Savita (name changed), is a student in the South Indian state of Karnataka. Her family of four faced financial struggles. Her father, who worked as an autorickshaw driver, was injured in an accident and could only work limited hours. To make ends meet, Savita’s mother took up multiple jobs. Despite the challenges, Savita performed exceptionally well in her studies, scoring 99% and 97% in her exams. A perfect score in Math reflected her academic talent.

Savita dreams of becoming an engineer and hopes to get a good job to support her family. With support from Sewa International, the burden of her education expenses was lifted. Along with her academic achievements, Savita enjoyed singing and reading, and regularly assisted her mother at home, demonstrating a well-rounded personality and strong family values.

Savita’s younger sister, who has completed Class 10, has also received help through SAC.

The family is deeply grateful for the timely support from Sewa.

***

Another student, Prema (name changed), from Bengaluru Urban studies at a government high school for girls in Karnataka. Despite facing financial challenges, she scored an impressive 93% in her Class 10 exams. Prema’s father worked irregularly as an electrician, and her mother stayed at home to care for the family. She had a younger brother and sister, and to improve in her studies, she attended tutoring classes after school.

Prema advised students younger than her, asking them to focus on important questions while preparing for exams. With support from the Sponsor-A-Child (SAC) program, the financial pressure on her family was reduced, allowing her to focus fully on her studies.

Outside the classroom, Prema enjoys playing badminton. She dreams of becoming a software engineer one day. Her hard work, determination, and the support she has received have helped her move closer to a bright and successful future.

Dreams That Survived Loss

Suresh (name changed), a student from Karnataka, lived with his family of six. Life became difficult after his father, a priest, passed away due to COVID-19. The family also lost their government-provided home and had to move into a rented house. With little help from relatives, they struggled to manage their daily needs.

Despite these challenges, Suresh remained focused on his studies and scored 95% in his 12th standard board exams. Suresh loves playing volleyball and cricket in his free time. His goal is to finish college, find a good job, and support his younger siblings. He has also planned on continuing learning through part-time studies while working. Support from the Sponsor-A-Child (SAC) program has helped Suresh and his siblings stay in school. His mother is deeply grateful for Sewa International’s help and believes that education is the path to a better future.

***

Another young boy, Umesh (name changed) faced great hardship after losing his father to COVID-19. His small family includes his mother and younger brother, who has just completed 10^th grade. Umesh’s family relied on his mother’s limited income and some government aid. Occasionally, their extended family helped, but it wasn’t enough.

Even in such tough circumstances, Umesh scored 97% and 95% in his exams. He studied at home and remained focused. Umesh hopes to become a computer engineer to fulfill his mother’s hopes. He also thinks he can compete in the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) exams one day, with dreams of improving education and fighting corruption. His guru's (teacher’s) support has kept him motivated. The SAC program has made it possible for Umesh to attend a good college. This support from Sewa and SAC has brought hope and strength to Umesh’s family.

***

Meanwhile, 16-year-old Shreya (name changed), a girl from a village near Bengaluru has also faced struggles after losing her father. Her mother has worked hard in cattle farming to support the family. Despite the hardships, Shreya has excelled in her Class 10 exams with a score of 97%.

Shreya says that the SAC program has helped her stay mentally strong and focused. Without SAC’s support, she believes that she might have struggled and failed. Alongside her studies, Shreya enjoys singing, chanting shlokas (hymns), reading, and coding in JavaScript. She has also competed at the state level in Mallakhamba (wrestling pole) events and shared tips with other students, encouraging them to ask questions and use educational videos. Shreya’s dream is to become a chemical engineer.

Driven by Dreams

Manasa (name changed) lived with her parents and younger brother in Kerala. Her father worked as a driver and was the only earning member of the family, while her brother studied in Class 10. From a young age, Manasa has stayed focused on her studies and has always done well in school.

To prepare for her Class 12 CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) exams, she worked through more than 50 practice papers and previous years’ question papers for each subject. Her hard work paid off, and she scored an outstanding 97.4%.

Manasa has always been self-motivated and loved learning. Her dream is to become a Chartered Accountant, and she plans to take CA courses along with her traditional college courses. The support from Sewa International has played an important role in helping Manasa’s family manage the cost of her education.

Manasa is grateful to the entire Sewa team for their support. Inspired by the help she has received, Manasa hopes to one day offer scholarships to children in her community and give back to society in the same way.

***

Bhaskaran (name changed), a bright and determined boy from Kerala, has overcome many challenges through hard work and dedication. After losing his father, his mother became the family's main support. Their household includes his grandmother, two maternal uncles, and his younger sister, who is nine years old and about to start 4th grade.

Despite the hardships, Bhaskaran has focused on his studies and scored an impressive 96% in his 12th standard board exams. He studies on his own, with help from his family and teachers. He dreams of pursuing a BTech in Computer Science Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, aiming to create a sustainable environment and support under-resourced areas in India.

Since the 10th grade, Bhaskaran has been receiving support from Sewa. This support has played a major role in his journey, giving him the strength and means to dream big. Bhaskaran is deeply grateful and hopes to give back to society by helping underprivileged students achieve their educational goals.

Three Paths, One Dream

Deepa (name changed) grew up in a family of four in Kerala. Her father worked as a clerk and always encouraged her to do well in school. She was a hardworking student who took class notes carefully, stayed up to date with lessons, and actively joined class discussions.

After 8th grade, Deepa became even more focused. Through discipline and regular study, she scored 95.2% in her final school exams. Her dream is to become an army doctor. To reach that goal, she wants to succeed in the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) exam and join a top medical college.

A Sewa scholarship has played a key role in her journey. It helped her financially and also gave her a mentor who guided her closely. He helped build her confidence, improve her communication, and prepare through mock interviews and speeches. With his support, she has stayed motivated and strong.

This experience has inspired her to support similar scholarship programs in the future. Deepa believes that having clear goals, self-discipline, and confidence are the keys to success. Even with all her achievements, Deepa remains kind and humble, guided by the belief that tough times reveal inner strength.

***

Anjali (name changed), another student from Kerala, has a story similar to Deepa’s. Anjali is from a family of four where her father works as a carpenter and her mother is a non-teaching staff member in a local school. Anjali’s sister has completed 10th grade.

Anjali is also a dedicated and self-driven learner who has relied on self-study and scored 94.2% in her school board exams. Her goal is to build a career in accounting by pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree and obtaining a certificate from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Anjali received a Sewa scholarship that helped her continue her education despite financial challenges. She hopes to give back to her community and support others like her in the future.

***

Dhanya (name changed), also from Kerala, lives with her parents and has no siblings. Her father works as a daily wage laborer, and her mother is a tailor. From a young age, Dhanya did well in school and was once named the best student in class. However, a medical allergy made her fall behind in her studies for some time. Once she recovered, she resumed her studies with renewed effort from class 9 onwards.

Dhanya scored 90% in her 10^th standard board exams, all through self-study. Her dream is to become a doctor and help ease her mother’s health problems. She plans to take up science, prepare for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), and study medicine.

A SAC scholarship has helped her continue her education by covering school fees. Dhanya hopes to one day help others in need, just as she has been helped.

Dreams Beyond Difficulties

Balaji (name changed), a student from Adilabad, Telangana, completed class 10 with an impressive score of 98%, scoring 588 out of 600 points. Balaji has faced many challenges after losing his father. His mother works as a laborer to support the family. He has two sisters—one studying for her final year of engineering and the other pursuing a diploma course.

Despite the difficulties, Balaji has remained focused on his studies and has continued to do well. He has advised younger students to attend classes regularly. In his free time, he enjoys playing, reading comics, skipping, and doing electrical repairs. He is also talented in chess and computer coding. He seeks to build a career in ethical hacking. He is deeply thankful for the SAC support that helped his family manage educational expenses during tough times.

***

Bhagesh (name changed), from Sheriguda in the Ranga Reddy District of Telangana, lives with his mother, elder sister, and maternal grandparents. His father, who worked as a TV mechanic, passed away from a heart attack a few years ago. After the loss, the family went through many hardships. Bhagesh’s family owned a house in their village but had no stable income. The mother worked as an office assistant in a private college, earning a small salary along with a widow’s pension. She also received some help from her brother’s family.

Bhagesh’s elder sister has completed her 12^th-grade exams and hopes to find a good job after her undergraduate degree to support the family.

Bhagesh, despite all the challenges, scored a perfect 10/10 in 10th-grade exams. His dream is to become a software engineer. He enjoys reading books and playing carrom. He wants to complete his undergraduate degree, find a good job, and support other families in need. Bhagesh says that without SAC support, he might have ended up in a government-run ordinary school and not achieved such good results. Both he and his mother are grateful for the help they have received.

Hope, Hard Work, and Support

Mythri (name changed), a student from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, completed her Class 12 exams in the Math-Physics-Chemistry (MPC) stream from a junior college (a two-year college offering associate degrees and vocational training) with a strong score of 90%. After losing her father, she continued her education with the help of Global Illumine. Her mother worked as a maid to support the family on a modest income. Mythri stayed focused on her studies by regularly asking questions in class to clarify doubts.

Mythri enjoys painting and reading. Her goal is to become a software engineer and support her mother. She is deeply thankful for the support from Sewa International, which has helped her do well in both her Class 10 and 12 exams and brought hope into her life.

***

Jayasri (name changed), another student from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, also completed Class 12 exams in the MPC (Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry) stream, scoring an impressive 94.9% (949 out of 1000). After the loss of her father, Jayasri lived with her mother and younger sister. Her mother works as a social worker.

Jayasri received tuition support from Sewa Bharati, which helped her achieve academic success. Her advice to her juniors is to focus on important topics while preparing for exams.

Jayasri likes reading and drawing and is especially good at painting. She dreams of becoming an IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officer. She believes that without support from Sewa Bharati, continuing her education would have been very difficult, and she might have had to attend a school with fewer resources or stop studying altogether.

***

Rajesh (name changed), a student from Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, completed Class 12 exams in the MPC stream from a junior college, scoring 92% (902 out of 1000). Rajesh’s family faced financial struggles as his father had no regular work. His mother, a teacher, was also looking for a job while managing the household.

Rajesh has an elder brother, and both credit their mother for helping them with their studies. Rajesh likes reading and playing outdoor games. He aims to become a software engineer. He says that support from Sewa International eased the burden on his family, especially since steady income was uncertain and job opportunities were limited.

Dreams Beyond Hardships

Ranjan (name changed), a student from Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, completed Class 10 exams from a local school scoring an impressive 97%. Ranjan is from a financially struggling family. His father works in an animal feed company, and his mother works as a tailor. Despite their limited income, Ranjan’s parents have always supported him and his elder brother, creating a positive environment for their studies.

Ranjan balances academics with his love for sports and singing. He wants to study engineering and build a successful career to support his family. The financial support he has received, played a key role in reducing the family’s burden and helped him focus on his goals.

***

Nila (name changed), another student from Namakkal District, completed Class 12 exams in the Arts (social sciences) stream scoring 540 out of 600 points. Her father works in a paper mill, and her mother earns a small income. Nila lives with her elder sister and parents. Even with financial challenges, Nila has stayed focused and performed well in school.

Nila enjoys listening to music and playing games. Her goal is to become a lawyer and study at a college in Coimbatore. Her interest in justice and helping others motivates her. For the past two years, the sponsorship she has received from Sewa International has allowed her to study without financial stress, leading to her excellent results.

Strength Through Support

Kavita (name changed), a student from Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, completed her Class 12 exams from a local school with a score of 91%, earning 546 out of 600 marks in the science stream. After losing her father, Kavita and her family faced financial challenges. Her mother works as a teacher and supports both her and her elder sister, who is studying for her BTech degree in Artificial Intelligence.

Alongside her studies, Kavita spends time helping with household chores and enjoys drawing and playing sports. She plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Nursing, inspired by her interest in health care. The support she has received through SAC sponsorship has greatly helped her family during a difficult time. It has allowed her to continue her education without added stress. Her story shows how resilience and the right support could help overcome tough circumstances.

***

In another part of Tamil Nadu, Aanandi (name changed), a Class 10 student from Tiruppur, achieved an impressive 97% result, scoring 484 out of 500 marks. Her father works as a lab operator, and her mother took up a job under the 100-day work scheme of the government. Aanandi lives with her parents, two younger siblings, and other family members.

Even with limited resources, Aanandi has stayed focused on her studies. She enjoys reading and teaching others and is known for her ability to learn quickly. Her dream is to become a doctor, fueled by a desire to help others. The support she has received from Sewa has allowed her to concentrate on her studies and focus on her goals, despite financial difficulties at home.

Rising Above Loss

Lavanya (name changed), a student from Puducherry, completed Class 10 exams from a local school with an excellent score of 90%. After her father passed away, Lavanya lived with her mother, who works as a tailor, and her younger brother. Lavanya’s success was largely due to the extra help from her teachers, which made a big difference in her studies. She enjoys reading, and dancing and is also good at playing basketball. Her dream is to become an Indian Navy officer.

At a time when her mother was struggling with depression due to the loss of her husband, the support Lavanya received from a SAC sponsor helped ease the burden. It gave her and her brother the confidence to continue their education during a difficult phase.

***

Aarthi (name changed), is a student from Puducherry who completed Class 12 exams from a government school with an outstanding 98%, scoring 588 out of 600 marks in the Commerce stream. Aarthi also faced the loss of her father and has lived with her mother, who is a homemaker, and her grandmother. She has one elder sister.

Aarthi enjoys reading, drawing, singing, and swimming, and has shown talent in painting, abacus, and Vedic speed math. Her goal is to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce degree (B.Com.). The support she has received from Sewa played a key role in helping her stay focused on her studies and perform exceptionally well, despite the financial and emotional challenges her family faced.

Bhavya (name changed) had kept her mother's ashes since she died in 2009. Born deaf, she had held on to her mother’s final wish—that her ashes be taken to India for the last rites. Her mother, a dedicated doctor, had no close relatives except one cousin in India, who had lost contact with the family.

This journey was more than just an ordinary trip. It was a promise kept, a final act of love. Sewa International’s Family Services (FS) team stepped in to help. The ashes were taken to India and respectfully handed over to the cousin’s son. A senior Sewa member personally ensured this, completing the final rites with care and dignity. This act demonstrated the strength of love, the legacy of a cherished one, and the importance of honoring their last wishes.

***

In another case, Sunil (name changed), living in the US, became seriously ill and reached out to his family in India. His cousin came to be with him but needed help understanding the local system. Sewa’s Family Services team offered full support—arranging stay, food, travel, and emotional care. When Sunil passed away, Sewa continued to help with all the final formalities.

Both stories show how strong family bonds, combined with timely support, can bring comfort and dignity during life’s most difficult moments.

Support in Times of Crisis

Poornima (name changed), a young mother on an H4 visa (US nonimmigrant visa for dependent family members), went through a difficult time after a family dispute led to a criminal case. She was separated from her children, including her 3-month-old baby, and found herself alone in police custody. With no money, no support system, and limited knowledge of the language, she found herself in a terrifying situation.

Sewa International’s Family Services (FS) volunteers provided Poornima emotional support, legal help, and practical assistance such as arranging child visits and helping her manage stress. In time, the criminal charges were dismissed, giving Poornima a fresh chance to rebuild her life. Although challenges remained, Sewa continued to stand by her side, helping her move forward.

***

In another situation, an elderly woman from a refugee family was diagnosed with cancer. Her family struggled to cover medical costs with their limited savings. In desperation, they reached out to their local Sewa chapter. FS volunteers acted quickly, helping them find kind-hearted doctors and arranging financial support for air travel. They also organized transportation from the airports to the hospital. With Sewa’s support, the woman was able to receive the treatment she needed, bringing relief and renewed hope to her family during a difficult time.

Now in 8th grade, she has been part of our program since its inception. Initially shy, she blossomed into a confident speaker at the Education Summit.

When she first joined our program three years ago, she was a quiet and reserved 5th grader, hesitant to participate in group discussions. With English not being the primary language spoken at home, she often struggled to express herself and lacked confidence in conversations.

With the support of dedicated AmeriCorps members, she found a safe space to learn and grow. Through one-on-one tutoring, structured reading activities, and social-emotional learning exercises, she gradually built the skills and confidence to speak up. Our program encouraged her to join discussions, read aloud during tutoring sessions, and even mentor younger students—small but significant steps toward finding her voice.

Now in 8th grade, she has transformed into a poised and articulate young leader. Her biggest milestone came when she spoke in front of a virtual audience at the Sewa Education Summit in October 2024, sharing how after-school tutoring shaped her academic and personal growth. Watching her speak with conviction was a testament to the power of mentorship, encouragement, and the right learning environment.

Her journey is just one example of how the Sewa AmeriCorps Afterschool Tutoring Program empowers students beyond academics, helping them find their voice and the confidence to use it.

From Summer Camper to Community Speaker: A Student’s Journey

A 6th-grade boy who joined the Sewa summer camp in 2024 became a dedicated participant and later a featured speaker at the Sewa Gala.

When the boy, a rising 6th grader, first joined our Sewa AmeriCorps Atlanta Summer Camp in 2024, he was simply looking for a fun and engaging place to learn and make new friends. What he found was much more—a community that nurtured his talents, built his confidence, and empowered him to share his voice.

Throughout the summer, the boy became a regular, eagerly participating in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities, yoga, and games. With encouragement from AmeriCorps members, he stepped out of his comfort zone, shared his thoughts in discussions, and even led small group activities.

His journey took an inspiring turn when he was invited to speak at the Sewa Gala in December 2024, a prestigious event celebrating service and community impact. Standing before an audience of donors, community leaders, and families, he spoke about how the tutoring program and summer camp shaped his confidence, enhanced his academic skills, and gave him a sense of belonging.

From a curious summer camper to a poised public speaker, his transformation is a testament to the power of mentorship, encouragement, and a supportive learning environment. His story exemplifies how the Sewa AmeriCorps Afterschool Program goes beyond tutoring—it nurtures future leaders.

In the battle against COVID-19, vaccination was a crucial weapon. However, a large percentage of India's population was not fully vaccinated as of March 2022, a year and a half after vaccine availability. One significant hurdle was the fear of vaccination side effects. This fear was compounded by the vast and scattered population, making education and outreach challenging.

Take the story of a 70-year-old daily wage worker from Saliyana village in Uttarakhand. Like many others, he lost his job during the lockdown and relied on government and non-profit aid for essentials. When vaccines became available, he initially hesitated but eventually got his first dose to return to work. However, the side effects hit him hard. Experiencing sudden high fever and weakness, the old man vowed never to take the second dose.

Sewa volunteers played a crucial role in convincing him to complete his vaccination regimen. After multiple phone calls, they visited his home personally. It took half an hour of patient explanation to persuade the old man to get his second dose. Fighting pandemics like COVID-19, it is clear that vaccination efforts must go hand-in-hand with education and outreach. Organizations like Sewa International can make a difference by addressing individual concerns and fears.

Divorce is a challenging life event that can turn one's world upside down. For women, especially those with children or those who are on dependent visas, the process can be particularly daunting. Here are some inspiring stories of how Sewa has made a difference in women's lives.

A Lifeline for a Visa-Dependent Woman

In a recent case, a young woman on a dependent visa found herself suddenly homeless after being kicked out by her abusive husband. Reaching out to Sewa in her time of need, she received comprehensive support, including connecting her to an organization offering financial assistance, helping her secure transitional housing, and directing her to legal aid for the divorce process. When she fell ill during this tumultuous time, Sewa volunteers provided nutritious meals, warm clothing, and transportation to medical appointments. This helped ensure that the woman could focus on her health and legal proceedings without worrying about necessities.

Supporting a Mother Through a Custody Battle

Another case involved a single mother facing an extended divorce and child custody battle. Recognizing the unique challenges mothers often face in these situations, Sewa Family Services provided the woman with essential supplies to help her manage day-to-day life, and emotional support throughout the two-year process. With Sewa's backing, this resilient woman was able to return to school, earn a vocational degree, and secure employment. She credits Sewa volunteers' support as crucial to her ability to persevere and rebuild her life.

Escaping Domestic Violence: A Story of Triumph

In a particularly harrowing case, Sewa volunteers aided a young woman fleeing domestic violence and fighting for custody of her child. After learning about Sewa while staying in a local shelter, she was able to receive organized food deliveries, transportation assistance, legal aid, and help finding new shelter accommodations when needed.

 Divorce can have significant impacts on women's health and financial stability. Studies show that women often experience higher levels of stress-induced inflammation, longer recovery times before remarrying, and more severe financial setbacks, sometimes taking years to regain equilibrium. Sewa International recognizes these challenges and strives to provide a support network that addresses both immediate needs and long-term stability.

Sewa's Commitment to Family Services

Through its Family Services program, Sewa International continues to offer vital assistance to community members facing crises like divorce. By providing case management, educational workshops, and health and wellness programs, Sewa aims to empower individuals to overcome obstacles and build brighter futures.

Sewa International provides crucial support to those fighting the difficult "battle" with cancer. Here are two stories of how Sewa assisted cancer patients in their final days.

A Last Wish Fulfilled: Alternative Care in India

One cancer patient, after a year-long struggle in the US, found himself in palliative care. He expressed a desire to try alternative therapy in India, and the Sewa Family Services and Sewa Bharat teams collaborated to make this wish a reality.

In India, alternative cancer treatments often include tribal, folk, herbal, and Ayurvedic medicines. Ayurvedic preparations like valipani, navjeevan, and kamdudha have shown promise in treating certain leukemia cases. Ayurveda is the most preferred Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) among cancer patients in India. Although he lost his battle with cancer, Sewa's support allowed him to spend his final moments in India, his home.

Supporting a Young Family Through Crisis

Sewa came to the aid of a young immigrant family where the father was stricken with cancer. When local treatment options were exhausted, he had to be transferred to a city hospital, leaving his wife overwhelmed with two small children.

Sewa volunteers stepped in to provide comprehensive support by arranging temporary accommodation for the relatives of the family, offering guidance on medical care, and making regular visits for moral support. After the man passed away volunteers continued to help the family with the repatriation process, ensuring dignity and support.

Sewa International's work reminds us of the importance of community support in the face of life-threatening illnesses, bridging gaps in care and providing comfort when it's needed most.

When a man and his wife arrived in Houston from Kentucky for her cancer treatment at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, they were understandably overwhelmed. Far from home and facing a challenging medical journey, they found unexpected comfort through the kindness of Sewa volunteers.

While at the hospital, the man met an Indian woman whose husband was also receiving treatment. This serendipitous meeting connected him with a veteran Sewa volunteer and case manager at Sewa Family Services.

Upon learning of the patient’s situation, the veteran Sewa volunteer took action. Without the patient’s husband even mentioning a need for Indian food, the senior volunteer mobilized Sewa volunteers to create a meal delivery schedule.

A Sewa volunteer developed a healthy meal plan tailored to the patient’s needs. Each day, dedicated volunteers drove 25-40 minutes to deliver home-cooked meals to the couple. The impact of this gesture went far beyond providing nourishment. It offered a taste of home and a sense of community during a difficult time.

Even after returning to Kentucky, the couple maintained contact with Sewa supporters. "To this day, I can't describe the feeling when the veteran Sewa volunteer showed me the prepared Excel sheet. It was a wonderful experience, and an indication of the selfless service Sewa volunteers have provided," the patient’s husband reflected.

The senior volunteer noted that this experience was new even for Sewa volunteers. He emphasized the importance of being innovative and thoughtful in identifying and meeting diverse needs within the community.

What started as providing moral support to Ukrainians during the ongoing conflict led to helping students evacuate Ukraine. I am from Stockholm, Sweden, and am sharing my experience of the Ukraine-Russia war. When I contacted the students to instill confidence in them, they looked up to me for support throughout the journey. Listening to their cries for help, and continuous, fervent appeal, we wanted to do everything in our power to protect and keep them safe. When you know that the lives of people depend on you, you move out of your comfort zone and do the unthinkable.

With the help of the Sewa International Team, we planned their evacuation from Ukraine. I had never been to Ukraine nor had heard the names of the cities except for Kyiv. I didn't even know how to pronounce the name of the cities, and for a difficult to pronounce city name like Zaporizhzhia, I simply used the term Zeph. We used Google translate and Google maps to chart out the journey. We were assigned different regions, concentrating on the students of those regions, and took it upon ourselves to figure things out. Once we mapped our routes to the nearest borders, we shared the information and boom! we had created a route map for each city with the information we collected. We can confidently advise anyone about the mode of transport, border situation, the border options: Budomierz at the Poland border, Zahony at the Hungarian border, and Nemecke, which is the Slovakian option. When we encountered more city names, we gave confidence to the students and told them that we got them covered, only to call one of the volunteers to ask, “Do you have any idea on this city?” Mission Pesochin, Operation Zaph, Mission Poltava Rescue, and Evacuate Kharkiv were the names of the Whatsapp groups.

Each of us became experts in our routes with the knowledge we had gained and helped one another. We were in close contact with the students throughout their journey and checked on them from time to time. I had set reminders for the arrival of their trains, as most of the students traveled in groups. I used a strategy where I was in contact with two members in each group, where one was the leader of the group of students, and the other was my informant. The informant did not necessarily travel with the group but was in touch with the members. That way, I collected information from two sources to compare notes. We forwarded the vital information to other volunteers, and we planned every minute detail for the Team.

Later, we would meet to discuss, as if we were experts in route mapping, disaster management, or city planning. If there was a shelling or bombing somewhere or we saw the information on Twitter or the news, we informed each other and the students and kept close communication with them. We were also in constant touch with some parents to provide them with information about the routes. The students suffered greatly, and unknowingly we sponged some of the pain. Some of the students were beaten up, kicked, slapped, or shoved by a rifle in the stomach. The students called and expressed their anxiety. To divert their attention, we told them to close their eyes and imagine their home, their parents, their pets, or friends. Sometimes, I even asked them to push a little harder and imagine the endgame. We ended up in tears after the calls. Most of us had sleepless nights, as we were constantly checking on them, asking them to eat, and worried if they had crossed the border and boarded the flight.

On boarding the flight, one student even told me, “Ma’am, you too need to sleep.” Every small victory was celebrated and applauded in our Sewa Whatsapp groups, and every time we felt low after hearing a student cry, someone or the other would give us strength. The volunteers, I built a close connection with, are Sai, Gunesh, and Divyang. We would say our goodnights, only to ask more questions about the updates on Twitter and directives from the Embassy.

Late-night voice notes about our frustrations, sleepless nights, nightmares, and helplessness that we felt were something I held close to my heart. We know that we have changed. We have become a different version of ourselves. Something in us shifted, and we are now aware of our abilities that lay dormant, and it would not have been possible if we were not associated with the Sewa International for #MissionEvacuate. If you want to come to Ukraine in the future, we can help you map your journey. We began our volunteer journey with Sewa International during the Wuhan virus/Covid and black fungus crisis in India, and this is our second volunteer assignment with them. This has been an incredible journey, and we look forward to working with them on more missions. We had never thought that we would be witness to war or part of a wartime rescue effort.

- Kajal Pradeep

On this day of Keti Koti, July 1, celebrated to commemorate the abolition of slavery in Suriname, I ponder on my wonderful trip to Suriname. My heart skipped a beat. On June 8, three Sewa karyakartas met each other for the first time at Miami Airport searching for Suriname Airlines. We boarded the plane and wondered, Suriname, such a surreal name, perhaps a heavenly abode since it is in the Amazon. Partly informed and partly imagining we landed at Paramaribo, the capital city of Suriname, around 9 PM on June 8, 2024.

Roberto was already at the airport wearing a Sewa T-shirt with a gleaming smile on his face, just like your own brother, to receive us. He said, “Yes you are in the Amazon forest”! Suriname is a strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean in the North and the Amazon forest in the South. It is one of the most beautiful countries. “Here Mai and Baba came from Bihar 150 years ago to work and preserve Hindu traditions. We have temples, we have Hindu names, we have bhaithak gana, we have the Bhojpuri language, we have Hindustani roti, daal and sabji, bara kip, banana chips, and cassava chips! Here we celebrate Holi as a major festival in spring. People from all walks of life rejoice in the elaborate festivities, food, and Holika Dahan,” said Roberto!

Ashwin, a Sewa volunteer from Sewa International Suriname, also wearing a Sewa Yellow T-shirt brought dinner, lovingly made by his wife Madhavi and his sister Anoushka. We were hungry and ate the delicious food enjoying every morsel. We were chatting with our two newfound brothers, Ashwin ji and Roberto ji as though we knew them forever.

Roberto lit incense that kept the mosquitoes away throughout the night, reminding us of our childhood days in India. As soon as it was dawn, we had coffee and some granola and got into the Sewa van. We bid farewell to Roberto and left to Nickerie from Wanica. Ashwin was driving the car, and Deepak accompanied him to Nickerie. Deepak brought some more food that his mother made at his home for our journey. The family woke up at 4 AM to prepare lunch for us! The food was so delicious and made with so much love that it was irresistible. As the sun rose, we drove four hours to Nickerie. The unending two-lane road divided the vast paddy fields that were being prepared for sowing. The paddy fields appeared like an infinite number of mirrors reflecting light as the squares and rectangular fields were filled with water underneath the bright sky. Alongside the two-lane road, there are miles of canals filled with “cola water” supplying the paddy fields. The cola water, as the locals call it lovingly, is the dark brown water formed from the pith of the leaves fallen into the water from Amazonian trees. The water supplies the paddy fields making the rice one of the most organic produce. The road has sunk in some places since it is adjacent to the paddy fields and water canals. Ashwin knew exactly where to slow down and when to speed up. We enjoyed this road trip so much that we took turns driving a few miles each. To feel the road and the surrounding beauty was an experience so unique. Yes, we made it safely.

This is a large country with a very small population – just about 633,000 people in a country that is 63,250 square miles in size, with a population density of 10 per square mile! Hindus, at 27.4 percent of the population, are the largest ethnic/religious group.

We went through many villages where people lived peacefully and happily. Their main economy came from the crops in the villages. They maintained the toilets for the travelers’ s convenience for a small amount of fee on the roadway from Wanica to Nickerie. On the way, we were thrilled to find many temples with “Om” and “Swastik” embossed on the flags, flying high and assuring us in many ways. As we reached Nickerie, we stopped at the Sri Vishnu Temple. We were blessed to see many deities -- Ganesh, Hanuman, Siya Ram, Mata Rani, Shiv, Vishnu, Lakshmi, and Swayam Bhagwan -- in the temple. We offered our salutations and left to Mungra Medical Center to meet with the Director, Dr. Farah, the Coordinator, Inderjeet Jaglal, and the President, Ms. Abdul. We were invited with honor. We had a few minutes of briefing about what to expect and how to work at the Mungra Medical Center. Then we were escorted to our quarters in Nickerie provided by the medical center. There were two bedrooms, a living room with a kitchen, a bathroom, and a shower, all fully equipped and furnished matching American standards. We had hot water. We had air conditioning. We had king beds in each one of the rooms with comfortable mattresses and pillows, just as a three-star hotel would offer in the United States. This was a brand-new accommodation!

Thanks to Soniya ji, our Sewa karyakarta from Pittsburgh, we went to a grocery store nearby and brought milk. We then had our dinner provided lovingly by Deepak’s family, from Wanica. We then slept soundly in our comfortable beds. The next morning, we were at the Mungra Medical Center by 7 AM to receive the handover from the night shift staff to prepare ourselves to meet our patients in the wards. We introduced ourselves as Sewa international volunteers coming from the United States to the other doctors after the handover. The doctors and staff were very happy that we were there, although for a short time.

As an internist, I had the opportunity to make the rounds with the chief of internal medicine, Dr. Reyes.

We rounded in the internal medicine ward along with the medical ICU. Two medical students were rounding with us. We saw about 20 patients in the men’s ward, 15-20 patients in the women’s ward, and about six patients in the medical ICU. The infusion pumps are manual. They are not automated. The blood pressure cuff and the pulse oximeters are automated. The beds are not powered hospital beds. The wards are not air-conditioned. They do have fans to circulate the air. Gloves, masks, and hand sanitizers are all used very carefully. The examination of patients is done very carefully. The medications are bought by the patients, in the hospital pharmacy, just like in India. Most of the expenses are paid by the insurance that the patients carry. If not, they will pay out-of-pocket. Some of them refused treatment because they could not afford it.

In the medical ICU, there is telemetry available. Bi-Pap, CPAP, and non-rebreather masks are available, as well as oxygen. Unfortunately, the infusion pumps are all manual. The lab is not equipped with lactic acid/ABG/ in-house blood culture reports. There is no microbiology lab to perform Gram stain even, making it extremely difficult for physicians to treat complicated conditions. The physicians must rely on empirical methods. The patients are transported to Paramaribo, which is four hours away from Nickerie in case the patient’s condition deteriorates. There is an anesthesiologist to perform intubation as needed. The patients are transported to Paramaribo once they are intubated or placed on pressors or in anticipation of such critical procedures. One patient had to wait for a blood culture report for one whole week. She was being treated for staphylococcus pneumonia with Meropenem. Vancomycin is very expensive and is rarely used. This patient was also on a non-rebreather mask for oxygen. Her respiratory rate was 32 per minute and she was transported to Paramaribo for further management of a simple staphylococcus pneumonia. Thankfully, she was maintaining reasonable blood pressure and urine output and did not need pressors. Every day feels as though it is the impending end of life in this medical ICU. With many uncertainties haunting the patients, their families, and the physicians, this Medical ICU needs serious upgrades.

We also had a young woman with aortic valve replacement who went into SVT (Supraventricular tachycardia or SVT is a type of arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm, that causes the heart to beat very quickly), but thanks to the cardiologist, she was administered Adenosine and revived her in the ICU. There was also a patient with DKA. The bold Chief of Medicine was skillful enough to treat the patient with minimal tools. There is no Arterial blood gas (ABG) available in-house. The next day we went to the outpatient clinic that they call “poly”. Each doctor has their poly. Each polyclinic serves 25 to 30 patients a day. They’re all seen within about six hours. Most patients spoke in Hindi, Surinamese, and Dutch. There is a nurse who could translate Surinamese to Dutch and vice versa. The blood pressure is measured on a mercury-sphygmomanometer. Yes, they have, two sizes larger cuff and a regular cuff. Most of the patients are overweight or obese. They eat a high-carbohydrate diet. Lean meats and high-protein foods are expensive.

Rice is the major staple food. Although the land is very fertile, Suriname lacks human resources. The fish are untouched even though available right on the seashore, uneaten by humans. Food is abundant, but not much is available for the people on their plates. The President, Cham Santokhi, seems to be coming up with projects to encourage young adults to become entrepreneurs and develop the nation. The efforts are in the very initial stage. The reasons why people are sick may be many. The most common conditions are diabetes type 2, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cerebrovascular accident (CVA or stroke), ischemic cardiomyopathy, peripheral arterial disease, obesity, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and kidney failure.

One of the striking conditions we came across was “antiphospholipid syndrome”. Pregnant women with this condition are treated with Heparin from the early stages of pregnancy until delivery of the babies. Many mothers lost their babies during pregnancy due to this condition going untreated.

Our young Sewa Volunteer from Pittsburgh had a chance to rotate with one of the doctors in the pediatric ward at the Mungra Medical Center. Anoushka, a high school student from Pittsburgh, experienced one of the toughest situations possible in her life. She witnessed a teenage boy succumb to presumably drug overdose. The boy was from a broken family and was quite neglected. This young volunteer’s mother, Soniya ji, is a social worker who played a key role in our visit to Suriname. She was moved and made a significant effort to learn about the social structure of Suriname, which is unfortunately not immune to inequality, child labor, and child neglect, just as any of the downtown areas in the United States.

The Mungra Medical Center does have a dialysis center, called the “Brahma Dialysis Center”. It serves about 50 dialysis patients. The center has 25 dialysis machines, 2008 models. They are in working condition and have dedicated staff. It was heart-rending, however, to know that at least 25 dialysis patients died during COVID-19 times in this hospital.

The Mungra Medical Center is also the premier Institute in Suriname and is hailed as one of the best hospitals in the Caribbean and South America. Unfortunately, due to economic decline and financial struggles, the Center has been deprived of funding. Affluent people fly to the Netherlands or other developed countries to get their treatment or move to other developed countries to live a better lifestyle.

The general medical ward treated patients with an enormous number of medical conditions, including stroke, diabetic foot, pneumonia, uncontrolled hypertension, hypertensive emergencies, valvular heart disease, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease (CKD), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), etc. Those with cancers go to Paramaribo for treatment in an academic medical center. Specialists are only available in Paramaribo. According to reliable sources, there is only one gastroenterologist for the entire country, with a population of 633,000! Vascular surgeons, gynecologists, neurologists, and orthopedic surgeons fly from the Netherlands or other neighboring countries to Suriname from time to time. Patients in Suriname are waiting for vascular access to get on dialysis. Patients are also waiting for upper endoscopy and colonoscopies. Patients wait for elective surgeries for many months at a time. Some of them elect comfort measures. However, it is unclear how comfortable they would be at the end of life in a place like Suriname.

Sewa Suriname provided a bed and a mattress to a person affected by a stroke. They not only delivered a bed but also assembled it for this person, who felt very grateful. Sewa International Suriname has been serving at the grassroots level to bring a sparkle to the eyes of those suffering from illnesses.

We had a very nice dinner with Ramanujam ji and his wife Dr. Reena in their beautiful home along with their two children in Paramaribo. We then took a little tour of the downtown, thanks to Ashwin who also showed us the city lights at night from a famous bridge. Words cannot describe the affection and hospitality that was showered on us by the Sewa Suriname team.

The oceans, the rivers, the birds and the butterflies, the greenest land of the Amazon forest, the sky that showers billions of tons of rain a year, the vast paddy fields, and the enormous treasure hidden in the ocean, the gold mines, the oil refineries, everything looks incomplete without adequate medical care for those in need. The physicians are overworked, but they pull through. They remain resilient just like the rishis and sages in India with the conviction to serve humanity. It is their calling.

--Dr. Sarvalakshmi Uppuluri

Sewa International's work has brought profound purpose and change into my life, especially, since it significantly transformed my son's life. He, in his very first project, became the youngest volunteer, standing proudly in a photo from the sandwich project. At just eight or nine years old, he questioned why we were helping the Bhutanese while he stood by. I encouraged him to interact with the other children, and he did. This led to his request for a soccer ball. After buying one, he quickly realized that merely purchasing the ball wasn't sufficient—he needed to play with them to establish a genuine connection.

This early exposure to Sewa shaped his character. In high school, he volunteered to teach math and English to younger students, showing notable leadership skills. His college essay reflected on these experiences, acknowledging the impact of his upbringing on his commitment to service.

In his college essay, he wrote about his Sewa experience without prompting. He wrote, "I first thanked my parents. I engaged in Sewa activities because I learned that making others happy brings me greater happiness." Reflecting on these experiences, as a parent, I have accomplished my life's purpose, and I must admit that it was an emotional moment for me. I found myself in tears as I came to this realization.

Seeing my son's dedication, even my younger child followed suit, volunteering and inspiring others. Through their actions, my children learned the value of serving others, a lesson that has deeply touched my heart. Witnessing the transformation in my children has been incredibly moving, and I am grateful for the role Sewa International has played in shaping their values and character.

To share another experience, Sewa International appointed Raj Rastogi, Sarang Rastogi's father, the first Vice President of the Administration Team. He attended the National Conference in Indianapolis in 2008. However, fate had a cruel twist in store. Tragically, within a few months, he passed away due to a heart attack, making him the only national team member to die shortly after assuming his role.

Sewa announced Raj Rastogi's selection as Vice President in early 2008, and he attended a meeting in May of that year, though he had not yet made significant contributions to the team. His sudden passing in August 2008 deeply affected those who knew him.   

I vividly recollect the events of that fateful day in 2008. My wife and kids were returning from a trip on the evening of August eighth, and their flight got delayed. Concerned that they might miss their connecting flight, I phoned Raj Rastogi to inquire if he could pick them up from the airport and provide them with a place to stay if required.

Raj reassured me that there was no need to worry and that he would take care of it. Thankfully, my family did not miss the connecting flight, and I reached Raj again at 9 o'clock to inform him. He was pleased to hear the news.

Tragically, just three hours later, at midnight, Raj passed away unexpectedly, which left me shocked and saddened. I remember our last conversation, and I struggled to come to terms with his loss. Raj's kindness and willingness to help, even amid his responsibilities, is something I can never forget. Even now, he remains etched in the memories of those who knew him, a poignant reminder of a life lost too soon.

-  Venkat Santhanaraman, VP, Finance