Milpitas, CA (September 20, 2024): Sewa International, a Hindu faith-based charity, in collaboration with AmeriCorps, hosted a commemoration for the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance in Milpitas, CA. Milpitas Mayor Carmen Montano, Vice Mayor Evelyn Chua, American veteran Veeranna Chinnappa, environmentalist Dr. Sailesh Rao, Milpitas Planning Commissioner Dipak Awasthi, Assembly Member Alex Lee, and Councilmember Hon Lien attended the event.
Other notable attendees included Ravi Chopra, an Indian Army Veteran, Dr. Seetha, an American Army Veteran, Frank Morales, Assistant Chief of Police in Milpitas, and Murali Srinivasan, Vice Mayor of Sunnyvale. Francis Collin from CADRE, accompanied her 102-year-old mother, a former Red Cross volunteer, and Al, a 105-year-old American Army Veteran graced the occasion.
From left- Guru Prasad, Coordinator of Sewa Bay Area; Dipak Awasthi,
Milpitas Planning Commissioner; Hon Lien, Milpitas Councilmember;
Carmen Montano, Milpitas Mayor; Dr. Anurag Mairal, Sewa Bay Area President;
Evelyn Chua, Milpitas Vice Mayor; Frank Morales, Assistant Chief of Police,
Milpitas; William Lam, City Council Candidate, and Praveen Dhir, Coordinator of Sewa South Bay
The event began with a solemn parade, celebrating the memory of those who lost their lives in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, tragedy. Environmentalist Dr. Sailesh Rao shared how his narrow escape from being in New York on 9/11 inspired his dedication to environmental advocacy and commitment to veganism. Veterans shared personal and inspiring stories, while public officials highlighted the enduring significance of unity, resilience, and service to the community. Mayor Carmen Montano sent a letter of commendation, while Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor provided a certificate from her office.
Prominent guests of honor, including the Mayor, Vice Mayor, Assembly Member,
Council Member, Indian and American Army veterans, the Assistant Chief of Police
of Milpitas, and community members, attended the solemn ceremony in Milpitas, CA
Dr. Anurag Mairal, Sewa Bay Area President, said, "Our participation in the September 11 National Day of Service reflects our mission to promote selfless service and strengthen communities. We invite everyone to volunteer, attend educational sessions, or reflect to honor 9/11 and inspire future generations with a legacy of unity and service."
The event ended with a symbolic indoor planting, where participants planted wildflower seeds featuring the Sewa and AmeriCorps logos, representing growth, hope, and community unity.
Sewa International: www.sewausa.org
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.
