organizations to arrive and among the last to leave.

About Sewa International
Sewa International (www.sewausa.org) is a 501 (c) (3) Hindu faith-based charitable nonprofit that works in the areas of disaster recovery, education, and development. Sewa has 43 Chapters across the USA and serves regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin.

Media Contact:
Vidysagar Tontalapur
949-414-6624
406542@email4pr.com

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The celebration in Houston united seniors and youth, highlighting community spirit, cultural expression, and the importance of service.

LEAD volunteers joined other attendees for a group photo / Courtesy: Sewa International Houston

Sewa International’s Houston chapter hosted its Senior Sewa Diwali celebration in Richmond, where speakers encouraged older adults to remain active and find meaning through community service.

The event drew more than 200 seniors, volunteers, and community members to the Sri Sharadamba Temple.

Delivering the keynote address on ‘Sewa, Retirement, and the Road to Happiness,’ diagnostic radiologist Dasika Narasimham said seniors can find purpose in serving others. "Life after retirement can be fulfilling. By serving with compassion, you can live life with purpose," he said.

Chapter president Pranav Loyalka welcomed attendees and noted the steady support Sewa receives from the wider Houston community.

(L-R): Pranav Loyalka, Sewa’s Houston Chapter president, delivering the welcome address; Dasika Narasimham,
a diagnostic radiologist, presenting the keynote address at the Houston Senior Sewa Diwali celebration / Courtesy: Sewa International Houston

Sewa recognized volunteers Umang Mehta and Somir Paul for their long-term commitment to the organization’s Family Services programs. Loyalka said, "They have made a real difference in strengthening community services and reaching people during difficult times."

Youth volunteers from the LEAD (Leadership, Education, and Development) program supported the gathering by assisting with registration, guiding participants, and helping manage the program.

Chapter's executive director Kavita Tewary said the event’s atmosphere reflected the spirit of service. "The joy on every senior’s face cannot be put into words. With strong attendance and enthusiastic participation, Senior Sewa Diwali 2025 was a resounding success—bringing together devotion, joy, and the timeless spirit of sewa."

Attendee Manju Gupta added, "The whole event was beautifully arranged. Volunteers were continuously serving everyone—it was heartening to see young students leading the event!"

Participants enjoyed a traditional dance performance during the Houston Senior Sewa Diwali
celebration / Courtesy: Sewa International Houston

Cultural performances, including a 'Ganesh Vandana' dance by Uma Nagarseth and Bhangra and Garba segments led by Jasmeeta, Ruby, and Paresh Jasani, added to the festivities.

Participants were served festive appetizers and lunch, and a food donation drive underscored Sewa Diwali’s focus on giving back.

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HOUSTON, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sewa International is launching the Sewa Hindu Mobile Pantry in collaboration with the DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth) Hindu Temple to deliver essential groceries directly to families in need across the DFW metropolitan area.

Sewa recently signed a lease agreement with the DFW Hindu temple to expand its food distribution efforts. Sewa has been hosting monthly food distribution drives at the temple parking lot since 2020, serving hundreds of families facing food insecurity.

The agreement states that the premises shall be used exclusively for Sewa-related activities, including food packaging, storage, and distribution. The new mobile pantry will make weekly rounds across the Metroplex area, ensuring that nutritious, nonperishable food reaches individuals who are unable to travel to fixed distribution sites.

In October 2025, Sewa and the DFW Hindu Temple formalized a one-year lease for a property adjacent to the temple, providing storage space for just $1 per year. This agreement will help Sewa volunteers better organize, manage, and distribute food through the mobile pantry.

Seated from left to right are Tushar Basu, Secretary of the DFW Hindu Temple BOT; Khemchand Nangrani, Chairman
of the BOT; and Gitesh Desai, President of Sewa International - Dallas Chapter. Standing behind them are the
executive team members of the DFW Hindu Temple and Sewa International

Representatives of the DFW Hindu Temple emphasized the shared values behind the collaboration. "We are proud to continue working with Sewa International in serving the community," said Khemchand Nangrani, Chairman, DFW Hindu Temple. "Together, we uphold the principle that Serving Humanity is Serving Divinity."

"This partnership reflects the spirit of selfless service that defines both our organizations," said Srikanth Gundavarapu, President of Sewa International. "With the temple's generosity and community support, we can reach more families and ensure that no one goes hungry in the Dallas Metroplex area."

Sewa International invites individuals and organizations to join this effort by volunteering or donating to support the Sewa Hindu Mobile Pantry. Every contribution helps deliver hope, nourishment, and dignity to families across North Texas.

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NEWARK, Calif., Nov. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sewa International's ASPIRE program was recognized for helping Lincoln Elementary School in California join the ERP Honor Roll. Only 21% of all public schools statewide were recognized for demonstrating outstanding academic achievement and student success.

Thanking Sewa for helping the school achieve this rare distinction, Gerson Sandoval, Lincoln Elementary's Principal, said, "Because of your support, we have been able to give every child the chance to learn and grow where they are – we have achieved something truly special."

Mr. Sandoval expressed his appreciation in a letter to the ASPIRE team, led by Program Director Sudha Prabhunandan, and intervention specialists Victor Fisher and Renuka Jethmalani, writing, "On behalf of our entire school community at Lincoln Elementary, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your partnership and dedication."

"Together we are demonstrating that when we lift every student, we lift our whole school. We look forward to continuing this journey with you – toward even greater success and growth for our children," the principal noted in his letter.

Young learners explore various subjects through teamwork and play in an after-school activity -
building confidence,curiosity, and connection at Lincoln Elementary's ASPIRE program

The ERP (Educational Results Partnership) Honor Roll recognizes 1,834 out of 10,600 public elementary schools across California. Since 2023, Sewa's ASPIRE (Achieving Student Progress, Instilling Resilience, and Excellence) program has partnered with Lincoln Elementary in the Newark School District. The program supports students in reading, math, creative arts, and English, while also nurturing curiosity, creativity, and confidence through both in-school assistance and after-school enrichment. ASPIRE is an educational program transforming lives in resource-constrained schools across the Bay Area, Atlanta, Houston, and other parts of the United States.

Through Sewa's ASPIRE program, volunteers work closely with teachers to provide small-group coaching and homework support that helps students thrive. Many participants come from low-income families. The program includes courses in robotics, communication skills, art, and yoga, strengthening both academic ability and emotional well-being of students.

Students dive into word games and creative challenges at the ASPIRE Carnival,
turning learning into a joyful, hands-on experience

"Every child deserves the chance to dream big and achieve their full potential — to read with confidence, to solve problems with curiosity, and to believe they can make a difference," said Srikanth Gundavarapu, President of Sewa International USA.

Sewa's ASPIRE initiative has supported more than 1,500 elementary students across Newark and Livermore in California, with over 6,000 volunteer hours contributed during the 2024–2025 school year. Through hands-on learning and mentorship, ASPIRE not only enhances academic outcomes but also builds leadership and empathy among high school volunteers who serve as mentors and role models. Beyond academics, the program also fosters civic engagement through activities like school gardening projects, creative arts, and community-led events such as the ASPIRE Carnival and Spelling Bee competition.

Sewa International invites volunteers, donors, and community members to help expand programs like ASPIRE to more schools nationwide.

About Sewa International
Sewa International (www.sewausa.org) is a 501 (c) (3) Hindu faith-based charitable non-profit that works in the areas of disaster recovery, education, and development. Sewa has 43 Chapters across the USA and serves regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin.

Contact:
Vidysagar Tontalapur
949-414-6624

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