Houston, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sewa International USA has launched immediate relief operations following the catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake, followed by a powerful 6.4 magnitude aftershock that struck Southeast Asia on March 28. As a leading global humanitarian organization, Sewa has activated its emergency response teams to provide critical aid to devastated communities in Thailand.

A building collapsed due to the recent earthquake.

The earthquake has claimed over 2,700 lives and left thousands injured amid widespread destruction across Thailand, Laos, and parts of southern China. In Bangkok, Thailand, rescuers are trying to save over 70 people trapped under the rubble of a collapsed 30-story building. In Laos, remote villages have been cut off from aid due to damaged infrastructure, while southern China has reported significant damage to buildings and roadways. Survivors across the region face acute shortages of shelter, food, and medical care. Sewa International's teams are working alongside local partners to address these urgent needs.

The first Sewa shipment of medicine left the port at Vishakhapatanam, India, on March 30.

Sewa Relief for the Earthquake Victims
"Our global emergency response network allows us to deliver immediate relief to disaster victims worldwide," said Swadesh Katoch, Vice President of Disaster Relief at Sewa International. "We've already dispatched essential medical supplies to the region and are coordinating the delivery of 1,000 sleeping bags and additional relief materials. The scale of this disaster requires a sustained response, and Sewa is committed to supporting survivors through immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts."

Sewa International USA is a humanitarian nonprofit organization that has responded to 25 major disasters worldwide since 2003. With 46 chapters across the United States and global partnerships in more than 30 countries, Sewa delivers aid regardless of race, religion, or nationality. The organization has earned a perfect 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is known for its efficiency in channeling over 90% of donations directly into program services. Through its disaster relief, education, and development programs, Sewa has impacted over 2.5 million lives globally, embodying its guiding principle: "service to humanity is service to the divine."

To support Thailand in this time of need, please find the donation links below:
Website - https://sewausa.org/ThailandEarthquakeRelief
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/1EoyKPYahP/

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.

Contact:
Vidyasagar Thontalapur
7205269939
392795@email4pr.com

Cumming, GA – March 20, 2025 – Sewa Atlanta hosted its 18th annual Holi Festival event at the Cumming Fairgrounds, bringing together thousands of people in a vibrant celebration of unity, joy, and cultural heritage. The event, filled with music, dance, and festivities, reaffirmed Holi as not just a Hindu/Indian religious and cultural festival but a powerful expression of community and togetherness.

Colors, conversations, and music filled the air as thousands of attendees celebrated Holi at Sewa Atlanta's 18th annual event.

Attendees immersed themselves in the colorful spirit of Holi while enjoying music reflecting the joyous nature of the festival, dance performances, and a variety of delicious food. Sewa encouraged attendees to bring their water bottles to promote sustainability and make the event environment-friendly. Sewa Holi continues to be an event that strengthens the community while promoting charity and service.

Sewa Atlanta Chapter’s advisor and supporter Samir Bhatia welcomed and introduced the guests. Congressman Dr. Rich McCormick praised Sewa's commitment to humanitarian efforts locally and globally. He commended Sewa volunteers' commitment to selfless service appreciating them as the embodiment of the best human nature. Congressman McCormick expressed his joy in celebrating Holi with thousands, acknowledging the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora and the spirit of the Holi festival.

Participants and volunteers drenched in color at Sewa’s Holi event in Atlanta, GA

Consul General of India, Atlanta, Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, applauded Sewa for hosting the largest Holi celebration in the US and its dedication to selfless service and community upliftment through disaster relief, education, healthcare, and development initiatives. Deputy Consul General of India, Atlanta, Sreejan Shandilya, highlighted the festival's contribution to promoting diversity and commended it for fostering cultural understanding and unity within the community.

Dr. Madhav Durbha, Sewa’s Atlanta chapter president, acknowledged the overwhelming community support and said it was a testament to the joyous spirit of Holi and the positive impact Sewa has on Atlanta and beyond. He thanked all donors, volunteers, and sponsors for their patronage.

Congressman Dr. Rich McCormick danced to the festival tune at Sewa’s Holi celebrations in Atlanta, GA

Atlanta Chapter Vice President, Raj Radhakrishnan, appreciated the support from the Forsyth County Commissioner’s Office, Cumming Fairgrounds staff, and Cumming Police Department.

Sewa thanked the various sponsors, including Level Solutions Group, PNC Bank, Handa FinTax Group, Gupta Real Estate, E-Ring, Inc., GCI Ingredients, Pyramid Consulting, Twinkle Pediatrics, LLC., Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. Assureguru, Tanishq USA, Farmers Insurance - Gandhi Brothers, Ambaji Shree Shakti Mandir, Sanatan Mandir, La Chiquita, and Starbucks.

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.

Los Angeles (January 25, 2025): Sewa International, in response to the deadly wildfires in the Los Angeles area, has launched a fundraiser and has sent volunteers to deliver essential aid and coordinate efforts to address urgent needs.

At least 28 people have died, nearly 22 individuals remain missing, and more than 14,000 structures have been destroyed due to devastating wildfires that began sweeping across the Los Angeles area on January 7. Over 50,000 residents in Southern California are currently under evacuation orders or warnings. The situation remains dire as emergency crews work tirelessly to prevent further spread.

Amidst this crisis, Sewa International USA’s Los Angeles Chapter is actively collaborating with local authorities to provide immediate relief and support to affected communities.

Compassion in action: Sewa International volunteers serve meals to families impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires.

Sewa International has also launched a fundraiser to support wildfire relief efforts. Generous contributions from donors have already helped raise nearly $20,000. All proceeds will go directly to assisting families and individuals impacted by the disaster, helping them recover and rebuild their lives.

Sewa volunteers ensuring support during recovery efforts.

Sewa International President Arun Kankani, in his message to volunteers said, “It is important that we as a community come together during this critical time and help mitigate the suffering as much as we can. Any contributions to the wildfire relief fund will provide shelter, food, clothing, and other essential supplies to those in need.”

Dedicated Sewa International volunteers distributing essentials to wildfire-affected families.

How to Help
Donations can be made through Sewa International’s website at www.sewausa.org. Every contribution, big or small, can make a difference in helping wildfire victims recover and rebuild their lives.

Link to donate via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AF2jSfAYc/

Link to donate on Sewa website: https://sewausa.org/SouthernCaliforniaFacesDevastatingWildfires

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.

Atlanta, Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sewa International Atlanta raised over $500,000 at its Annual Gala on Saturday, December 7, at Hotel Twelve Midtown, Autograph Collection. The event brought together over 250 attendees, including community leaders, supporters, volunteers, and guests, for an evening of celebration, impact, and inspiration. The funds will support ongoing programs such as Sewa AmeriCorps initiatives, free health clinics, food drives, and disaster relief efforts.

The team of Sewa Atlanta volunteers, whose collective efforts made the Annual Gala 2024 a success.

Dr. Madhav Durbha, President, and Raj Radhakrishnan, Vice President of the Atlanta Chapter, began the program by highlighting key accomplishments, including the expansion of the Sewa AmeriCorps Afterschool Tutoring Program, which supports underserved children academically. They also emphasized the success of free health clinics providing essential care and food security initiatives addressing hunger through meal distributions. This year's Gala celebrated Sewa Atlanta's growth, reach, and impact across these vital community programs.

Audience enjoying an evening of celebration, inspiration, and community impact.

Prof. Mohammed K. Ali, Co-Director of the EGDRC (Emory Global Diabetes Research Center), delivered the keynote address. His speech highlighted the global diabetes crisis and emphasized the urgent need for interdisciplinary solutions to address the growing burden of the disease.

Sewa Atlanta honored volunteers and organizations vital to Sewa's mission with awards, including Sophie and Sid Mookerji of the Mookerji Foundation, Dr. Paul Lopez, Esteban Alarcon, Dr. Sreeni and Madhavi Gangasani, Ravi Ponangi, and Bhikubhai Patel. Sewa also recognized its volunteer Vivek Srivatsav for his dedication and leadership in community initiatives.

Attendees received an autographed book by Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. Jagdish Sheth and a tree kit, for supporting Sewa's mission. The event featured an Indian classical dance performance by Saganika Mukherjee and music recitals by Anaga Jaswani and Neeti Patak. Subhash Patel of Natson Hotel Group sponsored the grand banquet hall and dinner.

Prof. Devesh Ranjan and Mrs. Sheela Pailwan emceed the gala evening.

For more information on Sewa International Atlanta and how to get involved, visit www.sewaatlanta.org.

Media Contact:
Vidya Tontalapur
720-526-9939
387546@email4pr.com

Houston, TX (October 13, 2024): Sewa International hosted a virtual conference titled "Education Summit 2024" on October 5, 2024, drawing over 160 participants. The summit sought to address immigrant and refugee students' challenges in U.S. schools and bridge the education gap by supporting marginalized communities.

Sewa runs ASPIRE – a comprehensive program that provides Math, English, Arts, and enrichment activities for students in grades K-6. Initiated in 2013 in partnership with AmeriCorps, ASPIRE has expanded to multiple locations. Anjana Bhadri, Sewa's Regional Project Manager, spoke about the program and its features.

Rakhi Israni (top left) moderated a panel discussion during the education summit. Panelists included Julie Sugarman (top right), Associate Director for K-12 Education Research at MPI's National Center, and Dr. Piyush Agarwal (bottom), an educationist and a United Nations consultant

Rakhi Israni, Sewa's Vice President of Government Relations, moderated a panel with Julie Sugarman, Associate Director for K-12 Education Research at MPI's National Center, Dr. Piyush Agarwal, Educationist, and Carole Juarez, Program Manager, AmeriCorps, discussing the challenges immigrant students face. Julie Sugarman noted that 25 percent of U.S. school-age children are from immigrant families, with lower graduation rates that improve over time. She stressed the need for equal access to education, highlighting disparities between states.

Dr. Piyush Agarwal urged integrating immigrant students into the education system and shared lessons from the 1998 Cuban influx, where strategies like educator training and bilingual materials proved effective.

Carole Juarez discussed the Aspire Program, where AmeriCorps members help students with limited English proficiency, addressing academic and emotional needs.

Sudha Prabhunandan (top left), the moderator, led a panel featuring Brittany (top right), an 8th-grade student, Krishnan Balasubramaniam (bottom left), a Sewa donor, and Victor Fisher (bottom right), a teacher, during the Education Summit

The second panel discussion opened with a yoga session led by Sridevi, a yoga instructor who has offered transformative yoga programs in universities and corporations.

Sudha Prabanandan, the moderator, introduced panelists Brittany, an 8th-grade student, Krishnan Balasubramaniam, a Sewa donor, and Victor Fisher, a teacher.

Brittany shared how the Aspire program helped her improve academically, raising her grades from C's and D's to A's and B's, highlighting its positive impact on her immigrant family. Victor Fisher discussed his experience working with at-risk children, noting how Aspire's individualized attention boosts student engagement and test scores. Krishnan Balasubramaniam, a dedicated Sewa donor, emphasized the importance of donor engagement, financial transparency, and Sewa's measurable success in addressing educational inequality.

In his concluding remarks, Prof. Anurag Mairal from Stanford University emphasized the critical role of education and innovation, noting that over a quarter of U.S. children lack adequate education, jeopardizing their futures. He highlighted the link between social determinants of health and education in underserved communities. Prof. Mairal praised the diverse stakeholders, including policymakers and educators, stressing the need for relationship-based learning environments. He observed that the challenges stem not from students' abilities but from their access to resources and sense of belonging.

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.

Atlanta, GA (October 1, 2024): TiE Atlanta Foundation, a global nonprofit dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship, and Sewa International’s Atlanta chapter, launched a collaborative Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) platform at a dinner gala on September 19, 2024. The platform brings businesses and local communities together for impactful social and environmental change.

Through this partnership, TiE Atlanta Foundation and Sewa International aim to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs and support underserved populations through free tutoring, healthcare services, and food drives. The CSR platform offers companies the opportunity to participate in meaningful community service while promoting sustainable business practices.

Madhav Durbha (left), President of Sewa Atlanta, and Sanket Patel,
President of TiE Atlanta, inaugurated the SewaTiE Gala by lighting the
ceremonial lamps

The initiative was unveiled under the “Ripples of Change: Empowering Entrepreneurs, Transforming Communities” theme reflecting the core values of the partnership between TiE Atlanta Foundation and Sewa International.

Leaders from both organizations emphasized their shared vision of growth and service. Sanket Patel, President of TiE Atlanta Foundation, said, “This partnership is not just about business success; it’s about giving back and creating lasting positive impacts on the communities that need it most. Our combined efforts will provide the mentorship and resources to spark innovation and uplift those in need.”

Leaders from the TiE Atlanta Foundation and Sewa Atlanta, with local community
members, came together at the SewaTiE Gala in Atlanta to promote sustainable
business practices and foster collaboration for social impact

Madhav Durbha, President of Sewa International Atlanta, echoed the sentiment, saying, “Our collaboration with TiE Atlanta reflects our mutual commitment to service and entrepreneurship. We are excited to see how businesses can leverage the CSR platform to not only grow but also give back to the community in a sustainable way.”

Participating businesses were introduced to various opportunities to engage in community service, including Sewa’s free tutoring programs, healthcare initiatives, food drives, and mentorship to students in underserved communities. These efforts are part of an ongoing mission to uplift underserved populations in the Metro Atlanta area. Several businesses have already committed to joining the initiative, underscoring the importance of socially responsible business practices in today’s world.

Participants not only endorsed empowerment and social impact but are actively contributing to initiatives to improve education access, nurture entrepreneurship, and support sustainable community development.

The event was made possible through the combined efforts of Dr. Paul Lopez, Sid Mookerji, Sanket P, Amyn Sadruddin, Srikanth Gundavarapu, Sebastian Salinas, and others whose involvement was instrumental. Jagruti S and Raj Radhakrishnan served as co-chairs, guiding this collaborative event.

About TiE Atlanta Foundation
TiE Atlanta is part of a global nonprofit network of entrepreneurs dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship through mentoring, networking, education, funding, and incubation. TiE Atlanta’s mission is to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs while giving back to the community.

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.

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.

Chesterfield, NJ (September 13, 2024): A new 9/11 memorial was unveiled in Chesterfield, NJ, on September 11, 2024. The memorial, an initiative of Sewa International’s South Jersey Chapter in partnership with Chesterfield Township, honors the victims and heroes of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on US soil.

The solemn ceremony, attended by over 350 people including local officials, state senators, assembly members, and first responders, featured the unveiling of three key monuments symbolizing the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and Flight 93. A dedicatory plaque at the memorial’s entrance offered an overview of its significance.

State Senator Latham Tiver (far left), Assemblywoman Andrea Katz (center),
and Sewa International USA board member Sridhar Talanki (far right)
unveiled the monument symbolizing the Twin Towers

Completed in just 23 days, the memorial was funded by generous donors and sponsors. It represents a collective effort from veterans, first responders, the township committee and staff, the environmental commission, the historical society, the interfaith group, Sewa volunteers, supporters, local businesses, and corporations.

Lt. Col. Eric J. Tolska, a key figure in the 9/11 rescue efforts, delivered a moving keynote address, reflecting on the courage and challenges of that day. State Senator Latham Tiver emphasized the need to embody values of care and pride daily, while Assemblywoman Andrea Katz urged everyone to reconnect and be kind. Mayor Matthew Litt expressed gratitude for the memorial, noting its role as a space for reflection and unity.

Over 350 people, including a state senator, an assemblywoman, local officials,
first responders, community members, and Sewa representatives,
attended the solemn ceremony in Chesterfield, NJ

Sandesh Kamath, Sewa’s Chapter Coordinator, said, "This memorial stands as a testament to the power of unity—showing that when we come together, work together, and support one another, nothing is beyond our reach."

Sridhar Talanki, a Sewa International USA board member, highlighted the impact of collective action, saying, "Together, we can build a future where every citizen has the opportunity to reach their full potential."

The event underscored the resilience and unity of the American spirit, with Sewa International South Jersey Chapter expressing continued commitment to community service and historical preservation.

Police Officer Chief Davidson (second from left), Matthew Litt (third from left),
and Lt. Col. Eric J. Tolska (fourth from left) stand alongside
police officers at the Pentagon monument

In collaboration with AmeriCorps, Sewa International has organized hundreds of volunteer opportunities across the country, contributing to the national effort to honor the legacy of 9/11 through positive action and community building.

For more information, please contact:

Sandesh Kamath
Chapter Coordinator
Sewa International South Jersey
Phone: 856-375-7585
Email: southjersey@sewausa.org
Website: https://sewausa.org/911Memorial

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.

Chesterfield, NJ – September 05, 2024: Sewa International, a Hindu faith-based charity, is collaborating with AmeriCorps for the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. Across 17 Sewa USA chapters, the organization has led 49 environmental and community service initiatives, honoring the unity and resilience inspired by 9/11.

In the weeks leading up to September 11, 2024, Sewa chapters have been involved in various environmental activities. These initiatives are aimed at fostering community engagement and environmental stewardship:

• Park clean-ups: Volunteers restore parks by removing trash and invasive plants for safer, cleaner spaces.
• Tree planting: Chapters plant trees and mulch public spaces to enhance community spaces and promote green initiatives.
• Recycle drives: Community-wide recycling events promote sustainable waste management.
• Educational sessions: Sewa hosts environmental awareness, sustainability, and conservation events.
• Green Acts & Events: Events and exhibitions showcase green living and practical steps to reduce environmental impact.

Volunteers and supporters gathered at the 9/11 memorial groundbreaking ceremony in Chesterfield, NJ

During the week of September 11, all 17 chapters will host events to honor 9/11 victims and celebrate America's strength and unity in times of crisis.

9/11 Memorial in Chesterfield, NJ

Sewa International is leading the construction of a 9/11 Memorial in Chesterfield, NJ. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on August 3, 2024. The event was attended by Chesterfield Mayor Matthew Lit, Bordentown Mayor Eugene Fuji, Deputy Mayor Denise Cortes Dale, Township Committee Members Srikant Dhopte and Rebecca Hughes, Administrator George Jackson, and representatives from the Chesterfield Fire and Police Departments, Korean war Veteran 91-year-old Clifford Hays, Leaders from different faith and community leaders blessed the occasion along with Sewa International's Vice President for Programs and Serve Program Director.

Sewa’s Vice President for Organization, Syam Kosigi, with war veteran
Clifford Hays honoring our nation's heroes at the
9/11 memorial groundbreaking ceremony in Chesterfield, NJ

During the ceremony, Mayor Matthew Lit praised Sewa's dedication and impact on the Chesterfield community, noting the efforts of its volunteers in bringing the 9/11 memorial to life.

The 9/11 Memorial in Chesterfield will stand as a permanent reminder of the challenges the country has faced and the strength of the American spirit. It will serve as a place for reflection, education, and teaching future generations about the importance of unity in times of crisis.

A National Effort to Remember and Serve

Sewa’s involvement in the September 11 National Day of Service reflects its mission to promote selfless service and strengthen communities. The 49 nationwide events highlight the impact of collective action and the importance of giving back.

For more information about Sewa International and its ongoing 9/11 projects, please visit https://sewadayofservice.org/.

Links: Event Calendar of 9/11 events: https://sewadayofservice.org/events

9/11 events’ highlights in pictures: https://sewadayofservice.org/Gallery-911-events-highlights

Sewa International: http://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.

Houston, TX (August 15, 2024): Sewa International has launched an emergency fundraising campaign to support Bangladeshi Hindus and other religious minorities under brutal attack in Bangladesh since August 5, 2024. In addition, Sewa International has released $10,000 from its emergency fund to send needed supplies, including food kits and other essential resources, immediately.

Since the recent fall of the democratically elected Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, extremists have been viciously targeting the religious minority communities, mainly focused on the indigenous Hindu population. Numerous Hindu temples have been burned down and homes destroyed. There have been multiple daily reports about women and young girls being kidnapped, raped, and molested.

Picture courtesy: Organiser

"The need for humanitarian aid on the ground for the victims is growing. It has been reported that some hospitals are refusing to treat the victims. Police are refusing to protect the families. The world needs to stand together for these helpless individuals. We ask our officials at the state and federal levels to condemn the violence targeting Bangladeshi minorities, and we urge the State Department to demand Bangladesh enforce law and order,” said Arun Kankani, President of Sewa International.

Picture courtesy: The Economic Times

"Since 1946, the Bangladeshi Hindu community has experienced violence and unimaginable atrocities many, many times. And this time is no exception. Each time what makes survival quite difficult is the lack of support and justice: The local shopkeepers won’t sell food to our community, and the local hospitals refuse to treat our wounded. Who will stand for us? Who will help us?" a local Bangladeshi said as he explained the ground situation in Bangladesh. Sewa has withheld the person's name due to safety concerns.

Link to Sewa’s fundraiser for Bangladeshi victims: https://sewausa.org/SupportVictimsHindusUnderAttackinBangladesh

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.