Food as Prasad: When Feeding Others Becomes an Act of Worship

By Santosh Jha, Associate Director, Serve Program, Sewa International USA

What does a plate of food have to do with Sewa? Quite a lot. When people prepare food with gratitude, share it with compassion, and serve others with humility, an everyday act can become sacred.

A Plate of Food, a Beautiful Tradition

During Deepavali, millions of families offer sweets, fruits, coconut and freshly prepared food to the Divine as Naivedya. Traditionally, it is prepared with care using pure ingredients and is never tasted before the offering. This offering expresses gratitude for the food and blessings received. After the prayers, it is shared with family and friends as Prasāda—food offered to the Divine and received as a blessing.

The food with its ingredients remains the same, but its meaning changes. It becomes an expression of gratitude, devotion, and sharing. The lesson is simple: an offering is special not because of how much we give, but because of the spirit in which we give it. This is also the spirit of Sewa. Whether we prepare a meal for someone in need, donate groceries, or volunteer at a food distribution drive, we extend the spirit of Prasāda through service. An ordinary act of sharing becomes an act of devotion.

Why Is Food Considered Sacred?

In Indian traditions, food is much more than something that satisfies hunger. It is a source of life and a gift to be respected and shared. The Taittiriya Upanishad, an ancient Indian text, offers a simple but powerful instruction:

Annaṁ bahu kurvīta. Tad vratam.
"Let food be produced in abundance. This is the vow."
— Taittiriya Upanishad, Bhrigu Valli 3.9

This teaching presents producing and sharing food as a responsibility. It asks people to consider not only whether they have enough to eat, but also whether others have access to food. The Bhagavad Gita takes the idea further. In Chapter 3, Verse 13, Shri Krishna explains:

Yajñaśiṣṭāśinaḥ santo mucyante sarvakilbiṣaiḥ,
bhuñjate te tvaghaṁ pāpā ye pacantyātmakāraṇāt.
"Those who partake of food remaining from an offering are freed from all faults, while those who cook only for themselves partake of sin."
— Bhagavad Gita 3.13

To understand this verse, we need to understand Yajna, which means making an offering for the greater good. It teaches us not to live only for ourselves, but to care for others. Sharing what we have, helping those in need, and contributing to the community are all ways of practicing this spirit. This is why Annadāna (offering food) holds a special place in Indian culture. In temples and Gurudwara community kitchens (Guru-Ka-Langar), people come together to prepare and serve food to everyone, without any distinction. Feeding someone is not just about filling a stomach. It is about caring for another human being.

What Makes Giving Different from Sewa?

Consider two situations.

In the first, someone donates food to a family in need. It is a generous act. In the second, a volunteer collects groceries, packs them, and personally serves a meal with kindness and respect, expecting nothing in return. Both are valuable, but the second reflects another important dimension of Sewa: selfless service. The Indian philosophy of Nara Sewa Narayana Sewa expresses this beautifully: serving people is serving the Divine. It reminds us that everyone deserves dignity and respect. Service should never make someone feel that they are receiving a favour. It should come from humility, kindness, and a sense of shared humanity. That is the true spirit of Sewa. It is not about how important the person serving feels, but about how valued the person being served feels.

When Young People Put Sewa into Action

Across Sewa International USA, volunteers collect food, prepare meals, pack groceries, and distribute food through the Serve Program. In the first half of 2026, the program recorded more than 470 activities across 30 chapters and four regions, reaching over 10,000 beneficiaries through food collection and donation initiatives. Behind these numbers are people choosing to make a difference. For example, LEAD (Leadership, Education, and Development) youth volunteers from Sewa’s Seattle chapter prepared 100 sandwiches for Porchlight, Helen’s Place, and Friends of Youth. Working together, they identified a community need and took action.

They were doing more than making sandwiches. They were learning that even small efforts, when made with the right intention, can make a meaningful difference. Across Sewa chapters, LEAD students participate in food packaging, distribution, donation drives, and other service activities. These experiences help young people understand that Sewa is not just an idea discussed in books or at cultural celebrations; it is something they can practise in everyday life. Initiatives such as Annapurna, Annalakshmi, and Meals on Wheels make food service a regular commitment rather than an occasional activity. Whether a student prepares sandwiches, a family donates groceries, or a volunteer serves meals at a community pantry, every act of giving makes a difference.

Sewa Is Not Just for Festivals

Deepavali celebrates light, gratitude, and sharing. But the spirit of giving should continue throughout the year. Practising Sewa does not require a large initiative. We can:

•        Volunteer at a local food pantry
•        Join a food collection drive
•        Help prepare and serve meals
•        Encourage friends to take part in community service
•         Share what we have with those in need

Small acts of kindness build a lasting habit of caring for others. For Sewa International, the goal is not just to organize service activities, but to nurture generations who make helping others a natural part of everyday life.

Every Plate Can Become Prasad

The plate of food offered to the Divine on Deepavali reminds us that food is a blessing and sharing it is an expression of gratitude. When this spirit reaches community kitchens, food pantries, and neighborhoods, an ordinary meal becomes an act of service. This Deepavali, let us look beyond our own tables and think of those with whom we can share. We need not wait for a special occasion. One meal, one helping hand, or one small act of kindness is enough to begin. The true spirit of Annadāna is not just giving food, but recognizing that the opportunity to nourish another life is itself a blessing. Every meal served with compassion carries the spirit of Prasāda.

Thoughts to Reflect On

Annam Na Nindyāt Tad Vratam: This Upanishadic teaching means, “Never disrespect or insult food.” It reminds us to honor food, avoid waste, and see it as a blessing that sustains life.

Living to Eat vs. Eating to Live: Living to eat is about satisfying our taste buds, while eating to live is about recognizing food as nourishment. It is about valuing food, being grateful for it, and share with others by feeding those in need. When feeding those in need becomes an act of worship, food becomes Prasāda.

What is one small thing you can do this week to share your blessings with someone else?

Setting the Record Straight: Sewa International Responds to Bellingcat

-- Rakhi Israni, Vice President 

Public Affairs, Legal & Thought Leadership

Bellingcat’s October 6 article, titled “Groups Associated with India’s Far-Right Receive Millions Through US Donor-Advised Funds,” concedes a central point. There is no evidence that DAF funds to Sewa have actually funded “India’s far-right,” yet it weaves a web of unsupported insinuations starting with its headline.

Sewa International is a Hindu faith-based humanitarian nonprofit. Our 5,000+ volunteers across the country are proud of that identity, and they eagerly serve people of every faith. Our finances are independently audited every year; our grants to partners are project-based and documented, and independent charity evaluators give us strong ratings, including a 4-star rating on Charity Navigator (2025) and the GuideStar Platinum Seal (2025). 

Bellingcat’s figures largely match public filings. What the article leaves out is where the money came from, why it arrived when it did, and how little of it reached the organizations they aim to demonize in this article. 

The money followed a pandemic, not an ideology

The article treats 2020-2024 as a single block of time. It never mentions that 2021 was the year the second wave of COVID overwhelmed hospitals across South Asia, and countless families across the world lost someone they loved. In this one year alone, Sewa received 82% of all DAF-type gifts reported during this article’s 5-year period; the other four years together account for only about 18%, averaging about $780K per year. 

That spring, Americans of every background and across the country rushed to help India.  Sewa’s “Help India Defeat COVID-19” campaign raised more than $7 million from over 101,000 donors in its first 10 days. Twitter, then led by CEO Jack Dorsey, gave Sewa $2.5M for the relief effort. Our total donations rose from $5.6 million in 2020 to $47.2 million in 2021.  

The DAF grants and donations saved lives in the form of oxygen concentrators, ventilators, and medical supplies. By early May 2021, Sewa had already shipped more than 2,500 oxygen concentrators to India (Sewa press release, dated May 5, 2021). By year’s end, Sewa had sent almost 10,000 oxygen concentrators and 41,000 pulse oximeters and more than 275,000 health and hygiene kits and 112,000 grocery kits to over 100,000 villages, and started the work towards building greater health resiliency in 14 states across India through oxygen plants. Oxygen concentrators and other essential supplies were also sent to many other countries dealing with crippling conditions because of COVID, including Guyana, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, South Africa, Iraq, Suriname, Trinidad, and Colombia. 

During this period, Sewa also worked with organizations like the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin to manage a virtual triage service connecting US medical doctors to patients on the ground in these countries. The objective was twofold: 1) keep patients with mild symptoms out of the local hospitals and identify those who need to go to the hospital sooner and 2) to decrease the burden on hospitals by decreasing misinformation and lowering panic. 

In the United States, during this same period, Sewa had over 100 volunteers managing 10 helpline centers across the country to alleviate panic.  We had over 800 volunteers working with FEMA to facilitate more than 200,000 vaccinations. And 34 chapters donated more than 1,000,000 pounds of food to underserved communities across the country. 

Sewa’s extensive service during the pandemic in the United States and abroad was recognized by a number of US Congressmen, state representatives, and elected officials at every level across the country.  

Who the donors actually are

The phrase “donor-advised funds” suggests a few wealthy, anonymous donors. Our records show otherwise:

●       Nearly half was workplace and online giving. Approximately $7.9 million of the $16.9 million (47%) came through platforms such as Benevity, PayPal Giving Fund, and Network for Good. These carry employee payroll gifts, company matches, and small online donations.

●       Many gifts came from ordinary families. In 2021 alone, more than 24,000 DAF donors gave to Sewa. Many of the named DAF accounts in our records gave a few hundred dollars each. 

●       Employers matched them. When employees at major U.S. companies chose Sewa through their workplace giving programs, their employers often matched their gift. This is corporate America’s giving system working as designed. 

Sewa Bharati: about 1% of our total donations

Bellingcat’s main association argument runs through Sewa Bharati. From 2020 to 2024, the years the article covers, grants to Sewa Bharati accounted for less than 1% of the total donations Sewa received during this article’s reporting period, and every grant funded a specific project. All our grants are properly documented and audited.

Our Commitment

Sewa International does not operate as a branch or affiliate of the RSS or any other organization. It does not engage in partisan political activity, and it has no role in the governance or operations of any of our grantees, including Sewa Bharati.

We asked Bellingcat to publish this response, and to correct the impression its headline creates against its own admission. To date, we have not received a response. We further ask DAF sponsors and giving platforms to judge Sewa on its audited record, not on unproven implications and misconstrued statements that ultimately end up hurting Sewa’s beneficiaries – the people in need – who rely on our support the most.

The Sewa Mindset: From Personal Recognition to Collective Contribution

[Understanding Nishkāma Karma through Volunteering]

--Shyam Parande

National Advisor, Sewa International

From Chennai to Chicago and Nairobi to New York, communities face a common challenge. Despite being more connected than ever, many people feel less connected to a larger sense of purpose and belonging. We have many ways to share our contributions, but the deeper meaning of giving can sometimes get lost. The real question is not whether we serve, but why we serve. The Bharatiya Jnana Parampara (Indian Knowledge System) offers an answer: Nishkāma Karma—acting without seeking personal reward or recognition.

The Mindset Shift

At its core, Nishkāma Karma is a simple shift in thinking: From “What do I gain?” to “What can I contribute?”

This does not mean recognition, achievement, or career success are wrong. They simply do not have to be the reason we act. Nishkāma Karma encourages us to act with sincerity and commitment without seeking personal reward, recognition, or credit. It shifts us from self-centered action to purpose-centered action. It is not the absence of effort, but the absence of ego in effort. As Dr. B.R. Ambedkar said, “Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.”

The Mind behind the Action

The Bharatiya Jnana Parampara begins with the individual. Our actions reflect how we think and what motivates us.

When recognition drives service, we may ask: Who contributed more? Who was in the photograph? Who received credit? Who was recognized?

With greater awareness and empathy, the questions change: Who needs help? What can I do? What responsibility can I take? How can my contribution create lasting value? This is where Nishkāma Karma moves from philosophy to a way of living and serving.

From Selfie Volunteering to Selfless Volunteering

Selfie volunteering is not about criticizing people for sharing their experiences. Visibility can inspire others, highlight causes, and encourage more people to serve. The difference is in the purpose. Selfie volunteering centers on: “I was there.” Selfless volunteering centers on: “Someone needed help, and I was able to contribute.” The photograph may still be taken. The post may still be shared. Recognition may still come. But this is not the purpose. The purpose is the contribution. Two ideas from the Bharatiya Jnana Parampara help explain this mindset.

The Triguna Framework

Sankhya Darshana — one of the six classical schools of Bharatiya philosophy

The three gunas describe different motivations behind our actions:

• Tamas: Acting from fear, inertia, or avoidance.
• Rajas: Acting for recognition, reward, or personal results.
• Sattva: Acting with a sense of Dharma—doing what is right because it is right. This leads toward Nishkāma Karma.

Isha Upanishad

“Tena tyaktena bhunjithā” — through renunciation, find joy.

The Isha Upanishad offers a simple insight: when we give without expecting anything in return, we experience greater freedom and joy. A volunteer who does not need a photograph, certificate, or recognition can focus on serving others.

The Bhagavad Gita similarly teaches:

Karmanye vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana ।

Ma Karmaphalaheturbhurma Te Sangostva akarmani ।।

“You have the right to perform your actions, but not to the fruits of those actions. Nor should you be attached to inaction.”

The Sewa Mindset in Practice

This mindset can be seen in how Sewa International serves communities in the United States and more than 40 countries. When a crisis strikes or communities face persistent challenges, Sewa volunteers focus on one question:

“Where is the need, and how can I help?”

The need guides the action—not ego, title, or visibility. Much of the most meaningful work happens away from the spotlight. In the LEAD program, young people contribute service hours, grow as volunteers, and develop leadership skills. Many effective leaders are those who help others grow without seeking attention.

In ASPIRE, a tutor may spend weeks supporting one student without seeing immediate results. That support can build confidence and shape the student’s future. “The volunteer does not need to be the hero of the student’s story. The goal is for the student to become the protagonist of their own future.”

The Journey: From “I” to “We”

The journey of volunteering is a gradual shift from “I” to “We.” It begins with “I want to volunteer,” as the desire to help takes root. It becomes “I want to be useful,” as we use our time, energy, intellect, contacts, and skills to help others. As we understand community needs, we move to “I understand the need.” With that understanding comes “I take responsibility,” as service becomes regular and purposeful.

Over time, “The mission comes first.” Recognition matters less, and the needs of others guide our actions. Finally, we reach “I was fortunate to contribute.” It is a journey from selfie to selfless, visibility to value, experience to contribution, and “I” to “We.”

Measuring the Inner Journey: The FIT Framework

How do we know if we are progressing toward Nishkāma Karma? The FIT Framework, offered by Swami Sarvapriyananda and referenced by Sewa International USA President Srikanth Gundavarapu, focuses on our response to recognition and setbacks.

• F — Frequency: How often do you seek recognition?
• I — Intensity: How strongly does the need for recognition affect you?
• T — Time to Recover: How quickly do you return to the work after a setback?

Less frequent and less intense reactions, along with faster recovery, can indicate progress.

Nishkāma Karma is not a destination, but a way. The FIT Framework helps us see whether we are moving along the path and in the right direction.

A Living Institution of Nishkāma Karma

Sewa International USA is largely volunteer-led. Its President, Vice Presidents, chapter coordinators, and program leads serve as volunteers. Thousands of people give their time year after year because they see a need and want to help. This is Nishkāma Karma in practice.

As Saumitra Gokhale, National Advisor, Sewa International, says: “When one performs duty to the best of one’s ability without keeping score, without seeking recognition, one is, in fact, serving the divine.” In a world focused on results and recognition, Sewa demonstrates how service can be driven by purpose rather than personal reward.

The True Measure of Sewa

The true measure of selfless service is not: How many photographs did I take? How many people know I volunteered? How much recognition did I receive?

It is: Did someone benefit? Did I reduce someone’s burden? Did I help someone become stronger or more capable? Did I leave the community stronger than I found it? And the simplest question is: “Would I still contribute if nobody knew I had done it?” From Selfie to Selfless. Selfie volunteering says: “I volunteered.” Selfless volunteering says: “Someone needed help.” Sewa says: “I was fortunate to contribute.”

The Bharatiya Jnana Parampara offers a simple way to make service part of who we are. Nishkāma Karma means serving because it is the right thing to do, not for recognition. The practice is simple: Understand the need. Take responsibility. Give your best. Seek impact, not applause. Be part of something larger than yourself. That is the journey from selfie to selfless. And that is when volunteering becomes Sewa.

About Sewa International USA

Sewa International USA is a Hindu faith-based, 100% volunteer-driven humanitarian organization active across 40+ chapters in the United States and present in more than 40 countries. Its programs are led by volunteers who contribute their time and skills to serve communities.

To contribute—not just donate—visit sewausa.org.

 

Youth, Action, Impact: Responding to the Opioid Crisis

Nivedita Krishnaswami- 9/11 Regional Project Manager

A Multi-Program Approach to the Opioid Crisis

Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Workshop & Naloxone Kit Assembly The “Why” Awareness without tools leaves a community vulnerable. To bridge this gap, Sewa International transformed a standard educational workshop into a high-impact service action, turning passive listeners into active lifesavers.

The Unique Approach: Education + Action

By breaking silos between the #9/11 Program, Family Services, and LEAD, we engaged a multi- generational audience. We partnered with April Rovero (NCAPDA), a Sewa Excellence Award recipient, to provide expert training. Moving beyond a typical lecture, 35+ volunteers transitioned immediately into a hands-on “kit build,” assembling over 450 Naloxone (anti-overdose) kits.

Powerful Impacts & Highlights

Expanding the Sewa Family: In a moving display of solidarity, NCAPDA Youth Ambassadors joined the assembly line after their presentation. Working alongside our LEAD students, they bridged the gap between guest speakers and partners, expanding Sewa’s volunteer outreach and youth advocacy base.

Civic Endorsement: San Ramon Mayor Mark Armstrong demonstrated strong support by staying for the entire duration. He worked the assembly line with our youth, praising Sewa’s leadership in addressing difficult but critical public health issues.

Emotional Resonance: Personal stories of recovery shared by youth ambassadors moved the audience to action, proving that lived experience is often more powerful than statistics.

The Lesson: The “Sewa Synergy” Model

This event demonstrates that impact becomes exponential when we combine logistics (#911), community reach (Family Services), and youth energy (LEAD). By pairing a learning session with a practical assembly activity, we maintained high engagement and produced measurable results.

450+ kits are now in the hands of community members or ready for distribution, directly strengthening public health resilience.

When youth lead with shared purpose, the impact on community safety is immediate and profound.

Bridging Borders through Spoken English

Nags Rajaram- Chapter Coordinator, Chicago SEP

Spoken English Program (SEP) was piloted by the Atlanta chapter in 2024–25 with Kannada-speaking beneficiaries in Bengaluru, India. In 2025–26, we expanded the program to the Chicago and Detroit chapters and extended it to Hindi-speaking beneficiaries in Bhopal, India, and Telugu-speaking beneficiaries in Hyderabad, India.

The goal of the program is to equip underserved elementary and middle school children in India with spoken English skills, ensuring they are better prepared for educational and job opportunities. This initiative was carried out in partnership with Youth For Seva (YFS).

About 23 LEADs across the three chapters worked with 31 beneficiaries across three Indian cities. It was a mutually rewarding experience, with beneficiaries enthusiastically learning while the LEADs also gained exposure to and appreciation of their native languages.

Our LEADs worked every Saturday and Sunday for nearly five months to complete this program.

Running, Volunteering, Giving: The Houston Marathon Model for Sewa

Mahesh Bhat- SELF Lead, Houston

Replicating the Houston Marathon Model across Sewa Chapters: The Houston chapter has built a successful three-pronged engagement model with the Chevron Houston Marathon:

Volunteering: 100+ volunteers annually at key race stations (over 4 years) Runners (SELF/Sewa Runners): ~140 participants in half and full marathons Fundraising: RFAR charity partner, raising approximately $20K in year two This model has created a strong platform for engagement across volunteering, running, and fundraising, while strengthening

Sewa’s visibility in the community.

Why this matters for other chapters:

Creates strong community impact and visibility for Sewa; promotes volunteerism, especially among youth; expands local volunteer and supporter networks; enables participation in marathon charity programs (RFAR-like models)

Scalability opportunity:

Most major marathons require volunteers, have structured charity programs, and attract a large base of runners, including the Indian diaspora. This makes the model highly replicable across cities with active Sewa presence.

Recommended next steps:

Target key cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Dallas Leverage the Houston chapter’s playbook and guidance to accelerate adoption across chapters

From Volunteers to Leaders: A Mentorship-Driven Model

Kavita Tewary- Executive Director, Houston

Sewa International has launched a more comprehensive and community-centric volunteer engagement initiative designed to meet volunteers where they are and build deeper, more meaningful connections. The city has been thoughtfully divided into multiple sectors, enabling a localized approach to engagement. Rather than relying on centralized outreach, the organization is hosting sector-level meetings to connect with volunteers within their own communities, fostering a stronger sense of belonging and accessibility.

At the heart of this initiative is a structured, mentorship-driven model. Outreach begins with curated calling lists, where experienced volunteers connect with new prospects. Each caller takes on the role of a mentor, guiding new volunteers through their initial journey, helping them understand the organization’s mission, and integrating them into ongoing activities. This one-on-one engagement creates a personalized experience that goes beyond traditional volunteer onboarding.

Over time, this approach is designed to nurture volunteers into active contributors and eventually core members of the organization. As they grow in confidence and commitment, these volunteers begin to take on greater responsibilities and, in turn, become mentors themselves—creating a virtuous cycle of leadership development and community building.

This model shifts the focus from transactional participation to long-term relationship building. By investing in mentorship and localized engagement, Sewa International is creating a self-sustaining ecosystem where volunteers feel valued, supported, and empowered. The result is stronger engagement, higher retention, and greater “stickiness,” ensuring that volunteers remain connected to the mission and continue to contribute meaningfully over time.

Hurricane Beryl Long-Term Recovery: Rebuilding Strength, Restoring Hope

Rashmi Singh- Diasaster Response and Recovery Coordinator

We are working under the ARC Hurricane Beryl long-term recovery grant to restore communities through critical infrastructure repair, including 80–90 greenhouses, 30 water wells, and home rehabilitation efforts. To date, we have repaired 16 homes and plan to complete close to 30 home repairs. Over 100 volunteers and 10 contractors have been engaged to deliver this large-scale recovery effort.

During Month 5, we continued steady progress toward our proposed outcomes. In home repair activities, we carried out advanced critical repairs including roofing, flooring, insulation, and window restoration. Two contractors completed repairs on 6 homes this month, including 3 mobile homes, which required additional time and resources. An additional 10 homes have been inspected and are scheduled for upcoming repairs. These interventions are significantly improving safety and living conditions for vulnerable families who previously fell through assistance gaps.

In water system restoration, we have inspected, repaired, and tested 21 wells for water quality. Work has also begun on installing water softener systems in 10 homes. Beneficiaries have expressed strong appreciation, with several experiencing softened water for the first time, marking a meaningful improvement in daily living conditions.

In greenhouse reconstruction, efforts continue to restore agricultural livelihoods. Hardware materials have been distributed to approximately 74 clients, and framing has been completed for 40 greenhouses, all of which are now fully covered with protective plastic.

This integrated recovery effort reflects both urgency and long-term commitment— rebuilding homes, restoring water access, and reviving livelihoods through coordinated volunteer and contractor support.

Beyond After School: Expanding Horizons through Sewa

Varsha Chauhan- MOS, Atlanta

Over the past 12 months, our Sewa efforts have focused on expanding access, building trust, and creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for our students. As Program Director of the AmeriCorps Afterschool Program, I have led a hybrid model that meets students where they are—providing virtual afterschool homework help Monday through Thursday, and in-person community-based enrichment every Saturday. This structure has allowed us to consistently support academic growth while also creating space for deeper engagement beyond the screen.

One of our most impactful initiatives came during our month-long in-person Summer Camp 2025 in the Chamblee area. We welcomed two Sewa interns as assistant camp counselors, and their contributions quickly evolved into something transformative. They didn’t just assist—they inspired. One introduced students to ballet, and the other to violin. For many of our K–8 students, this was their first exposure to the arts. Watching a child hold a violin for the first time—tentative, then gradually confident—was a powerful reminder of how access can shape self-belief. These experiences opened doors that many of our students didn’t even know existed.

We also organized a field trip to the Chamblee Municipal Court, offering students a real-world look at civic systems. What could have been an intimidating experience became an empowering one. Students learned how the court operates, asked thoughtful questions, and began to see police officers not as figures to fear, but as community helpers. That shift in perception was profound. This year reaffirmed for me that real change happens when we combine consistency with opportunity—academic support paired with exposure to new ideas, environments, and role models. Through Sewa, we didn’t just provide homework
help; we expanded horizons.

Mindfulness in Action: Building Resilient Communities

Shilpa Shastry- Bay Area

Over the past 12 months, I had the privilege of participating in a community wellness initiative through Sewa USA that truly transformed both my perspective and my sense of purpose. One of the most impactful experiences was leading a mindfulness workshop focused on stress reduction and emotional regulation. The event was designed to help participants manage anxiety, especially in times of uncertainty.

What stood out to me was the power of youth involvement in these programs. I collaborated with fellow young leaders, and together we led sessions that integrated mindfulness with practical safety techniques. This allowed us to not only impart essential skills but also share our own stories of resilience. I distinctly remember guiding a breathing exercise during a community preparedness workshop and seeing how the group, including adults, visibly calmed. That moment made me realize the value of emotional well-being in creating stronger, more resilient communities.

The initiative didn’t just benefit the participants; it changed me as well. Working closely with mentors, engaging in community outreach, and facilitating meaningful discussions pushed me to become a more confident and empathetic leader. It gave me a deeper understanding of how wellness, mindfulness, and leadership can work together to create lasting change. This program didn’t just leave a lasting impact on the community; it reshaped my approach to leadership and social service. It reminded me that real change happens when we lead with empathy, share our resources, and build a collective sense of responsibility toward each other.

Sewa’s work ignited my passion for making a difference, and I am eager to continue this journey of empowering others and fostering stronger, more connected communities.

Sewa Hindu Mobile Pantry: Serving North Texas

Sachin Sugandhi- Chapter coordinator, Dallas

The Sewa Hindu Mobile Pantry officially launched in February 2026, growing out of monthly food drives at the DFW Hindu Temple that began in 2020. Established in close collaboration with the temple, the initiative was designed to bridge the gap for families facing transportation barriers by delivering essential nutrition directly to their communities.

Currently, the project is making a significant impact through the following initiatives:

• Student & Refugee Support: In collaboration with a dedicated donor, we provide fresh vegetables to over 200 university students across the DFW area and offer vital assistance to Bhutanese refugees facing financial hardship every week.

• Monthly Grocery Distribution: We support 50 families every month with essential groceries, ensuring consistent access to shelf-stable goods.

• Community Expansion: We are actively pursuing a partnership with the North Texas Food Bank to scale our operations and reach even more underprivileged communities across the Metroplex.

By bringing fresh food and essential supplies to those who need them most, the Sewa Hindu Mobile Pantry continues its mission to combat food insecurity and foster a stronger, healthier North Texas.

Beyond Charity: Building Bonds of Kinship

The ancient Indian wisdom behind what Sewa really means        

--Srikanth Gundavarapu, President, Sewa International USA

Picture this. A tornado tears through rural Texas. Within 72 hours, volunteers arrive with chainsaws, hot meals, and a willingness to listen. They stay for weeks and return the next month. Some build lasting friendships with the families they serve. No one keeps score. This is Sewa. And it is not charity.

“Charity asks: How much shall I give? Sewa asks: How much of myself can I give in service?”

The difference may seem small. Giving is giving, right? But Sewa offers a different way of understanding service. And it begins with two words: Daan and Sewa.

DAAN (दान): The honorable act of giving

दान | Daan
To give; a gift or donation willingly offered—one of the highest virtues in the Indic tradition.

Daan is considered one of the noblest forms of giving in the Indic tradition. The Rigveda praises generosity. The Mahabharata teaches that Daan should be given without expecting anything in return and with respect for the recipient. The Bhagavad Gita describes sattvic Daan as giving to a worthy recipient, at the right time and place, without expecting gratitude.

This spirit has shaped Indian life for generations—from anonymous giving and food offered as prasad to community wells, maintained for everyone. It continues to inspire philanthropy among the Indian diaspora in America.

Yet Daan remains an act of giving. Something moves from giver to receiver, and the two remain in separate roles. The relationship can end with the gift.

Idam Namama: This is not mine

Everyone has their own way of giving, and each approach has value. In the Indic tradition, giving back is also seen as Karma Yajna—a duty to contribute to the society that supports us in countless ways.

When giving, we say Idam Namama—“this is not mine.” It reminds us to give humbly, without pride or expectation. Giving a portion of what we earn supports others while strengthening our own sense of gratitude, purpose, and connection.

SEWA (सेवा): The act of becoming

सेवा | Seva / Sewa
Service; to attend to, be present with, and serve with devotion.

The Sanskrit root sev points to a deeper meaning. Sewa is not simply giving to someone. It is being fully present with them. In Advaita Vedanta, the person who serves and the person being served are ultimately expressions of the same consciousness. To serve another is to serve oneself—not selfishly, but as part of a larger whole.

This is captured in a foundational principle:

Nara Sewa Narayan Sewa | Manava Seva Madhava Seva
Service to humanity is service to God.

If the person you serve is a manifestation of the divine, then service becomes more than giving. It becomes an act of devotion. The relationship is not giver and receiver, but devotee and sacred presence.

The difference that changes everything

Consider the same situation through the lens of Daan and Sewa.

Through the lens of DAAN

A corporation donates $50,000 to a disaster relief fund after a hurricane. Families receive aid, and the corporation announces the donation. The giver feels satisfied; the receiver feels relief, perhaps with a sense of indebtedness. Six months later, both have moved on. The relationship ended with the transaction.

Through the lens of SEWA

After Hurricane Helene devastates rural communities in the Carolinas, volunteers drive through the night to reach affected families. They stay for weeks, learn people’s names, and return the following month. A retired teacher who lost her home later joins a relief effort herself, serving meals to others. The relationship did not end with giving. It began there.

The difference is not the amount of help, but the quality of presence. Daan can be given from a distance. Sewa means showing up—with your time, your hands, your attention, and yourself.

“In Sewa, there is no helper and no helped. There is only the family showing up for itself.”

What Sewa looks like in America today

Consider LEAD, Sewa’s leadership program for young Americans. It may look like mentorship, with experienced professionals guiding emerging leaders. But both mentor and mentee learn from the experience. A mentee can become a chapter leader and organize relief efforts in her own community. The circle of Sewa closes—and opens again.

The same happens at community food drives. Families receive food, but many later return to help. An elderly man may help sort produce from his wheelchair. A teenager who first came for a food box may return the next week to pack them.

In the Sewa model, every beneficiary can become a volunteer. Sewa does not create dependents. It builds community.

This reflects the Karma Yoga tradition of the Bhagavad Gita: serving without attachment to the outcome. Sewa International’s volunteer-led model puts this principle into practice. Its leaders serve without a salary or personal gain because they see service as a responsibility.

Why does the distinction matter?

Much of organized philanthropy in America follows a Daan-like model. It can preserve a divide between giver and receiver, with success measured by dollars given and people helped. Even with good intentions, this can reduce people to numbers.

Sewa offers a different measure of service:

Not how much was given, but how fully we were present.
Not how many were served, but how many began serving.
Not how do we help them? But how do we become one?

The Indic tradition has carried this wisdom for thousands of years. The question is whether America’s nonprofit sector—and the Indian-American community within it—is ready to embrace it.

A reflection for the reader

The next time you feel moved to help, pause before you write a check or tap the donate button. Ask yourself: Can I be present with this need, not just respond to it? Is there a community I can join rather than support from a distance? Can I give not just my resources, but myself?

That is the invitation of Sewa. Not to be a donor. Not to be a beneficiary. But to be family.

A Healing at the Margins: A Volunteer-Led Wellness Movement

Tarvinder Taneja- MOS Houston

According to CAP, the USA has a 5-year lower life expectancy than its peer industrialized countries. Improving the health of the most vulnerable populations will boost health outcomes and social well-being, strengthen the economy, and help build a strong, equitable future.

The Sewa Houston ASPIRE Centers are located at ground zero for individuals living below the poverty line—uninsured, underserved, and marginalized populations, including recently arrived refugees, undocumented immigrants, and resilient survivors of unspeakable trauma. These individuals face myriad existential challenges, including stress, poor health, and lack of access to adequate healthcare.

We developed a Total Wellness program to reach children, adults, seniors, and other vulnerable individuals—first within the complexes where the ASPIRE Centers are located, and then extending to equally vulnerable neighbors. With the support of volunteer doctors, dentists, optometrists, medical paraprofessionals, medical students, and AmeriCorps members, we launched monthly clinics two years ago. The objective was to increase awareness and accessibility, inculcate healthy behaviors and accountability, and improve outcomes through wellness education.

2025 Impact

— 600 adults received medical evaluations from medical professionals, along with referrals for continued treatment.

— 12,000 sets of vitals were checked by AmeriCorps members. Regular testing ensures behavioral modification geared toward self-care and the mitigation of health-related emergencies and complications.

— 40 workshops were conducted on topics ranging from nutrition and maternal health to dental care and stress management, presented by AmeriCorps members trained as Certified Community Health Workers through the UH Medical School.

Partners who have joined our efforts include Harris County Health (vaccines, basic blood work, and other tests, including pregnancy and STDs), Precinct 4 (the largest precinct in the country, with a population the size of New Jersey, where we will provide clinics and vitals testing regularly in the coming year), The Rose, and Hope Clinic.

Performance measures are expected to double in 2026.

A Run for a Cause: Autism Awareness in Motion

Priya Sudarsan- 9/11 events coordinator, San Diego

On Saturday, April 11, early in the morning, the NFAR Race for Autism brought together an ocean of people walking with joy, pride, and unity. Teams cheered for one another, strangers became supporters, and all of Balboa Park, in the heart of San Diego, moved like one big heartbeat for a cause that truly matters.

NFAR (National Foundation for Autism Research) is a nonprofit organization based in San Diego that fundraises to support autistic individuals and families through education, outreach, and specialized programs tailored to their needs.

The Sewa San Diego Chapter partnered with NFAR to bring autism awareness closer to home. Fifteen Sewa volunteers joined the walk/5K race to show solidarity and support. Our runners and volunteers ranged in age from 10 to 60, and each contributed “yatkinchit”—whatever they could. Together, we raised $300 to help NFAR extend support to more families.

Several Sewa volunteers stayed back after the run to help with teardown and cleanup, joining hands with local community members. For us, it was not only important to participate in the run/walk, but also critical to support the organizers afterward. As Sewa volunteers, we believe that serving means rolling up our sleeves, jumping in, and getting our hands dirty.

This was truly a multifaceted event organized as part of #9/11SewaDayOfService—where we raised funds for the community, ran for health, and volunteered time to clean up after the event. What a fulfilling Saturday morning it was!

Sewa’s Voice in Thought Leadership: Bridging Service and Policy

Kusuma Buddhiraju- Policy Research Team, USA

Over the last 12 months, alongside some stellar individuals, I helped shape a new dimension of Sewa’s impact through its Policy Research initiative. Sewa has served communities for decades, but this effort is about ensuring that service also informs systems, policy, and public thinking. Through this work, we are helping bring Sewa’s grassroots wisdom into conversations with policymakers, nonprofits, think tanks, and other institutions that shape long- term change.

In the past year, we ran six Policy Cafés, wrote numerous blogs and a sectoral report, engaged diverse stakeholders across industry, academia, and local governments, and created thoughtful, solution-oriented conversations around public challenges. For me, this was not just about organizing events     or producing content. It was about helping Sewa grow into a credible convener in the policy space—one that can connect lived experience, volunteer service, and evidence-based ideas.

That has been deeply meaningful to me. I have seen how Sewa’s work, when articulated thoughtfully, commands respect well beyond the volunteer world. It has the power to influence how people think about education, hunger, disaster response, healthcare, dignity, and community resilience. This endeavor changed my life because it expanded my understanding of seva itself. Service is not always about responding to a need; it is also about shaping the conversations and institutions that determine whether those needs are met with dignity at scale.

To me, this is the next chapter of Sewa’s impact—to go beyond serving communities and help shape the ideas that serve them better.

Steps That Build Community: DC 5K Walk & Talk

Kannan Sundaramoorthy- Chapter Coordinator, Washington DC

Sewa DC Morning 5K Walk and Talk is a new initiative from the DC chapter. It was started late last year as a weekly event to promote health among volunteers and also to build participation for the Sewa DC Annual 5K Run. It also serves as an outreach program to introduce Sewa to new people.

The walk is organized and led by Om More, a former LEAD student. It continues rain or shine—indoors at a mall during the winter months and outdoors for the rest of the year. A WhatsApp group created for the event now has more than 50 members, with at least 10 to 15 participants joining every week.

From Idea to Impact: Engaging Seniors in Chicago

Nags Rajaram- Chapter Coordinator, Chicago

Chicago implemented a new initiative using a township grant to support seniors in the community. We have been running these Milans each month since January, featuring a combination of fun and educational activities. We kicked off in January with roughly 30 seniors, in the presence of the local State Representative, and used the opportunity to understand their preferences.

In February, we organized a seminar on Five Wishes and financial awareness, along with engaging the seniors in group singing. We used the March edition to focus on yoga and breathing exercises. Upcoming events include seed planting and mental health awareness presentations.

Overall, it has been a fulfilling experience, as reflected in the seniors’ feedback and their continued participation.

Where It All Began: A Chance Meeting, A Lasting Impact

Shweta Chakradeo- Chapter Coordinator,Pittsburgh

This is a story of how our Pittsburgh chapter started. It began in the midst of COVID, with 2 karyakartas who had never seen or met each other. They met at a gas station and started a chapter with a coat drive, using a manually made flyer. They collected
350+ coats and began a fantastic journey.

Building Leaders, Building Culture: The LEAD Journey

Neha Sehgal- Manager-Youth Engagement, LEAD Program, Delhi

The past year with the LEAD program has been deeply transformative both for the program and for me personally. As part of the national team, I had the opportunity to contribute to restructuring the LEAD program within an already established system to make it more impactful and meaningful.

This journey was not easy. Introducing change required constant dialogue, negotiation, and alignment across multiple chapters. Over the last six months, we have implemented the LEAD program in a completely new way. As a team, we focused on streamlining processes to ensure consistency across chapters while also enhancing the overall leadership and development experience for over 1,800 LEAD participants. A key milestone was transforming the program into a structured, four- year progressive journey with clearly defined year-wise engagement plans.

Unique LEAD Initiative (This Year)

Through the “Pathways to Serve Leadership” program under the new LEAD structure, our national team—supported by course instructors, LEAD coordinators, and a team of student admins (12th graders)—worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. Weekend classes over the past three months have reached over 650+ participants in Level 1, 250+ in Level 2, and 150+ in Level 3 across 27+ chapters. Additionally, 215+ parents have been engaged as mentors, strengthening the ecosystem of learning and support.

When parents become mentors, leadership development stops being a program and starts becoming a culture. It reaches homes, dinner tables, and the quiet conversations that shape who young people become. This is the change we set out to create.

I learned through this that what we built will continue to grow across chapters and impact many more youth lives, but what stays with me most is who I became in the process—more patient in uncertainty, more collaborative in approach, and more grounded in the true meaning of leadership through service.

Powering Volunteer Engagement Through Build

Shubham Sahu- Team Assistant, 9/11, Nagpur

In 17 Sewa USA chapters, using Build exclusively as a Volunteer Management System (VMS) for the 9/11 Sewa Day of Service has created a strong and measurable impact on volunteer management, data tracking, and program expansion. One of the most significant outcomes has been the ability to systematically capture volunteer data such as registrations, participation, and hours contributed, making it easier to measure impact and generate structured reports for future planning.

Beyond the 9/11 event, the VMS has strengthened the overall functioning of the Sewa Serve Program. It is now actively used for posting events, coordinating activities, and enabling smooth communication between program leads and volunteers. This centralized approach has reduced dependency on multiple tools and brought greater clarity and efficiency to operations.

The success of Build has also encouraged chapters like Houston, Atlanta, and Central Jersey to adopt the platform for promotion, registration, and volunteer impact tracking across other programs as well. With all information in one place, these chapters can easily monitor participation trends, improve outreach strategies, and ensure consistency in execution across locations.

Importantly, the usage of VMS is no longer limited to the 9/11 Sewa Day of Service or the Serve Program alone. Chapters have started adopting it for other initiatives as well, recognizing its effectiveness in managing volunteers and organizing events. This wider adoption highlights its scalability and reliability as a unified system for multiple programs.

Overall, Build has enhanced efficiency, improved data-driven decision-making, and created a strong foundation for scaling programs. Its expanding use across chapters and initiatives demonstrates its value as a long-term solution for streamlined volunteer management and impactful community engagement.

Zoho Transformation: Turning Challenges into Foundational Change

Yogesh Dhere- Project Manager, IT Team, Pune

Working on the Zoho Transformation project has been phenomenal. The challenges that came along the way, and how they ultimately paved the foundation for a meaningful shift in our relationship with Zoho Corporation, have been truly encouraging and heartwarming.