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

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

Picture courtesy: Organiser

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

Picture courtesy: The Economic Times

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

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

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

Houston, TX (August 5, 2024): Sewa International held its Fourth National Youth Convention on July 27 featuring a four-hour video conference with twelve sessions. The event saw participation from over 750 Leadership, Education, and Development (LEAD) students across 29 US chapters, garnering more than 1,500 Facebook views. LEAD, Sewa's youth engagement program for 9th to 12th graders, fosters leadership and organizational skills through community service, with participants completing at least 100 hours of service annually.

New Jersey core team member Pradeep Byram (first from left)
and guest speaker Anil Bansal (far right) with Sewa LEAD volunteers
at the Fourth National Youth Convention

The convention began with an inaugural speech by Anil Bansal, founder of Indus American Bank and a notable community leader. Bansal emphasized the importance of community service, setting the tone for the event. In the second session, keynote speaker Ami Ganatra, an accomplished author and business strategist, addressed the interconnectedness of humans and the environment, urging mindfulness in lifestyle choices and environmental conservation. She reminded them that protecting the environment is ultimately self-beneficial, as nature will always find a way to correct itself.

Keynote speaker Ami Ganatra addressed the participants at the
Fourth National Youth Convention

During the third session, nine-panel discussions focused on Environmental Stewardship and sustainability. Sandesh Shinde, a sustainability advocate, IT professional, and founder of Green Cell in Atlanta focused his talk on how cultural roots drive sustainable development. Attendees were encouraged to take simple actions like reducing electricity use and supporting eco-friendly initiatives. A social media campaign was proposed to promote sustainable habits.

Anchors Arushi (top left) and Ananya (top right) participated in a
session on Environmental Stewardship and sustainability led by Sandesh Shinde (below)

The fourth and final session showcased the 9/11 Sewa Day of Service Project, marking Sewa’s twentieth anniversary. This initiative, in collaboration with AmeriCorps and 9/11 organizations, involved over 3,100 volunteers, 2,200 trained individuals, and 7,600 service hours across 75 cities. The project focused on environmental initiatives and community engagement, with more than one hundred events. The session concluded with a resolution on "Environmental Protection – Everyone’s Responsibility," which was supported by 98 percent of the 500 LEAD delegates.

Advocate and author Suhag Shukla spoke about incorporating
dharma into our daily lives

Chief Guest, Suhag Shukla, co-founder and executive director of the Hindu American Foundation, reflected on the significant contributions of 1,500 volunteers who dedicated over 150,000 hours of sewa (selfless service). Shukla highlighted the positive impacts on volunteers, including fulfillment, physical and mental health benefits, and spiritual growth. She encouraged the continued practice of sewa beyond initial commitments, integrating it into daily life as part of one's dharma (duty). She introduced the DPS (Dharma, Punya, Sukham – duty, beneficence, happiness) framework, guiding participants to navigate life's challenges and pursue happiness while serving others.

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 (May 23, 2024): Sewa International honored some prominent donors at separate events in Los Angeles, CA, and Detroit, MI. Sewa felicitated Mrs. Uma Agarwal, Mr. Avadhesh Agarwal, Mrs. Sheela Paranjpe, and Mr. Suresh Paranjpe for their significant contributions to its large healthcare projects in India.

The Paranjpe family contributed over a million dollars toNavjat Shishu Drishti Suraksha Karyakram (New Born Child Vision Protection Program) in India. The Agarwal family donated over a million dollars to Swami Vivekananda Health Mission (SVHM) to build a hospital in Vrindavan, India during the Covid-19 pandemic. Philanthropists Bramara Arya and Krishna Reddy hosted the Los Angeles event on Sunday, May 19, at their residence. Mrs. Hema Rachmale and Mr. Avinash Rachmale hosted the Michigan event at their Bloomfield Hills residence.

Shyam Parande (Left to right) Mrs. Uma Agarwal, Mr. Avadhesh Agarwal and
Saumitra Gokhale in a felicitation event at Mr. Krishna Reddy's
residence in Southern California

Pivotal Role

Sewa International's Global Coordinator and a member of Sewa USA's Board of Advisors, Shyam Parande, appreciated the Agarwal family's generous contribution to building the hospital in Vrindavan. Another member of the Board of Advisors, Saumitra Gokhale, summarized Sewa's humanitarian work and emphasized the importance of philanthropy and Hindu contributions to the world. Sandeep Khadkekar, Vice President for Marketing, provided an overview of Sewa's work, highlighting the Agarwal family's pivotal role in building the hospital in Vrindavan.

Dignitaries such as Vinod Ambastha, the President of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Venkata Kalavakolanu, Coordinator of Sewa Los Angeles Chapter, and Amar Nadig, gathered to honor Avadesh Agarwal's contributions to humanity.

At the event in Michigan, Sewa felicitated the Paranjpe family. After receiving the honor,  the Paranjpe couple thanked Sewa International, Foot Soldiers for Health (FSFH), and Sushena Health Foundation for their efforts to make a positive impact. They also thanked the Sewa Detroit team for their hard work and encouraged the younger generation to continue their philanthropic work.

Mr. and Mrs. Paranjpe have made a significant impact in addressing eye health issues in India, mainly focusing on Retinopathy of Prematurity (RoP) and low vision. Their donation of one million dollars will improve access to essential eye care services, reduce preventable blindness, and enhance overall eye health outcomes for underserved communities.

Mr. Suresh Paranjpe and Mrs. Sheela Paranjpe (sitting) amidst Sewa volunteers in a
felicitation event at Avinash Rachmale's residence in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

Noble Cause

In a video message sent to the Detroit event, Sewa USA's President, Arun Kankani, said that with their generous donation and kind words, Mr. and Mrs. Paranjpe supported a noble cause and inspired others to follow in their footsteps, and that their appreciation and encouragement had strengthened the Sewa team and its partners, reinforcing its commitment to serve humanity with compassion and dedication.

Dignitaries, including Dr. Kamal Gupta, Dr. Vadari, Dr. Mali, Dr. Bhogaonkar, Jay Parajnpe, Ashutosh Kale, Sewa Detroit Chapter Coordinator, Anand Pappuri, Nithin Chouthai, and Santhosh Kumar assembled to honor the Paranjpe family's philanthropic work. Dr. Bharathi Kraleti and Dr. Santosh Kraleti provided an overview of the eye care project and its immense impact.

"Sewa" in Sanskrit means selfless service. In 2021, President Joe Biden recognized Sewa International's work during the pandemic. Sewa serves in many countries, supporting communities and people in need.

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.

Schaumburg, IL – May 14, 2024: Sewa International USA, the Hindu faith-based non-profit organization, held its 18th National Conference at IndiaHub in Schaumburg, IL, on May 4 and 5. The conference brought together over 140 volunteers, including Sewa's directors, advisory board members, executive team leaders, chapter presidents, coordinators, and other functionaries.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and the Consul General of India in Chicago, Somnath Ghosh, attended the event. Krishnamoorthi highlighted the significant contributions of the Indian American community, noting its representation in various fields, including Congress. Referring to the recent census findings, he said the Indian American community is the fastest-growing, best-educated, and most prosperous segment of America. He expressed his support for Sewa International and assured the gathering that he would be a part of all its endeavors.

Over 140 people, including national executives, volunteers, and supporters from various US chapters attended Sewa International’s 18th National Conference, at IndiaHub in Schaumburg, IL

Bhagavad Gita -- The Life Guide

Gauranga Das Prabhu, Director of Govardhan Eco Village in Maharashtra and popular spiritual and motivational speaker, and Jay Shetty, author, life coach, and advisor to global celebrities, participated in a "fireside chat" at the event. Gauranga Das said the Bhagavad Gita, the Hindu spiritual treatise, is the best guide to a fulfilling life and mental well-being. 

Reflecting on his spiritual journey, he commended Sewa for its active engagement in giving back to society. Gauranga Das, citing the Gita, said that charity is a duty without expectations. He emphasized the importance of performing duties according to time, place, and circumstance. Drawing a comparison between Lord Krishna's description of sewa (selfless service) and Sewa volunteers' work, he said that success lies in living for others. 

Jay Shetty said that absorption in any spiritual practice leads to intensity in action and sensitivity in dealings. He praised Sewa for embodying this principle, highlighting Sewa's intensity in action and commitment, and sensitivity in helping and reaching out to those in need. He commended Sewa for making selfless service the focus of human life, especially in a world distracted by various other pursuits.

   

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorty, motivational speaker Gauranga Das Prabhu, and author and life coach Jay Shetty (left to right) addressed the gathering

Indian Diaspora in 180 Countries

In his opening remarks, Sridhar Talanki, a member of Sewa's Board of Directors, emphasized the vision of a harmonious, happy world experiencing oneness through sewa, noting that Sewa International has set a benchmark for excellence through its service activities.

Shyam Parande, a member of the Board of Advisors, highlighted the presence of Indians in 180 countries, noting that despite centuries of oppression, Hindu heritage continues to flow like the river Ganga. 

Arun Kankani, President of Sewa International, released Sewa's annual report and announced the new team, including the board of directors, teams, and advisors. He also released a booklet highlighting the milestones of Sewa's 20-year journey since its founding in 2004. 

Venkat Santanaraman, Vice President, Finance, highlighted the remarkable 22% increase in revenues in 2023. Contributions from various sources supported this growth, including 67% from individuals, 14% from family funds, and 10% from matching donations.

Sandeep Khadkekar, Vice President of Marketing, and Swadesh Katoch, Vice President of Disaster Management, led sessions on marketing strategies and impactful initiatives, such as the Bhutanese Refugee Empowerment (BRE) and Sewa's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shrinarayan Chandak Honored

Sewa honored Shrinarayan Chandak, a member of Sewa's Advisory Board and leader of various dharmic causes. Chandak and his wife Asha have lived in the US for the past 55 years, contributing significantly to the Indian American community. Sewa's Advisory Board members Saumitra Gokhale and Shyam Parande commended Shrinarayan Chandak's dedication and organizational skills that had strengthened the community's fabric in the US.

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.

Press Release National Conference 2024

Atlanta, GA (March 2024): The Atlanta Chapter of Sewa International recently hosted its 17th annual Holi festival, the vibrant and colorful Hindu celebration of spring, love, and colors. The event, held at Cumming Fairgrounds on March 23, attracted an impressive turnout of nearly 18,000 people from the Atlanta Metropolitan Area and beyond, making it one of the largest Holi celebrations in the United States.

The Atlanta Holi celebration featured a variety of cultural performances, including traditional and Bollywood dances and live music. Attendees also enjoyed a wide array of traditional Indian vegetarian street food.

Congressman Dr. Rich McCormick, Consul General of India in Atlanta Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, Georgia State Representative Todd Jones, and Forsyth County Commissioner Alfred John graced the occasion with their presence. Sen. Jon Osoff sent specially recorded greetings for the event attendees. Atlanta’s own business leaders -- Subhash Patel of Natson Hotels Group and Samir Bhatia, CEO of Smartcare Urgent Care -- conveyed their Holi wishes to the community.

"We are thrilled to have hosted such a successful and joyous Holi celebration," said Dr. Madhav Durbha, President of Sewa International Atlanta. "Holi is a time for spreading happiness and building community spirit, and we are delighted to see so many people come together to celebrate this colorful festival with us."

The event drew the interest of various corporations. Employees of Starbucks were there to serve free coffee to Sewa volunteers early in the morning. Tesla Motors brought some of their cars to display and also to allow attendees to test drive.

Dignitaries with the Sewa Team members

Sewa Atlanta’s tradition of celebrating Holi started in 2006 in Alpharetta’s Wills Park. At the time there were other Holi celebrations around the city, but none in the proximity of Alpharetta which was starting to become the center of gravity for the Indian diaspora. Bringing the festival closer to where the people lived began to attract attention. Several volunteers who were at the 2006 event continue to serve as part of Sewa. Over the years Holi started attracting non-Indians as well turning it into a universal celebration regardless of race, religion, or ethnic backgrounds. Besides being a fun experience, a key motivation behind the event is to build awareness of the community impact activities Sewa is undertaking in Atlanta.

A core team of volunteers worked tirelessly for nearly three months leading to the event. About 250 volunteers were present at the event to tend to the needs of the attendees. The Holi celebration would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors, volunteers, and attendees. The Cumming Police Department provided security and DJ Shaan rocked the campground with music to which the performers and attendees danced while showering each other in colors. The staff of Cumming Fairgrounds ensured that the event was effectively managed.

Tesla Motors joined the fun -- all colored up!

Natson Hotels Group and Paramount Software Solutions served as signature sponsors. Sanatan Mandir and Shakti Mandir sponsored the food for thousands of attendees. Amruth Ayurveda, AssureGuru, CGIngredients, Cherians, Chugh, E-Ring, Inc., Garuda Vega, Georgia Banking Company, Gupta Real Estate, Indiaco, PNC Bank, Premium Realty Group LLC, Pyramid Consulting, Royal Basmati Rice, Twinkle Pediatrics LLC were the additional sponsors.

In the true spirit of the Hindu adage that “the whole world is one family,” Sewa International Atlanta organizes various charitable initiatives, including food drives, primary education initiatives, and free healthcare clinics in collaboration with Georgia Association of Physicians of Indian Heritage (GAPI) to support local communities in need.

Sewa International has also adapted several sustainability principles in minimizing waste associated with the event. Greencell Atlanta partnered with Sewa on this front. The City of Cumming provided recycling bags and containers.

Sharing some love and gratitude with our Police Officers

Starbucks staff greeted our volunteers with coffee early in the morning

About Sewa International
Sewa International is a Hindu faith-based, humanitarian, nonprofit service organization registered under Internal Revenue Code 501 (c) (3). Founded in 2003, Sewa International is part of a larger movement that started in India in 1989 and is active in twenty countries. Sewa serves humanity irrespective of race, color, religion, gender or nationality. Sewa specializes in disaster relief and rehabilitation. Our development programs focus on family services; child, tribal and refugee welfare; women empowerment; health; and education. For more information about Sewa International, please visit www.sewausa.org

Houston, TX (December 27, 2023): Prof. Ved Prakash Nanda, the founding member of Sewa International USA, a distinguished legal scholar and teacher, and a leading voice of the Hindu community in America, passed away after a brief illness on Monday, January 1, at a hospital in his hometown, Denver, CO.

Deeply loved by his students, friends, and thousands of volunteers from the organizations he was associated with, Dr. Nanda contributed richly to many fields. He taught International Law at the Strum School of Law, University of Denver, CO, until his last days.

He leaves behind his daughter, son-in-law, two grandchildren, and many friends.

Legacy of Scholarship

Prof. Nanda commanded great respect from a broad section of society globally. One of his students, Doug Scrivner, donated $1 million to the University of Denver to establish the Ved Nanda Center for International & Comparative Law, which was established in 2006. Dr. Nanda authored over 24 books, was a columnist for TheDenver Post, and contributed immensely to improving US-India relations. 

Dr. Nanda received the Padma Bhushan, one of the highest civilian awards by the Government of India, in 2018. The American Bar Association International Law Section conferred on him the Louis B. Sohn Award, for “distinguished, longstanding contributions to the field of public international law.”

One of the early Indian emigres, Dr. Nanda arrived as a student of law and earned his LLM at Northwestern University in 1962. Born in 1934 in Gujranwala in the Punjab province of then undivided India he migrated to Jammu with his mother during India's partition, when he was 13 years old. Prof. Nanda studied economics and law at the University of Punjab and Delhi. After completing his LLM degree at Northwestern University in Chicago and a graduate fellowship at Yale Law School, Prof. Nanda joined the University of Denver.

Ved Nanda was immersed in the ideals of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) – creating disciplined and committed citizens to build a strong India. He was President of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) USA, Chairman of the Hindu University of America, and the past president of the World Jurist Association. Prof. Nanda held leadership positions in the American Society of International Law, the American Law Institute, and the American Bar Association's Human Rights Center. He also served as a US delegate to the World Federation of the United Nations Associations in Geneva and on the governing council of the United Nations Association of the United States.

Prof. Nanda receiving the Padma Bhushan from
India’s President Ramanatha Kovind in 2018

Karmayogi – Working Selflessly

Prof. Nanda in the backdrop of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains

Paying tribute to Prof. Ved Nanda, Sewa International's President Arun Kankani said, "Dr. Nanda inspired me personally and countless volunteers worldwide. I worked very closely with him for many years. His youthfulness, humor, work ethic, and gentle and caring nature guided me. His achievement in various fields seems impossible to accomplish for anyone in a single lifetime. We humbly bow to this giant of a personality and inspiring karmayogi of our times. Following his path of service is the true homage to such a man of wisdom, courage, and dedication".

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.

Sewa International launched a fundraiser campaign in the US to help people affected by the recent terrorist attacks in Israel.

Houston, October 18, 2023 — Sewa International expresses deep concern for the people affected by the recent terrorist attacks in Israel. Our philosophy, grounded in the age-old Hindu traditions, promotes the well-being of all and the sanctity of life.

We stand in solidarity with the innocent victims of these attacks and offer our thoughts and prayers to grieving families. As a volunteer-led non-profit with experience serving in almost 40 disasters worldwide, Sewa understands the devastating impact of senseless attacks on societies and families. We urge all groups involved in this conflict to protect innocent lives and avoid further violence.

Sewa International has started a fundraising campaign to support the victims and their families affected by this tragic and heart-wrenching situation. We appeal to all Americans to generously donate to Sewa to help the relief efforts in Israel and be a part of the healing process: https://www.facebook.com/donate/173338982485592/ or https://sewausa.org/SupportIsraelWarReliefFundraiser. 

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, (June 18, 2023): Sewa International's Houston team in association with Fort Bend Independent School District (ISD) organized a food donation drive on June 3rd at the Hodges Bend Middle School. The drive was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) grant awarded to Fort Bend County. Fort Bend ISD has about 80,000 students and about 51 percent of them are economically disadvantaged. Students &their families, benefiting from the food distribution, were contacted prior to the drive.

More than 50 volunteers, including Sewa summer interns, helped in packing 13,000 pounds of food items into 800 bags on the Memorial Day weekend at the Shri Krishna Vrundavana Temple, Houston. The food items included beans, rice, pasta, pasta sauce, cereal, and vegetables.

“I found a lot of joy in packaging the food. It was hard work the entire time, but we were able to pack 800 bags in about three hours. We did not know each other, but as we continued to work together, we all started to talk and laugh a little. I genuinely love packaging food as it brings me happiness,” said Saloni Singh, one of the Sewa summer Interns.

Four elementary school campuses were invited to participate on the day of the drive. Judge J. Christian Becerra of Texas 434th District Court and Lydia Chavez-Garcia, Director for Collaborative Communities, volunteered along with over 20 volunteers from Sewa International.

Food was also delivered to Shared Dreams on June 8, 2023, during the “Brighter Bites” distribution. About 480 students were assisted through this food distribution: 46 percent were African American, 37 percent Hispanic, 10 percent Caucasian, and 8 percent Asian. Besides this event, some 260 families were supported through a food donation to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Rosenberg, TX.

 

ATLANTA, April 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Thousands of people from all walks of life threw colors at each other, turning the entire fairgrounds into one massive kaleidoscope of colors in the town of Cumming, GA. The 16th annual Holi celebration, hosted by Sewa International, Atlanta Chapter, on Saturday, March 11, drew large crowds from Atlanta's suburbs, making it a unique and joyful celebration. Holi is a major Hindu festival of colors that marks the dawn of the Spring season. People from all ethnic, religious, and social backgrounds participated cheerfully in the Holi extravaganza.

Freshly prepared Indian snacks and spicy Indian street food, a mix of foot-tapping Bollywood music, eclectic performances by renowned Atlanta dance teams, and a warm sunny day created the perfect festive ambiance. Sewa made available lab-tested and safe color powders at the venue. Buoyed by the balmy weather, laughter, and clouds of color around them, people sprinkled colors on each other. Faces and bodies covered by different shades of pink, green, red, and orange, people danced and roamed the Cumming fairground mirroring their agile and boundless spirits.

Over two hundred Sewa Atlanta volunteers, including many high school students and senior citizens, meticulously planned and organized the event to ensure all participants enjoyed the festivities. The musical performances by the Gaudiya Vaishnava Association and DJ Shaan and his team added melody to the riot of colors. Masters of ceremony, Vidushi Gupta and Viswanath Koppaka, amused the audience with their humor. Many teenagers and their parents cooked and distributed food, directed traffic, and cleaned the venue after the event.

Referring to the success of the event, Srikanth Gundavarapu, President of the Sewa Atlanta chapter, said Sewa could deliver a memorable Holi event due to the support of all volunteers, sponsors, partner organizations, media partners, and the various divisions of the Forsyth County government and the City of Cumming and its police department. He said the event provided Sewa with an opportunity to raise awareness in the community about its focus on disaster recovery and rehabilitation, family services programs, and serving the local communities. The crowd at the event was a tremendous testimonial to people's trust in Sewa volunteers. It inspired Sewa to do more and make the world a better place for all to live, Gundavarapu said.

Sewa's partner organizations, Isha Foundation, Art of Living, Hindu American Political Action Committee (HAPAC), Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), Gaudiya Vaishnava Association (GVA), The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Ponce de Leon, Forsyth County Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) Atlanta, Uttar Pradesh North America Association (UPNAA), BrightRing Foundation, Chinmaya Mission Alpharetta, Ekal Atlanta, Vaasi Foundation USA, Siddheswari Seva Inc., and many more joined in the celebrations.

https://www.facebook.com/SewaAtlanta

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.

Contact
Vidyasagar Tontalapur – 1 - 720-526-9939
Viswanath Koppaka – 1- 404-304-0563
Email: 356591@email4pr.com
Web: http://www.sewausa.org

  
HOUSTON, Feb. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sewa International has raised $60,000 to help Turkey and Syria earthquake victims till now. Sewa has $45,000 through its website and $15,000 in its Facebook fundraising campaign. Volunteers from Sewa International's partner organization, Food For Life (FFL), have started relief work in the earthquake-hit areas, serving about 800-1200 meals daily in villages near Antakya, the capital of Hatay Province.

Also Published in 
https://www.news-journal.com/syria-turkey-earthquake-sewa-international-raises-60-000-partner-to-serve-meals-to-victims/article_0fd064e2-5bea-5bed-bee4-a29a710a61b6.html

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/syria-turkey-earthquake-sewa-international-135600853.html

FFL is an International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) initiative and the world's most extensive vegetarian food distribution program serving millions of meals daily, serving people in 65 countries.

In addition, Sewa Houston's AmeriCorps team organized a donation drive on February 18 and collected food, clothes, hygiene items, tents, hand warmers, shoes, and baby necessities. The team is working with the National Association of Christian Churches (NACC) to deliver more than 200 boxes containing these items to Turkey and Syria through a Turkish Airlines flight.

Meanwhile, FFL volunteers from Hungary and Turkey drove a giant truck filled with cooking equipment, rice, beans, fresh vegetables, 5,000 liters of water, and other essential supplies and arrived in Antakya on February 12. They worked with the local community to identify Harbiye and two other adjoining villages to start their relief work, according to Swadesh Katoch, Sewa International's Vice President for Disaster Relief.

According to Katoch, the Turkish Ministry of Interior's Disaster and Emergency Management Presidenty (AFAD) has requested FFL to serve in Hatay. Three FFL volunteers from Turkey and four Hungarian FFL cooks, including the FFL Director from Budapest, drove about 15 hours from Istanbul to Antakya.

"ISKCON Turkey Food for Life is incredibly grateful for the generous support of Sewa USA. Our partnership with Sewa is providing much needed relief to the people who have been left with nothing. Sewa USA was one of the very first organizations to get actively involved in offering funds to keep the wheels rolling," said Caitanya Chandra Das, coordinator of Turkey earthquake relief efforts from ISKCON's Food For Life.

"We are working with Sewa Canada, Sewa Europe, and ISKCON's FFL to assist the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. We endeavor to provide relief to people during disasters and work with them to help them rebuild their lives. With support from our donors, partners, and volunteers, Sewa can make a real impact, as it has done so in response to many other disasters worldwide," Arun Kankani, Sewa International's President said. He appealed for donations to help Turkish and Syrian communities in need.

https://www.sewausa.org/turkeysyriaearthquakeappeal

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.

Contact
Vidyasagar Tontalapur – 1 - 720-526-9939
Viswanath Koppaka – 1- 404-304-0563
Email: 354235@email4pr.com
Web: http://www.sewausa.org