Atlanta VT Seva team promoted SUBHA Annual event at GATA Diwali celebration on October 30th, 2022. They are sold eco-friendly bags and masks made by Atlanta VT Seva Youths. There was a huge demand for our VT Seva eco-friendly bags, and everyone highly appreciated our initiative to reduce the plastic bag consumption.

Inspired by Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji’s words, VT SEVA Denmark Youth Club members participated in the ‘Meals by Grace’ food packing activity on October 30th, 2022 in Cumming, GA. They sorted bagels into bags, organized chip packets, and delivered food to the hungry families of north Georgia. This small service is dedicated to our Acharya for His Thirunakshathram!

Jet Atlanta & VT Seva team has donated 500 lbs for PRADA:N contribution to serve with joy in the celebration of the birthday of His Holiness Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji. It was a gratifying experience for the Atlanta Team.

VT Seva Atlanta youths and ladies participated in the Self Defense session on October 8th, 2022. More than 50 participants enjoyed learning various defensive and offensive self defense techniques. This session was much appreciated by all the participants. In fact, few participants said that this the best session ever that VT Seva has done for the Atlanta community. For the ATL youths - it’s an awesome session. According to them, no volunteer org has provided them a self defense session before which is so relevant in modern times, very useful in physical & mental well-being, and highly rewarding. This self defense session was our pilot study which succeeded beyond our imagination by not only energizing & synergizing VT Atlanta community but also helping us in raising $1000 for the education of blind / visually challenged kids in India. Overall it was a very fulfilling & rewarding experience for all.

Atlanta VT Seva youths participated in the 2nd Go Green activity. In our previous September activity, they learned how to cut the plastic bags and make long strips like yarn. On Oct 15th activity, they made 60 cloth bags with Go Green, Think Grren & Be Green logos and symbols. It’s a great way to engage young minds in sustainable endeavors. In addition to making bags, they also made strips from plastic bags to convert it into the mats for the homeless people. Atlanta youths will sell amazing eco-friendly bags and donate money for the education of blind / visually challenged kids in India. They are getting ready for Subha, our annual event and created a promo video at the end of this activity. Their energy and synergy is outstanding and worth appreciating.

VT Seva Northview Highschool Youth Club had its kickoff meeting on Sep 30th. This club was established on Sep 2nd, 2022. Adithya, the club president introduced the Northview club rules, meetings, various eco-friendly & educational projects, roles and responsibilities of office bearers, etc. He requested the present members to apply for the leadership positions. Their 1st official meeting is scheduled on October 7th, 2022. The club had its 2nd meeting on last Friday, Oct 7th. It was a very productive meeting which started with a recap of their 1st meeting (Sep 30th) with few new points added on the club functioning & upcoming projects. They have received great responses for the officer positions and nomination of the officers are work-in progress. Mr. Sylvester, their youth club teacher was highly impressed with the spirit of volunteerism and service attitude exhibited by the VT youths. Overall it was a very successful meeting.

Lambert VT Seva youths participated in the Lake Lanier Clean-up Drive on Sep 24th, 2022. The youths collected loads of trash & debris, ensuring that the lake is clean and beautiful for everyone. Their cleanup efforts are making a difference in the environment, neighborhood, and in our lives. This project is initiated by Srimayi Kukkadapu in which club members bonded with the nature and realized how much efforts are needed to clean up our planet. The club members worked as a team, ensuring that the beach was kept clean and beautiful for everyone. As a whole, the Lake Lanier Shore Clean-up was an eye-opening experience, strengthening our connection with our planet and with each other!

We had an amazing workshop with our VT seva members on 15th September, 2022 in the Roswell library. Our agenda was to create blankets using the plastic bags for the homeless.Our volunteers and parents participated so actively in this workshop and learnt the steps needed to prepare these blankets Volunteers gathered to sort the plastic bags & learned to make plastic yarn. This is a wonderful service project that can benefit the needy by reusing the plastic bags and turn them into mats. We are once again as VT Seva volunteers reiterating the fact that we should Reuse, recycle the plastic bags on our way to be eco friendly. This project will run from 15th Sep till 30th November, 2022. All our VT seva volunteers will continue work offline on the steps that are instructed during this workshop. There will be a future connect to stitch these collected and cleaned plastic bags to turn them into the mats for homeless people of Atlanta. It’s a great eco- friendly and giving endeavor by Atlanta youths and adults. We had more than 40 volunteers participated in the event and truly enjoyed this activity.

Atlanta VT Seva children and adults participated in the 76th Independence Day of Bharath with zeal and patriotism. Independence Day holds special significance in all our hearts. Not only does August 15th mark the day India gained independence from 200-year-old colonial rule, but Independence Day also serves as a reminder of all the good virtues, pride, rich cultural heritage, unity among diversity, and fertility of the land which we must all feel proud to call our homeland India. It's also the day when we commemorate and pay homage to the courageous sacrifices made by our freedom fighters. Atlanta VT Seva youths and adults infused with patriotic feeling made 100 tri-color bracelets, ribbons, flags, and wristbands. They also nurtured 150 plus herbs - Tulsi, Mint, and Curry leaf as a symbolic representation of 3 colors of the Bharath flag. In addition, 50 plus youths and adults participated in ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ by joining in the Flag March. Sonali Bendre, film actress was leading the flag and our Atlanta VT Seva team was following her in the flag march. It was an amazing feeling of patriotism. Our youths raised $1400 by selling tricolors ribbons, bracelets, and flags. They also sold 3 herbs Tulsi, Curry leaf, and Mint. They also did tricolor face painting which was a huge hit at the event. All proceeds will go for the education of the visually challenged kids of Nethra Vidyalaya. It’s very gratifying and fulfilling experience for all of us. Jai Hind!

Throughout September 2022, Lambert VT Seva members visited Benton House Senior Living to cheer them up & build companionship bonds with the elders. There was immense participation, and everyone who participated had great feedback! We did many things, from interacting with them, performing to them, helping out with bingo games, and helping them set up for their daily activities! They were all such kind souls, and we truly enjoyed talking to them and hearing their stories! All the senior citizens appreciated the thought & act of VT Seva youths to provide them companionship when they need the most. It was truly a great experience for us all!

Volunteer Appreciation & Subha Kickoff event was very well executed. Atlanta youths spearheaded this event, MC the event, and presented VT Seva Mission & Vision, Subha kickoff, and Kahoot which was highly appreciated by all. Dr. Madhu Nemani welcomed all and shared her why of joining VT Seva and her visit to Nethra Vidhyalaya in July 2022. Hithesh Gazzala presented Atlanta 2021 & 2022 initiatives and projects which was highly appreciated by all. Afterwards, youths shared their experience of volunteering under VT Seva which was very inspiring & rewarding. We delivered more than 100 certificates to VT Seva Summer Camp students, youth tutors, and mentors. We acknowledged last year sponsors and they agreed to support the cause this year as well. Krishnakanthji shared inspiring messages and galvanized Atlanta youths. Subha kickoff provided 10 pledges to support the education of visually challenged kids. Our goal this year is to support the education of 125 kids. The energy, synergy of Atlanta youths and adults was very inspiring and worth appreciating.

The Lambert VT Seva club had its first meeting on August 23rd, 2022. During the meeting, the Lambert VT Seva President, Srimayi Kukkadapu presented the club information and the upcoming projects in September. There was an overwhelmingly positive response with many members interested in attending Meals By Grace and Senior Living at the Benton House. At the end of the meeting, the members enjoyed donuts that were provided. Lambert VT Seva Club is on a great start!

Atlanta VT Seva children and adults participated in the 76th Independence Day of Bharath with zeal and patriotism. Independence Day holds special significance in all our hearts. Not only does August 15th mark the day India gained independence from 200-year-old colonial rule, but Independence Day also serves as a reminder of all the good virtues, pride, rich cultural heritage, unity among diversity, and fertility of the land which we must all feel proud to call our homeland India. It's also the day when we commemorate and pay homage to the courageous sacrifices made by our freedom fighters. Atlanta VT Seva youths and adults infused with patriotic feeling made 100 tri-color bracelets, ribbons, flags, and wristbands. They also nurtured 150 plus herbs - Tulsi, Mint, and Curry leaf as a symbolic representation of 3 colors of the Bharath flag. In addition, 50 plus youths and adults participated in ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ by joining in the Flag March. Sonali Bendre, film actress was leading the flag and our Atlanta VT Seva team was following her in the flag march. It was an amazing feeling of patriotism. Our youths raised $1400 by selling tricolors ribbons, bracelets, and flags. They also sold 3 herbs Tulsi, Curry leaf, and Mint. They also did tricolor face painting which was a huge hit at the event. All proceeds will go for the education of the visually challenged kids of Nethra Vidyalaya. It’s very gratifying and fulfilling experience for all of us. Jai Hind!

We have successfully completed 6 weeks VT SEVA Summer Camp 2022. It’s a Triple Bottomline project - to engage our children productively during summer, to enhance leadership & communication skills of our youths as they are the tutors and to support the education of the visually challenged. Highlights of VT Seva Summer Camp 2022: 1. Total 57 students registered in the Summer Camp for Elementary, Middle, and Highschool classes. We raised 7k plus for the visually challenged kids of Nethra Vidhyalaya with His Grace. 2. This summer camp is youth-led in which more than 30 Highschool youths are delivering lessons with the back-support of Certified Instructors and SMEs as their mentors. 3. Subjects taught: For Elementary schoolers –Math, ELA, Art, Dance For Middle & High schoolers – Python, Web Design & Cyber Security, App Building, Advance Art 4. Summer Camp Kickoff with Hands-on CPR on June 4th, 2022, in which more than 40 youths learned how to do CPR effectively. 5. Update on Elementary, Middle, and Highschool Summer Classes: Elementary Classes Update: a. Math & ELA: Total 36 students were registered for these classes with 24 youth tutors. We ran 90 sessions of 45 mins every week for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. We have 3 Mentors to back support our youths. b. Art: We have 36 students in the class. This class is once a week in which students learn the fundamental elements of art – line, form, shape, value, color, and texture. They use watercolors and card stock paper for their art creations. All students made loving, caring cards on Father’s Day, June 19th which was highly appreciated by all. They are learning how to make flowers with paper and various other craft items. We have 2 youth tutors and 1 mentor. c. Dance: We have 30 students and 1 youth tutor, and 1 mentor. All students are split in 2 groups and each group learn 1 dance every week. It’s a good physical exercise for the children. Each week they are learning new dance and are truly enjoying dance classes. Middle and Highschool Classes Update: a. Python: We have 22 students registered for this class. In this class, students are learning to identify, interpret, and apply core programming building blocks in Python code, use algorithmic thinking to breakup problems into smaller pieces and solve each piece individually, recognize and apply best industry practices for program, and interpret, use, and build on existing code and Python libraries. It’s a weekly class and class notes, and recording are shared with all after the class. We have 2 youth tutors and 1 mentor. b. Web Design & Cyber Security: We have 22 students registered for this class. This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to HTML and CSS used in designing and creating web pages. Students will have a complete and wide array of customization freedom in the creation of their own web pages. The class also stresses on cybersecurity theory and the tools needed to plan and carry-out strategic cybersecurity defensive tactics. Class notes and recording are shared with all after the class. It’s a weekly class which is led by 2 youth tutors and 1 mentor. c. Advance Art: This is our Advance Art class in which we have 22 students. These online art classes provide instruction on everything from simple craft project like making cards of Father’s Day to intermediate activities like acrylic painting, canvas painting, making flower bouquet, pot painting, and much more. It’s a weekly class led by 1 mentor. d. APP Building: This hands-on mobile app development camp unravels the inner workings of mobile apps. The course engages students in creating personalized apps using the block-based language to program app logic and behavior. The course reinforces computational thinking and design thinking as students design, develop, package and share a series of multimedia mobile apps and interactive games using the App Inventor’s visual drag and drop coding interface. Overall, VT Seva Muscle, our youths are delivering excellent lessons and giving their best to the community. VT SEVA Summer Camp 2022 was a big success in terms of youth empowerment and money raised for the visually challenged kids of India.

Our flourishing community of VT Seva allows our young, ambitious volunteers to gratify their never-ending passions to always learn more. It always brings us joy to see their zeal of volunteerism as they experience different activities while interacting with their peers. It’s instrumental in expanding their creativity, skills, and knowledge and aid them to become better version of themselves. For this reason, we have introduced new, interesting classes in July 2022, our Crocheting & Knitting Classes! In our crochet class, Siri Arkatala, youth tutor taught the basics of crocheting, gradually enhancing students’ knowledge and finally taught how to make a stuffed toy. The first thing we started with is a slip knot and proper hand positions to hold the hook and yarn correctly. We learned 3 types of crochet stitches along with a technique called "the magic circle". Of course, we are working on improving on these concepts along with learning new ones. So far, it has been an interesting experience for both, for students and instructor. There were several obstacles that we all faced. Students were fast learners and it gave Siri the confidence to realize how eager the students were when they sent pictures of their little crochet work, asking her if it was correct, or when they asked questions and requested extra classes. Siri was confident that by the end of this class, we will all have lovely little stuffed toy creation by all. Even then, we will all still be improving and experimenting with different ideas, and that's what helps us grow! In our knitting class, as with crocheting, we started off with the basics of knitting. Our goal was to knit a simple purse. To start off, Nikhila Mannepalli, the youth tutor taught how to make a slip knot and the basic mechanics and positioning of the knitting needles and yarn. Then, we learned the ‘cast on,’ or the first row of stitches in any project. We continued on, learning the knit stitch, purl stitch, and finally our ‘cast off’ or the last row of stitches. With our newfound skills, we could finally start on our purse! However, this simply worded process was not without its trials. Teaching the students where each piece yarn went and on which needle and in which direction sometimes resulted in a tangled mess and we often had to take our stitches off when they didn’t come out as intended. Yet, again and again, I saw how motivated the students were as they put the stitches back on the needles and tried once more. Above all, what made the process truly worth it was the looks of concentration on their faces as they practiced their knitting. I could see a reflection of myself learning the craft many years ago and it pushed me to continue my instruction with even more effort. I hope, with the conclusion of these lessons, the students will not only leave with a cute handmade purse, but also with patience and the courage to try new things despite their difficulty. We raised $650 dollars for the food of Visually Challenged kids of Nethra Vidyalaya through these knitting and crocheting classes. These classes were highly appreciated by all.