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VTSeva austin monthly volunteering activity at RMHC privides 45-50 lunch bags to the families of the patience at Dell children's hospitals in and around Austin. 6 youth volunteers and 2 adult volunteers serve at the event and help in packing and dropping . Thanks to our donors who contribute to our lunch bag items.

PAST EVENT

VTSeva Maryland - Multicultural Event/PVSA Ceremony On Saturday, November 09, 2024, the VT Seva Maryland team hosted our first ever, Multicultural Event/PVSA Award Ceremony. This event marked a significant milestone for our team, bringing together numerous, unique, diverse cultures and communities to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism and community service. The Multicultural Event was a vibrant showcase of different cultures, where attendees were able to experience various performances, art, and cuisine, all while learning more about the importance of unity in diversity. It serves as an example of the heartwarming benevolence and altruism, behind each and every religion or heritage, furthermore, fostering the ideology of community. In addition to the cultural celebration, the PVSA Award Ceremony was a highlight of the evening. The ceremony recognized the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to service. We were proud to celebrate their achievements by awarding them the prestigious Presidential Volunteer Service Award, which honors individuals who have volunteered a significant number of hours to their communities, as well as the unwavering dedication they have shown. These volunteers truly exemplify the pinnacle of volunteerism, serving as a beacon of inspiration for our new youth to step up and stand firm in their commitment to serve others. We would like to take a moment to give a special shout-out to our PVSA Awardees, whose experiences with VT SEVA have been truly inspiring. Their dedication to service has brought them immense fulfillment and continues to light the way for others. By embodying the spirit of volunteerism, they demonstrate the profound impact one individual can have in strengthening and uplifting the community. - Mahati Konduri, a pre-med student, has cultivated valuable skills in leadership, charity, and patience through VT Seva. Her kindness and commitment inspire meaningful connections in academics and volunteer work. - Mridula Vasudevan, an aspiring astronaut, has cultivated empathy, positivity, and personal growth through her work with VT Seva. Inspired by remarkable individuals, she is driven to make a profound impact on those around her. - Yashmita Dillibabu, future surgical oncologist, balances academics and service through VT Seva, cultivating leadership, empathy, and driving positive change. - Bhavya Yarlagadda is a passionate and purpose-driven individual, combining compassion, curiosity, and determination to drive environmental change. - Vivek Konduri, aspiring aerospace engineer and Linganore HS sophomore, develops leadership and teamwork skills through VT Seva volunteer work. - Rashmika Sai Patel, a sophomore at Linganore High, joined VT Seva to gain experience and give back to her community, learning the value of service and dedication along the way. - Mahesh Chandra Gandam, Linganore HS sophomore, is a diligent individual driven to learn, grow, and make impactful contributions. - Kaviya Karthik Kumar Emerging leader, arts advocate, and dedicated community servant driven by empathy and responsibility. - Divya Putthana , Linganore HS freshman, strives for a law career, actively volunteering with VT SEVA through community events and initiatives. - Akanksha Subramaniam, leverages VT Seva to combine passions for criminal justice and community work, developing leadership skills to support underprivileged children. - Sana Shenoy , Urbana HS freshman, aims for a gene editing career, actively volunteering with VT SEVA through community events and initiatives. - Taara Vasudevan, emerging leader, passionate change-maker, and dedicated community servant. - Lakshitha Sai Patel, rising volunteer, dedicated to community advancement through continuous learning. This event was a beautiful reminder of the power of giving back, the importance of working together as a team, and the impact that volunteerism can have on individuals and communities. We are incredibly proud of the volunteers who were recognized, and we are grateful for their continuous efforts in making a difference. Glimpse: PVSA AWARDEE Write Ups-> - Mridula Vasudevan: “The multicultural event was a wonderful chance to see and celebrate the diversity in our community. It was amazing to watch people share their traditions, talents, and cultures through performances, food, and conversations. Being part of the event allowed me to connect with others, learn from their experiences, and appreciate the different backgrounds that make our community unique. It was a great reminder of how much we can learn from each other when we come together to celebrate our differences. My journey with VT Seva has been just as rewarding. As the VT Seva Youth President and a member of the VT Seva FEARLESS team, I’ve had the opportunity to lead and be a part of many meaningful events. I helped organize the Science Fair, which allowed me to combine my love for science with helping the community. I also had a lot of fun writing the emcee script and helping with event planning, which helped me grow as a leader. Through my time with VT Seva, I’ve learned the importance of serving others, teamwork, and making a positive impact. Looking to the future, I’m excited to follow my dream of becoming an astronaut. As an aspiring Astrophysicist and Pilot, the skills I’ve gained through VT Seva have strengthened my commitment to leadership and service. I’m motivated to keep working toward my goals, knowing that I can make a difference while also chasing my passion for space exploration.” - Mahati Konduri “Being part of the multicultural night gave me the opportunity to actively engage in coordinating with the team, organizing meetings, and ensuring we stayed on track throughout the planning process. Through this experience, I developed strong communication skills as I worked collaboratively and navigated different perspectives. I also learned the importance of effective time management and gained valuable insights into key aspects of event planning, such as arranging the performance lineup and crafting the emcee script. This opportunity greatly enhanced my organizational and leadership abilities.” - Yashmita Dillibabu “As the Youth Vice President for VT Seva Maryland, I have had the privilege of playing a leadership role in fostering community engagement and promoting meaningful causes. One of the highlights of this journey was organizing the Multicultural Night event, where I was deeply involved in planning and coordinating various aspects. I managed the finances for decorations, ensuring we stayed within budget while creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, I helped with fundraising efforts, which not only supported the event’s success but also advanced VT Seva’s broader mission of education and service. Working on this event was incredibly rewarding as it allowed me to collaborate with a diverse group of individuals and celebrate cultural richness while making a tangible impact. Being a part of VT Seva Maryland has been an enriching experience that has strengthened my leadership and organizational skills. As a youth leader, I have contributed to various initiatives that support education for tribal and visually impaired children, which aligns with my passion for service. Whether it’s coordinating events, raising funds, or spreading awareness about our mission, my role has taught me the importance of teamwork and perseverance in driving positive change. These experiences have not only deepened my connection with the community but also inspired me to continue serving and leading with purpose.” - Vivek Konduri: “Helping with our Multicultural Night was a meaningful experience that gave me insight into the work involved in organizing such an event. The cafeteria was transformed with flags from different countries, which we hung up to represent the diverse cultures being celebrated. I helped with setting up tables and organizing food stalls, ensuring each had enough space for the displays. We also worked on smaller details, like arranging tablecloths, placing signs, and placing the chairs in the area to make it inviting for attendees. During the event, it was interesting to see people walking around, trying foods from different cultures, and engaging with the information shared at each stall. While the tasks were straightforward, they helped me appreciate the importance of preparation and teamwork in creating an event where people could connect and learn about one another. Seeing the people come together in this way made the event feel better and showed the value of celebrating diversity.” - Rashmika Sai Patel: “The multicultural event was an incredible opportunity to celebrate the diversity of our community. From vibrant traditional attire to delicious foods and engaging performances, the event brought people together in a spirit of unity and learning. Being part of it allowed me to connect with others, share cultural insights, and gain a deeper appreciation for the unique stories that make up our world. Similarly, my involvement with VT Seva has been a journey of purpose and growth. As the President of the Healthcare Pillar and former Disaster Relief lead, I’ve had the privilege of organizing impactful initiatives, like the Breast Cancer Awareness Walkathon, that empower the community. VT Seva has strengthened my leadership skills and reinforced my commitment to serving others, fueling my dream of becoming a neurosurgeon.” - Akanksha Subramaniam “The VT Seva multi-cultural night was a fun and educational event for me. It showed me how I could be independent and get things done and how successful it could be. This event was also fun as it gave all the kids a chance to work together and organize such a successful event. This also ties to how my experience has been these past 2 years as a VT Seva Youth Lead. I have learned many new things, and I got the chance to spread my wings and show myself how successful I can become. VT Seva has given me a sense of responsibility that I will carry with me my whole life. This journey has been an amazing experience and I am looking forward to the lessons I will learn in the future.” - Bhavya Yarlagadda “The VT Seva Multicultural Night was a wonderful experience for me and my family. We enjoyed learning about diverse cultures and found it inspiring to see youth volunteers leading every aspect of the event. Although the planning process was challenging and filled with obstacles, we persevered with the support of our team and branch directors. I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity.Through this organization, I found a way to channel my concerns into action. Organizing events like recycling drives, plant sales, and workshops has not only allowed me to make a tangible impact but also deepened my commitment to environmental stewardship. VT Seva has shaped me into a more empathetic leader and strengthened my passion for creating a sustainable future.” - Sana Shenoy “The multi-cultural night hosted by VT Seva was a great experience that I enjoyed being a part of. This event allowed me to seek independence and take the opportunity to have a role in major event planning. Multicultural night was fun since it was nice to see all the cultures and their cuisine and dance styles. It also let all of us leads work together as a strong team to organize this outstanding event. This relates to what I’ve been a part of as a VT Seva Youth lead. This organization has made me learn several things about how to plan and conduct events, help the community, and be a better person overall. It has made me more successful and responsible by giving me roles and tasks that I can strive to succeed in. My experiences in VT Seva have been wonderful and encouraging so far, and I can’t wait to learn more things and become more successful with the help of VT Seva.” - Kaviya Karthick Kumar “My experience helping with the multicultural night was incredibly exciting and rewarding. I had a great time contributing to the creation of decorations, and I especially enjoyed the process of setting up for the event. It was such a fun experience to see everything come together and to interact with others throughout the event. Not only did I get the chance to learn about different cultures, but I also made new friends and connected with people from various backgrounds. Being part of VT Seva has had a huge impact on me, as it has not only allowed me to build meaningful friendships but also helped me improve my social and communication skills. Engaging in these activities has made me more confident in my ability to talk with others and has given me a sense of belonging in a diverse and supportive community.” - Taara Vasudevan “The Multicultural Night was of excitement and happy times. I got the opportunity to understand and learn about numerous different countries, as well as their significant uniqueness. I also had an amazing time along with my fellow youth leads, and peers. It was truly inspiring to see how much each and every person accomplished. I joined VTSeva because I had the passion to help visually challenged and tribal kids. VTSeva helped me develop confidence and helped me connect with other people. VTSeva changed my perspective on everything because after i left taekwondo i wasn’t able to connect with people but when i joined VTSeva i felt more optimistic and joyful again. VTSeva transformed into an empathetic person by teaching me how to help visually challenged and tribal kids. First and Foremost, we would like to give a round of thanks, to our inspiring chief guests, who These individuals serve as the pinnacle of volunteerism, inspiring youth to make a meaningful impact in their communities: ● Rev. Lawrence E. Walker, Sr., Executive Director for the Governor's Office of Community President, leads with a strong commitment to public service. ● Brad Young, an accomplished educator and Certified Financial Planner, has earned degrees in Business, Economics, and Organizational Leadership, showing how education can empower community leaders. ● Dr. Yang Yu, appointed by Governor Wes Moore, chairs the Governor’s Commission on Asian-Pacific American Affairs, using her expertise in geography and leadership to promote diversity and inclusion. ● Arti Bhatt, a leader in DEI initiatives at PCAOB, advocates for cross-cultural understanding and community building, making a lasting difference in society. ● Archana Thakkar, with over 25 years in healthcare, leads community outreach and charity initiatives, showing how long-term commitment can positively affect many lives. ● Officer Maggie Lee, a dedicated School Resource Officer with the Frederick Police Department, supports students and the community through her work with her K9 partner, Fred. We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to the following performing groups, who graced us with their exceptional talents: ● GVES Chorus Group ● Naach Performing Arts ● Born to Dance ● Natya Darpana ● Swaraalaya School of Music and Arts ● Stella Yoon (Korean Performance) ● VT SEVA MD youth Leads Dance We also wish to extend our sincere gratitude to the adult team of VT SEVA MARYLAND for their unwavering support: ● CB Events: A special thank you to Anurag Ji, Cheena Ji, and Arjav for their invaluable expertise in planning and executing our event. Your contributions were vital to its success. ● Sewa Team: Our deep appreciation for your exceptional assistance throughout the event. ● Srinivas Pollisetty Ji: Thank you for your generous philanthropic support and your instrumental role in the candy donation drive. Your humility and compassion inspire us all. ● Vasu Ji: We are immensely grateful for your leadership and dedication as Youth Director. Your guidance over the past months enabled our youth team to execute the event flawlessly. Your mentorship has paved the way for Mahati’s growth as our future Youth Director. ● Dillibabu Ji: Our heartfelt thanks for your strategic guidance as Treasurer. Your unwavering support was crucial to the event’s success. ● Srini Ji: We deeply appreciate your tireless efforts as Secretary. Your commitment, from setup to cleanup, ensured everything ran smoothly. ● Subbu Ji: Thank you for your dedicated support, managing setup and cleanup with grace and efficiency. ● Sai Ji: We are grateful for your prompt and effective assistance in finalizing last-minute details. ● Sujatha Ji and Prashamsa Ji: A special thank you for your outstanding leadership in coordinating our volunteers. Your efforts in educating and assigning tasks to new volunteers, especially Mahesh and Vivek, were crucial to the event's success. ● Prashamsa Ji: We are particularly grateful to you and your sons, Akul and Anay, for your vibrant representation of Indian culture and your remarkable contribution to the event. ● Swetha Ji and Shwetha Ji: Your dedication and exceptional multitasking skills were instrumental in the success of the cultural segment. ● Sudha Ji: We sincerely thank you for your leadership in our decoration team, transforming the space with elegance. ● Suneetha Ji and Vijay Ji: We deeply appreciate your generous support and active involvement in the decoration initiatives. ● Shwetha Ji: Your warm hospitality at the registration counter made attendees feel welcome, and your efforts were deeply appreciated. ● Padmaja Ji and Charu Ji: We thank you for your expert guidance at the cultural desk, ensuring smooth execution of the performances. ● Padmaja Ji: Special thanks for your unwavering dedication, arriving early and staying until the event’s conclusion, ensuring its success. ● Senthil Ji: We are truly grateful for your expertise in providing and managing the audio system, ensuring seamless support throughout the event. ● Vasu Ji, Dillibabu Ji, and Anurag Ji: Your tireless efforts ensured the event’s triumph, and we are deeply thankful for your contributions. ● High School Students: Our heartfelt thanks to the high school students who participated in cultural representations, showcasing their diversity and talent. ● Sam: Special thanks to Sam, the student photographer from Urbana High School (UHS), for volunteering to capture the precious moments of our event. Finally, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who participated, attended, and helped make this event a resounding success. We look forward to many more events that celebrate the incredible work of our volunteers and the diverse cultures that enrich our community. Thank you! - Mridula Vasudevan Youth President of VT SEVA Maryland

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Temple services

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On **November 9th**, VT Seva ATLANTA organized a special workshop to address the vital connection between mental health and physical well-being. Led by **Dr. Smitha** and **Dr. Nandini**, the session explored the impact of obesity on mental health and highlighted the importance of nurturing one’s physical, emotional, and spiritual self. Participants gained valuable insights into managing stress, preventing anxiety and depression, and adopting healthier lifestyle habits. The interactive discussion emphasized that prioritizing mental health and addressing obesity are key steps toward a balanced and fulfilling life. The workshop provided practical takeaways for attendees, inspiring them to embrace self-care and continue making a positive impact within their communities. Together, let’s strive for a healthier and stronger future!

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VT Seva VA volunteers participated in Ocean Conservancy organized coastal cleanup project. Our youth picked up 780 items of plastic waste from Anacostia River and the riverbank. We are very proud of the youth volunteer.

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🍫🍫🍫Awesome VT Seva Candy Drive leaders! Special shout out for Rithvi, 7th grader from Desanna Middle school and her brother Vidur for donating their candies and collecting more than 100lbs candies from their schools and neighborhood🎉🎉 We convey our heart-felt appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Praveen Gudipati of Cumming Dental for always being very supportive to VT Seva projects. He will deliver all our candies to the US Troops on the borders. He has donated $1000 for the visually challenged kids of Bharath 🙏🏻🙏🏻 VT Seva team has build a strong relationship with Cumming Dental and next year we will do more collaborative projects with them 🤝🤝🤝

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Volunteers made cards for appreciating animal shelter staff and they also gave some sweets n treats to the staff at Orphans of the storm animal shelter!!

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Troy IAE students worked with YB to collect candies and donated to Police Station

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VTSeva Bay Area volunteers help transplant trees and repot them at a local nursery “Our City Forest” as part of environmental service in San Jose CA 👏👏👏 https://www.instagram.com/p/DB4pX7wTxVw/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== https://www.facebook.com/100084959540650/posts/527621423413171/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

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roy VTS club conducted a Treats For Troops event along side the Oakland County Sheriffs Department on Nov 7th We collected from Troy and Novi for this event and collected over 17 pounds of candy!

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Temple services

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VTSeva Campaign at Local Event On Sunday, October 27, 2024, the VT Seva Maryland team participated in the Diwali celebration, hosted by CB events, by setting up a stall to promote our cause and engage with the community. This event provided an excellent opportunity for us to raise awareness about the impactful work of VT Seva, while also connecting with attendees on a personal level. Throughout the event, we communicated with numerous individuals, regarding the powerful initiatives VTSeva supports, such as educational programs, healthcare camps, and disaster relief/environmental efforts. These interactions were incredibly significant and valuable in conveying our mission and the overall representation of our work. The success of this specific event was a testament to the strength of our team. Every member worked together seamlessly, highlighting the commitment to our cause. It was clear that the collaboration and dedication of our leaders and volunteers played a crucial role in making this event successful. This specific event was a valuable learning experience for our team, teaching us the priceless lessons of leadership and hard work. - Leadership, in this context, meant not just overseeing the event but inspiring and motivating the team, guiding each individual toward the common goal of spreading awareness and making an impact. - Hard work was evident in every aspect: setting up the stall, answering questions, engaging with the public, and ensuring that everything ran smoothly. The dedication of each volunteer was clear, and the event reinforced how much can be achieved when everyone works together towards a shared mission. With that being said, We would like to extravagantly appreciate CB Events, for providing us with the opportunity to participate and represent ourselves, through this inspiring initiative. We would also like to thank: - Sobana Vasudevan - Vasudevan Akkoor - Prashamsa Muppavaram - Vivek Konduri - Mahesh Chandra Gandam - Mridula Vasudevan - T aara Vasudevan - Akul Pallerla - Sohan - Daksh - And all other volunteers. VTSeva Campaign at Local Event Your help and volunteering serves as a huge impact towards our journey, as VT SEVA MARYLAND youth leads!

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Volunteers work with RAFT to pack educational materials.

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VT Seva Detroit’s Troy High volunteers took part in the Halloween science scavenger hunt at the Cranbrook Institute of Science Museum

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Volunteers made posters to advocate about environmental issues last Saturday. These posters shared simple messages about taking care of our planet to help raise awareness in our community