Chesterfield, NJ - September 21, 2026: Sewa International organized over 14 commemorations and 50 service events across the country to mark the 25th Anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack on America that killed over 3000 people in 2001. Attendees and Sewa volunteers paid homage to the attack victims and honored police officers, firefighters, and other brave people who sacrificed their lives trying to save people during the attack.

Sewa brought together public officials, military personnel, veterans, first responders, Scouts, JROTC cadets, students, families, and community and faith leaders in these events. Paying tribute to victims and first responders, speakers recalled the resilience and strength shown by Americans after the tragedy.

"The sacrifices made by Americans and our partners in the years after 9/11 speak of bravery and the relentless freedom that can't be chained," said Colonel Kevin E. White, Commander, 514th Airlift Wing, and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, who delivered the keynote speech at the event on September 11 in Chesterfield Township, New Jersey.

We Never Forget

Held at the 9/11 memorial that Sewa South Jersey Chapter helped establish with the township in 2024, the event brought together over 250 attendees. Guest Speaker at the event, Bryan A. Branson, Honorary Commander Emeritus, JBMDL & President of the Armed Forces Heritage Museum, shared his personal story and reflections on the tragedy's lasting impact. "We come together in a spirit of remembrance and unity, reflecting on the resilience and strength that arose from tragedy to pay homage to the victims, first responders, and all who were affected, ensuring we never forget, " he said.

State Senator Latham Tiver said, "We must embody the values of care and pride daily, ensuring that the lessons learned from 9/11 are not just about remembrance, but about taking action for a kinder, more united future."

Colonel Kevin E. White [left], Bryan A. Branson [top right], and State Senator Latham Tiver [bottom right] spoke at the 9/11 remembrance ceremony in Chesterfield, NJ

The program included a flag-raising, Color Guard presentation, Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem, prayer, and a moment of silence. Sewa LEAD (Leadership, Education, and Development) youth also presented roses and handmade cards to first responders and veterans.

Local officials, first responders, and community members gathered in Houston, TX, for a memorial ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001

Sewa Houston organized a 9/11 Day of Commemoration and Remembrance at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Houston on September 11. The program honored those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and featured remarks from local officials, first responders, and community leaders on service, unity, and resilience.

In California, the Sewa International Bay Area Chapter held a 9/11 Commemoration and Day of Service at the Milpitas Tech Center. Sewa honored veterans, first responders, city officials, and community partners. The program included a Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem performed by LEAD youth, a moment of silence, and a meditation (mindfulness) session.

Sewa volunteers commemorated 9/11 and honored veterans and first responders in Milpitas, CA

Sewa-organized 9/11 service events included burrito and sandwich drives, yoga sessions, highway and park cleanup, mental health workshops, tree planting, beach cleanup, walk & runs, electronic recycling, meal preparation and packing, back to school night, food distribution, and senior events.

About Sewa International

Sewa International (www.sewausa.org) is a 501 (c) (3) Hindu faith-based charitable nonprofit that works in the areas of disaster recovery, education, and development. Sewa has 46 Chapters across the USA and serves regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin.

Sugar Land, TX (September 15, 2026): Sewa International USA held its 6th National Youth Convention (NYC 2026) virtually on August 30, with about 587 participants and several hundred more joining via social media from across the United States and around the world. This year, Sewa LEAD (Leadership, Education, and Development) engaged more than 1,700 participants across 27 chapters, who contributed more than 70,000 service hours.

Srikanth Gundavarapu, President of Sewa International USA [first right], lit the traditional lamp to open the convention.
Prem Kumar Pusuloori, Vice President, Programs, [at his left]; and Ritesh Maheshwari, Central Jersey Chapter Coordinator [left] were present.

NYC 2026 gave youth a platform to share their experiences, celebrate their achievements, and discuss their role in shaping America’s future. The convention celebrated Sewa youth leadership and service through Sewa LEAD, which helps high school students develop leadership skills and serve their communities. The convention brought participants together under the theme “250 Years of America’s Independence: Honoring the Past, Leading the Future.”

Srikanth Gundavarapu, President of Sewa International USA [top left], addressed youth leaders who joined the 6th National Youth Convention virtually from across the country.

Srikanth Gundavarapu, President of Sewa International, welcomed the delegates and said, “Sewa is about selfless service. Our strength comes from unity, compassion, and leadership. I appreciate the dedication of our youth and encourage you to continue serving your communities with purpose and commitment."

Congressman Suhas Subramanyam [left] delivered the opening address; Aakash Selvaraj, Founder and CEO of Sastrah.ai [bottom right], presented the keynote address; and Sarika Gehani, Director, Sewa Board [top right], offered the closing remarks.

Actively Participate to Shape Future

In his opening address, Congressman Suhas Subramanyam, U.S. Representative for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, emphasized civic engagement, youth leadership, and community service. Drawing from his own public service journey, he said, “Young leaders have a responsibility to society. Use your voice, embrace opportunities, and actively help shape the future. Lead with purpose and integrity.”

The LEAD Alumni Plenary featured former participants sharing how Sewa LEAD shaped their leadership and personal, academic, and professional growth. Their stories highlighted the lasting value of service and community involvement and encouraged current students to make service a lifelong commitment.

Pursue Your Purpose

Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker, Aakash Selvaraj, Founder and CEO of Sastrah.ai, said, “Identify real-world challenges, develop innovative solutions, build strong teams, and pursue your purpose with perseverance. Innovation can help address critical challenges and improve lives.” The delegates of NYC 2026 passed a resolution titled “Youth Commitment to Shaping the Future of America.” The resolution passed with 99 percent of the vote, reflecting Sewa youth’s commitment to liberty, equality, inclusion, democracy, community service, civic engagement, and shaping America’s future. Youth from all four Sewa regions also showcased community service activities from chapters nationwide.

The third session featured 10 Leadership Lab sessions on issues and opportunities relevant to today’s youth. Distinguished panelists led these discussions, sharing practical insights and real-world perspectives on the challenges facing young leaders.

Pursue American & Indian Values

Special Guest and Closing Speaker, Sarika Gehani, Sewa Board Director, said, “Embrace both Indian and American values, bring your authentic self to leadership, and carry the spirit of Sewa beyond events through everyday acts of kindness, compassion, and responsibility.”

A highlight of this year’s convention was the participation of international youth delegates as observers, with Sewa Nigeria youth in attendance.

About Sewa International

Sewa International (www.sewausa.org) is a 501 (c) (3) Hindu faith-based charitable nonprofit that works in the areas of disaster recovery, education, and development. Sewa has 46 Chapters across the USA and serves regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin.

Sugar Land, TX (August 29, 2026): Sewa International USA has released $100,000 for Nepal Flood Relief, while volunteers work on the ground to rescue stranded people and provide emergency assistance. Sewa International Nepal volunteers are supporting relief efforts in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading.

Sewa Volunteers handling supplies for distribution to the needy in Nepal

“Sewa has started a fundraiser, ‘Nepal Flash Flood Relief,’ and raised over $55,000 in the last 24 hours,” said Srikanth Gundavarapu, President of Sewa International USA. “Flash floods have devastated parts of Nepal, killing hundreds and sweeping away many devotees gathered for the Kailash Yatra. It is heart-wrenching to see the suffering and grief of people.”

Sewa is appealing to support the fundraiser and is establishing a dedicated helpdesk to collect and share information about Americans reported missing or stranded in Nepal and coordinate with concerned families and community members https://sewausa.org/NepalRescue

Sewa volunteers distributed emergency relief supplies to communities affected by devastating floods in Nepal

Devastating Floods

On August 26, catastrophic flash floods struck northern Nepal following a glacier collapse, avalanche, and landslide. At the time of writing this article, the death toll has risen to 626, with at least 2,478 people missing, including 777 foreign nationals. An estimated 93,000 people have been severely affected, and more than 3,700 have been rescued.

Floodwaters carried mud, rocks, and debris through Himalayan river valleys, destroying homes, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities, water systems, and communication networks and making rescue and relief efforts challenging. A few of our Sewa International USA volunteers who were at the Nepal-Tibet border at the time of this tragedy are still missing.

“Sewa Nepal volunteers are actively supporting the ground response by transporting relief materials to affected communities and assisting with local distribution and relief coordination,” Gundavarapu said. “Sewa stands with the people of Nepal and is committed to continuing relief work and taking up recovery and rebuilding efforts.”

Lost Homes, Stranded People

“Sewa’s immediate priority is to help families who have lost their homes, are stranded, and face hunger, cold, and health emergencies,” said Vinayak Astekar, Sewa’s Associate Director for Disaster Response. “We are working with Sewa International Bharat (India), sister organizations, and community partners to mobilize essential supplies, daily necessities, and volunteers.”

Within 48 hours, Sewa mobilized shelter, protective, food, medical, and rescue-support supplies, including 300 heavy-duty 12-by-15-foot tarpaulins, foam mattresses, raincoats, ponchos, floating foam, water bottles, ration kits, cookies, and volunteer jackets. Medical supplies include paracetamol and approximately 5,000 packets of oral rehydration solution.

Partnering with Community

Sewa is collaborating with the San Antonio Nepali Association (SANA), Nepali community partners in North Carolina, Aum Ashram San Antonio, Hindus of Greater Houston and its broader network. Sewa has formed a missing-person tracking group, with about 75 people registered to locate loved ones. The group plans to publish daily updates.

Sewa is coordinating with teams on the ground to assess evolving needs and mobilize additional supplies and resources for emergency relief, recovery, and rebuilding.

Donors can support Sewa’s Nepal Flash Flood Relief efforts at:
https://sewausa.org/NepalFlashFloodRelief

About Sewa International

Sewa International (www.sewausa.org) is a 501 (c) (3) Hindu faith-based charitable nonprofit that works in the areas of disaster recovery, education, and development. Sewa has 46 Chapters across the USA and serves regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin.

Atlanta, GA — July 27, 2026 Sewa International recently concluded its four-week Sewa AmeriCorps Summer Camp 2026, providing K–8 students with an engaging summer learning experience. The camp combined STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, financial literacy, leadership development, civic engagement, and service-learning, attracting about 68 students. Through hands-on activities, guest speakers, outdoor learning, and collaborative projects, the camp helped prevent summer learning loss while strengthening critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, and social-emotional skills.

Sewa International's Atlanta Chapter organized a four-week Sewa AmeriCorps Summer Camp, providing K–8 students with an engaging STEM learning experience in Atlanta, GA

The camp offered a curriculum designed to prepare students for success both inside and outside the classroom. Weekly themes included STEM exploration, civic responsibility, financial literacy, and leadership, giving campers practical opportunities to solve problems, build confidence, and develop a lifelong commitment to community service.

"Our goal was to create an environment where children could continue learning, build confidence, and develop a spirit of service during the summer. Watching our campers grow academically, socially, and personally over four weeks was incredibly rewarding. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and compassion reflected the true purpose of the program," said Varsha Chauhan, Program Director of Sewa International AmeriCorps, Atlanta.

The closing ceremony featured student presentations, including STEM demonstrations, science experiments, community-themed skits, and engineering projects such as a solar-powered car, a mechanical hand, and Newton's Pendulum. Campers also demonstrated the yoga practice they developed throughout the program. Sewa recognized the contributions of its LEAD (Leadership, Education, and Development) high school volunteers, AmeriCorps members, teachers, and community partners, including Georgia Serves, local parks and recreation departments, Happy Helpings, MealsPro, and other organizations whose support helped make the camp possible.

For more information about Sewa International and its education and community service programs, visit www.sewausa.org or contact media@sewausa.org

About Sewa International

Sewa International (www.sewausa.org) is a 501 (c) (3) Hindu faith-based charitable nonprofit that works in the areas of disaster recovery, education, and development. Sewa has 43 Chapters across the USA and serves regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin.

HOUSTON, TX — July 17, 2026 Sewa International supported operations during three FIFA World Cup matches at NRG Stadium in Houston on June 14, June 20, and July 4 in partnership with S.A.F.E. (Security, Athletic Facilities & Events) Management. More than 120 Sewa volunteers contributed 2,051 service hours, helping welcome thousands of fans while raising over $35,000 to strengthen Sewa's Family Services Program.

Sewa volunteers welcomed thousands of fans at FIFA World Cup matches at Houston's NRG Stadium, assisting with entry screening, ticket scanning, and directions

The volunteers served in key operational roles, including fan entry screening, ticket scanning, directional assistance, and line management. Despite Houston's summer heat and occasional rain, they completed long shifts with dedication and teamwork. Sewa recognized their efforts during a Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast on July 12, where volunteers received commemorative FIFA volunteer T-shirts and celebrated the impact of their service.

Sewa recognized volunteers at a Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast, where they received
commemorative FIFA volunteer T-shirts and celebrated their service

The funds raised will support Sewa's Family Services Program, which assists individuals and families facing difficult circumstances, including the loss of a loved one, medical emergencies, family crises, immigration-related challenges, and senior citizen support. The contribution will help expand the program's reach and provide timely assistance to more community members in need.

"Our volunteers served with dedication, enthusiasm, and compassion throughout this unique opportunity. Working 8 to 10 hours outdoors during the Houston summer required commitment and resilience. We sincerely thank every volunteer for their selfless service and are grateful to S.A.F.E. Management for partnering with us to create this meaningful opportunity that will directly benefit families in need," said Srikanth Gundavarapu, President of Sewa International USA.

"We appreciate Sewa International and its team and the support and energy they brought to the World Cup in Houston," said Becca Holtgreive, Managing Director of S.A.F.E. Management. "We hope we have the opportunity to work together again."

Volunteer Vishal Khurana praised the event's organizers and said serving fans from around the world made the experience especially rewarding. Volunteer Preanka Arti, one of only 10 Sewa volunteers who served during all three matches, described the experience as physically demanding but deeply fulfilling, saying she was proud to represent her community while welcoming thousands of international fans.

For more information about Sewa International and its programs, visit www.sewausa.org or contact media@sewausa.org

About Sewa International
Sewa International (www.sewausa.org) is a 501 (c) (3) Hindu faith-based charitable nonprofit that works in the areas of disaster recovery, education, and development. Sewa has 43 Chapters across the USA and serves regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin.

San Antonio, TX – May 18, 2026 Sewa International commissioned its first Disaster Response Vehicle (DRV) on May 2 at Aum Ashram in San Antonio, TX, during Sewa International’s 20th National Conference. The DRV is a purpose-built trailer equipped with emergency response equipment and designed to support rapid deployment during natural disasters and community emergencies.

Disaster Response Vehicle launched — City of San Antonio dignitaries, local chapter leadership, and Sewa national team

The DRV is painted with the Sewa banner and the organization’s guiding motto: “Service to Humanity is Service to Divinity”. It is armed with personal protective equipment (PPE), shovels and mucking tools, safety vests, helmets, thermal insulated jackets, solar-powered generators, and other critical tools used in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.

Sewa San Antonio chapter leadership, dressed in Sewa’s signature yellow safety vests and hard hats, led the formal unveiling ceremony. Members of Sewa’s national leadership team and board were also present to commemorate this important milestone.

With this launch, San Antonio becomes the first Sewa chapter in the nation to establish a dedicated Disaster Response Vehicle — creating a scalable model that can now be replicated by chapters in the Bay Area, Florida, Houston, and other regions across the country. The DRV is capable of being deployed anywhere in Texas within just a few hours, enabling faster and more effective disaster relief operations when communities need support the most.

A veteran Sewa volunteer enters the DRV (Disaster Response Vehicle) for a walkthrough

Greater Speed & Efficiency

Sewa’s experience responding to the devastating flash floods that struck the Texas Hill Country on July 4, 2025 sparked an organization-wide discussion on how Sewa could prepare and respond to disasters with greater speed and efficiency in the future. That vision culminated in the unveiling of Sewa’s first Disaster Response Vehicle (DRV).

In 2025, within hours of the flash floods, Sewa rapidly mobilized a coordinated, multi-city response effort. Sewa volunteers worked closely with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) to assess urgent needs and deliver critical aid to affected communities. More than 200 Sewa volunteers collectively contributed over 3,000 service hours in Texas Hill Country relief and recovery efforts.

Jose Menendez, Texas State Senator representing District 26 and a San Antonio resident, praised Sewa’s two decades of service to underserved communities at the DRV unveiling ceremony. John Lujan, Texas State Representative for District 118, and San Antonio Councilwoman Ivalis Meza Gonzalez were also present at the event. Congratulating Sewa on the initiative, Representative John Lujan remarked, “This is a fantastic initiative by Sewa toward strengthening disaster response capabilities in San Antonio and beyond. I encourage Sewa to continue working closely with local disaster response agencies to further enhance our collective emergency response efforts.”

Mobile Disaster Response Center

Vinayak Astekar, Associate Director – Disaster Recovery, Sewa International, said, “The first 72 hours after a disaster are critical, making advance preparedness essential for an effective volunteer response. This fully equipped, air-conditioned DRV will support volunteers by storing and dispensing essential gear while also serving as a mobile Sewa DR Control Center. While we hope it is never needed, staying prepared is vital.”

Founded in 2003, Sewa International has grown into an organization with 46 chapters across the US with over 5,000 volunteers. In 2025, Sewa conducted 1,217 events and 800 outreaches. Sewa’s key programs include Disaster Recovery, Family Services, and LEAD, its flagship internship program for high school students, which has about 1,753 participants nationwide. Sewa’s other major programs include the SHE initiative, which reached over 5,000 beneficiaries in 2025, and the Sponsor a Child (SAC) project, which supported more than 3,800 students in India and 1,000 in Sri Lanka.

About Sewa International
Sewa International (www.sewausa.org) is a 501 (c) (3) Hindu faith-based charitable nonprofit that works in the areas of disaster recovery, education, and development. Sewa has 43 Chapters across the USA and serves regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin.

John Lujan, State Representative, addressing the gathering during the DRV launch

View showing the items stored inside the DRV

San Antonio, TX, – May 07, 2026 Delivering the keynote address at Sewa International’s 20th national conference on “Strategic Horizons & Operational Excellence”, Prof. Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor of Nalanda University and a distinguished economist and policy thinker, noted, “Sewa International is bringing forward the power of consolidation and collective strength by harnessing organizational strength to drive meaningful social transformation”.

Members of Sewa International’s Board of Directors, Advisory Board, executive team, chapter presidents, coordinators, and
other functionaries convened at Sewa’s 20th National Conference at Om Ashram, in San Antonio, Texas

“The way we look at humanity must change, and we must move toward a collective, cosmic perspective, where the unit of concern is not just the individual but the entire ecosystem. This aligns with Indian principles of law, work, and prosperity, and acknowledges the limits of purely human-centered development,” Dr. Chaturvedi added. He strongly advocated that we must reimagine institutions for humanity based on lessons from Nalanda, a celebrated seat of learning from ancient India. He also pointed out that the Washington Consensus, a set of economic policies aimed at developing countries, leads to the exploitation of nature.

Dr. Chaturvedi drew a parallel, noting that Sewa International is a grassroots, volunteer-driven organization reflecting Nalanda’s age-old community-embedded model. At the 20th National Conference held in San Antonio on May 2–3, 2026, over 170 volunteers from 25 chapters attended. Participants included Sewa’s board of directors, advisory board members, executive team, chapter presidents, coordinators, and other functionaries.

Jose Menendez, State Senator representing Texas Senate District 26 and a San Antonio resident, appreciated Sewa’s 20-year journey serving the underserved. John Lujan, State Representative from District 118 and a football coach, and Ivalis Meza Gonzalez, a councilwoman from San Antonio, attended the conference.

From left to right, sitting: Dr. Hetal Nayak, an Anesthesiologist; Saumitra Gokhale, a Sewa advisor; Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi,
Vice Chancellor of Nalanda University; Suresh Jain, the chairman of Sewa’s Board; & Srikanth Gundavarapu,
Sewa USA’s President at Sewa’s 20th National Conference at Om Ashram, in San Antonio, Texas

In his welcome address, Suresh Jain, Sewa Board Chairman, said the national convention provides an opportunity for volunteers to learn from each other and get inspired.

Sewa International USA President, Srikanth Gundavarapu, released the annual report, describing it as a reflection of “compassion in action” and a mirror of Sewa’s impact. He also announced key new leadership positions to strengthen focus areas, including community engagement and promotion, IT, youth engagement, grants, and thought leadership and policy.

In his concluding remarks, Saumitra Gokhale, Sewa advisor, said, Sewa’s vision is to create a harmonious world where humanity experiences oneness through service.

Sewa honored Ramesh Bhutada, member, Board of Directors, and Ramesh Shah, a well-known community leader from Houston, with the Sewa Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their service and commitment to the community over the past six decades.

Founded in 2003, Sewa International has grown into an organization with 46 chapters across the US with over 5,000 volunteers. In 2025, Sewa conducted 1,217 events and 800 outreaches. Sewa’s key programs include Disaster Recovery, Family Services, and LEAD, its flagship internship program for high school students, which has about 1,753 participants nationwide. Sewa’s other major programs include the SHE initiative, which reached over 5,000 beneficiaries in 2025, and the Sponsor a Child (SAC) project, which supported more than 3,800 students in India and 1,000 in Sri Lanka.

About Sewa International
Sewa International (www.sewausa.org) is a 501 (c) (3) Hindu faith-based charitable nonprofit that works in the areas of disaster recovery, education, and development. Sewa has 43 Chapters across the USA and serves regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin.

ASPIRE-Lowell A Unique Experiment and a Generous Gift for Promoting Hands-on STEM Learning in Lowell Public Schools

Lowell, MA, April 22, 2026 - As educators across the United States rethink how students learn beyond the classroom, a new after-school initiative in Lowell is building a model that combines academic rigor with hands-on exploration, mentorship, and access.

Sewa’s after-school initiative in Lowell, MA, ASPIRE

Sewa International USA, a Hindu faith-based charitable organization, in partnership with Project Learn and Lowell Public Schools, has launched the ASPIRE STEM Enrichment Program across middle and high school sites in Lowell. What began as a three-month planning initiative has evolved into a live program serving 67 students as of March 2026, with participation continuing to grow steadily.

In its first sessions, the program enrolled 25 middle school students and 11 high school students. Within weeks, participation rose to 38 middle school students and 29 high school students, driven by peer referrals and sustained engagement.

At its core, ASPIRE addresses a persistent gap in public education: access to consistent, hands-on STEM learning environments beyond standard classroom instruction. In a city like Lowell, where many students are first-generation and multilingual, such access can shape long-term academic pathways.

Learning by Doing

ASPIRE operates twice weekly across school sites, with sessions centered on applied learning. Developed in collaboration with Project Learn, the curriculum integrates engineering challenges, scientific experiments, and collaborative problem-solving.

Students design marshmallow tower structures to understand load distribution, explore material behavior through marble float challenges, and observe scientific processes through guided experiments such as carbon cycle demonstrations.

“ASPIRE has been really unpredictable,” said Phillip Keo, a Lowell High School student. “When I joined, I expected it to be all schoolwork. But we get to have fun while learning.”

“It is a great mix of hands-on learning and critical thinking,” said Kate Keefe, Community Schools Manager at Lowell High School. “We’ve seen the program grow week by week because students are telling their friends to join.”

“ASPIRE allows students to expand on what they are already learning and apply it in real-world situations,” added Mareena Sullivan, STEM Academy teacher.

Reducing Barriers to Participation

The ASPIRE–Lowell model is designed to address structural barriers that often limit participation in after-school programs. Transportation support and incentive-based participation help ensure consistent attendance.

“The ASPIRE program has been a huge hit,” said Chris Hickey, Community School Manager at STEM Academy. “Students are excited to attend each week, and families appreciate the support systems built into the program.”

A Funded Vision Led by Community and Philanthropy

This initiative is generously funded by a generous yet anonymous donor, whose commitment to educational equity and youth empowerment has made the Lowell ASPIRE initiative possible.

His vision for strengthening academic opportunity and fostering future-ready skills for underserved youth aligns closely with the goals of both Sewa International and Project Learn.

“Supporting programs that expand opportunity for underserved students is central to our mission at the Foundation,” said our generous yet anonymous donor. “We are proud to help Sewa International and Project LEARN build a strong, future-focused pathway for Lowell youth.”

The initiative has also been a long-standing priority for the Sewa Boston Chapter, led locally by Kumar Subramanian, Chapter Coordinator.

“Launching the ASPIRE program has been a long-standing goal of the Sewa Boston Chapter,” said Kumar Subramanian. “ASPIRE is more than an afterschool STEM program—it is a launchpad for middle and high school students to explore, build, and discover their potential to shape the future.”

Community partners have further strengthened the program’s ecosystem.

“Dharma Center of America has been serving the Lowell community with weekly nutritious food for over a decade,” said Dr. Suresh Jain, a member of the Sewa’s Board of Directors. President of the organization. “We have now extended our commitment to education by providing not only opportunities, but also incentives for them to succeed.”

Building the System Behind the Program

Behind the classroom experience is a structured operational model designed for consistency, compliance, and scalability.

The program has been architected and operationalized by Radhika Sathe, a Harvard-trained researcher working at the intersection of education, philosophy, and program design. Serving as Program Architect and Systems Lead, she led the transition from planning to execution across multiple stakeholders.

Her work included designing the program’s operational architecture across Sewa International, Project Learn, and Lowell Public Schools; establishing compliance frameworks aligned with district requirements; building audit-ready documentation systems; coordinating hiring and onboarding; and implementing tracking systems for attendance, evaluation, and financial processes.

“I was drawn to this work because it sits at the intersection of structure and impact,” said Sathe. “The goal was to build a model that is accountable, scalable, and responsive to student needs.”

A Collaborative Model with Long-Term Intent

Sewa International brings its ASPIRE framework, which has served over 3,400 students across multiple U.S. centers, focusing on STEM learning, mentorship, and holistic development. Project Learn contributes over three decades of experience working directly with Lowell Public Schools, ensuring strong local alignment and implementation.

Looking Ahead

With strong early participation and consistent growth, the program is moving toward its next phase. A larger public-facing event is planned for June 2026, bringing together students, families, educators, and community leaders.

The long-term objective is to develop a model that can be replicated across districts, supported by clear operational systems and measurable outcomes.

For now, its impact is visible in smaller ways: students returning each week, engaging deeply, and bringing others with them.

Media Contact:
Sewa International USA
info@sewausa.org | 708-USA-SEWA
www.sewausa.org

About Sewa International
Sewa International (www.sewausa.org) is a 501 (c) (3) Hindu faith-based charitable nonprofit that works in the areas of disaster recovery, education, and development. Sewa has 43 Chapters across the USA and serves regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin.

Cumming, GA - April 14, 2026 - The Atlanta Chapter of Sewa International USA hosted its 19th annual “Holi – Festival of Colors” at the Cumming Fairgrounds on March 7, 2026, bringing together thousands of attendees from across the community for a vibrant and joyful celebration.

The event created a festive atmosphere. People of all ages welcomed the arrival of spring with colors, music, dance performances, and a variety of flavorful foods. Families and friends enjoyed the traditions associated with Holi, a festival that symbolizes renewal, positivity, and togetherness.

Families and friends celebrated spring with traditions of togetherness and playful colors

Georgia State Representative Carter Barrett and Fulton County Commissioner Bridget Thorne attended the event, highlighting support from local leaders and the wider community. “Events like this bring people together and showcase the rich cultural diversity that makes our community so vibrant,” said Bridget Thorne. “It was wonderful to see families and friends celebrating together in such a joyful atmosphere.”

Carter Barrett added, “Sewa International continues to do tremendous work bringing communities together through service and cultural celebrations. Holi is a beautiful example of how traditions can unite people from all backgrounds.”

A vibrant Holi celebration brought people together with colors, music, and dance

“Sewa Holi is more than a festival of colors; it is a celebration of community, culture, and the spirit of service,” said Raj Radhakrishnan, President of Sewa Atlanta. “We are grateful to the thousands of attendees, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners who joined us in making this celebration a memorable experience.”

The Sewa Atlanta team recognized community participation that helped make the celebration memorable. The event was made possible through the dedication of numerous volunteers and the continued encouragement from local partners. The Forsyth County Commissioners' Office, the staff at the Cumming Fairgrounds, and the Cumming Police Department were thanked for their support in ensuring the event ran smoothly and safely.

Valuable support also came from sponsors such as Level Solutions Group, Assure Guru, Karma Injury Law, AI Technologies, Desi Brothers, and several other community partners.

With complimentary admission, free parking, and an emphasis on environmentally responsible practices, the celebration remained welcoming and accessible to the wider community. Through events like this, Sewa Atlanta continues to strengthen cultural connections while promoting the spirit of service and community engagement.

Email: pr-atlanta@sewausa.org

About Sewa International
Sewa International (www.sewausa.org) is a 501 (c) (3) Hindu faith-based charitable nonprofit that works in the areas of disaster recovery, education, and development. Sewa has 43 Chapters across the USA and serves regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin.

Sugar Land, TX — January 31, 2026 Sewa International launched a multi-chapter emergency relief effort to support vulnerable families and individuals affected by severe winter weather, as Winter Storm Fern brought extreme cold, ice, and power outages across large parts of the United States last week.

In the Greater Houston area, Sewa International volunteers delivered over 1,800 emergency blankets within 24 hours to more than 12 emergency management agencies and shelters across three counties. These shelters help unhoused individuals, seniors, and families to stay warm and safe during life-threatening conditions.

Houston Chapter provided 1800 blankets to help vulnerable residents stay warm during extreme winter conditions

In North Texas, the Sewa Dallas Chapter coordinated with local leadership to support winter preparedness efforts. Chapter leaders met with Irving City Council Members Dennis Webb and David Pfaff to assist city-led initiatives focused on protecting the homeless population during freezing temperatures. To date, Sewa DFW has delivered over 150 pounds of essential food items, 100 emergency blankets, and critical hygiene supplies to local shelters.

Srikanth Gundavarapu, President of Sewa International, said, “The January 2026 winter storm has caused widespread damage and dangerous conditions across the country. Sewa volunteers from Houston, Dallas, Austin, and other chapters have stepped up to serve those most at risk. This is service in action—driven by compassion and community. Sewa volunteers are providing blankets, food, and critical supplies to protect vulnerable communities during this historic winter storm”.

Sewa DFW delivers food, blankets, and essential supplies to support local shelters

In Central Texas, Sewa Austin volunteers collected and distributed approximately 300 blankets to three shelters serving the unhoused population, ahead of the storm’s arrival.

Sewa Austin volunteers mobilized early to deliver blankets to shelters serving the unhoused

“We sincerely thank our donors, supporters, and volunteers who made this rapid response possible,” said Swadesh Katoch, Vice President, Disaster Relief, Sewa International. “Sewa’s mission is to serve humanity in distress, and during disasters like this, timely support can save lives.”

With inclement-weather shelters expected to operate through early February, resources remain critically needed.

How to Help:
Donations to Sewa International’s Disaster Relief Fund help provide blankets, food, and emergency supplies to communities affected by disasters. Link: https://sewausa.org/donation

About Sewa International
Sewa International (www.sewausa.org) is a 501 (c) (3) Hindu faith-based charitable nonprofit that works in the areas of disaster recovery, education, and development. Sewa has 43 Chapters across the USA and serves regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin.