Sugar Land, TX (September 15, 2026): Sewa International USA held its 6th National Youth Convention (NYC 2026) virtually on August 30, with about 587 participants and several hundred more joining via social media from across the United States and around the world. This year, Sewa LEAD (Leadership, Education, and Development) engaged more than 1,700 participants across 27 chapters, who contributed more than 70,000 service hours.
Srikanth Gundavarapu, President of Sewa International USA [first right], lit the traditional lamp to open the convention.
Prem Kumar Pusuloori, Vice President, Programs, [at his left]; and Ritesh Maheshwari, Central Jersey Chapter Coordinator [left] were present.
NYC 2026 gave youth a platform to share their experiences, celebrate their achievements, and discuss their role in shaping America’s future. The convention celebrated Sewa youth leadership and service through Sewa LEAD, which helps high school students develop leadership skills and serve their communities. The convention brought participants together under the theme “250 Years of America’s Independence: Honoring the Past, Leading the Future.”
Srikanth Gundavarapu, President of Sewa International USA [top left], addressed youth leaders who joined the 6th National Youth Convention virtually from across the country.
Srikanth Gundavarapu, President of Sewa International, welcomed the delegates and said, “Sewa is about selfless service. Our strength comes from unity, compassion, and leadership. I appreciate the dedication of our youth and encourage you to continue serving your communities with purpose and commitment."
Congressman Suhas Subramanyam [left] delivered the opening address; Aakash Selvaraj, Founder and CEO of Sastrah.ai [bottom right], presented the keynote address; and Sarika Gehani, Director, Sewa Board [top right], offered the closing remarks.
Actively Participate to Shape Future
In his opening address, Congressman Suhas Subramanyam, U.S. Representative for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, emphasized civic engagement, youth leadership, and community service. Drawing from his own public service journey, he said, “Young leaders have a responsibility to society. Use your voice, embrace opportunities, and actively help shape the future. Lead with purpose and integrity.”
The LEAD Alumni Plenary featured former participants sharing how Sewa LEAD shaped their leadership and personal, academic, and professional growth. Their stories highlighted the lasting value of service and community involvement and encouraged current students to make service a lifelong commitment.
Pursue Your Purpose
Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker, Aakash Selvaraj, Founder and CEO of Sastrah.ai, said, “Identify real-world challenges, develop innovative solutions, build strong teams, and pursue your purpose with perseverance. Innovation can help address critical challenges and improve lives.” The delegates of NYC 2026 passed a resolution titled “Youth Commitment to Shaping the Future of America.” The resolution passed with 99 percent of the vote, reflecting Sewa youth’s commitment to liberty, equality, inclusion, democracy, community service, civic engagement, and shaping America’s future. Youth from all four Sewa regions also showcased community service activities from chapters nationwide.
The third session featured 10 Leadership Lab sessions on issues and opportunities relevant to today’s youth. Distinguished panelists led these discussions, sharing practical insights and real-world perspectives on the challenges facing young leaders.
Pursue American & Indian Values
Special Guest and Closing Speaker, Sarika Gehani, Sewa Board Director, said, “Embrace both Indian and American values, bring your authentic self to leadership, and carry the spirit of Sewa beyond events through everyday acts of kindness, compassion, and responsibility.”
A highlight of this year’s convention was the participation of international youth delegates as observers, with Sewa Nigeria youth in attendance.
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 46 Chapters across the USA and serves regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin.
