VT Seva North Jersey – 2025 Annual Event Highlights

"Volunteers do not necessarily have the time. They just have heart." — Elizabeth Andrew

This powerful quote reflects the spirit of the VT Seva North Jersey 2025 Annual Event—an unforgettable evening filled with compassion, youth leadership, cultural pride, and a shared vision of service. This year’s event was not just a gathering—it was a movement of purpose.

A Night of Celebration, Service & Impact

Held on June 7th at Gandhi Center, the Mamatha 2025 Annual Event brought together over 400 attendees, including students, parents, community leaders, performers, and volunteers. The evening began with the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony and prayer, symbolizing the light of knowledge and service that VT Seva brings to the world.

From that point on, the program unfolded as a heartfelt celebration of service through education, healthcare, environmental advocacy, and humanitarian relief.

Highlights of the Event

✅ 400+ attendees joined the celebration

✅ Cultural showcase featuring classical, modern, and devotional dances 

✅ Emotional stories shared by youth about VT Seva’s impact 

✅ 100% youth-led emcee team 

✅ PVSA and Jeeyar Award recognitions 

✅ Announced Chipotle Fundraiser (June 14th) 

✅ Over $40,000 raised toward key causes (Netra Vidyalaya, Tribal Schools, Cancer Awareness)

Cultural Performances – Tradition Meets Talent

Throughout the evening, the audience was treated to 6 powerful cultural performances that celebrated Indian heritage and artistic expression:

• Shubanjali School (Classical Group Dance)

• Desi Boyz and RRR  (Group Dance)

• NrityaVidhya School (Classical Group Performances)

• AKS Dance Academy (Bollywood Medley)

• Kaisiki Dance Academy (Devotional Bhajan Dance)

Each act was not just entertainment—it was a tribute to how culture and service go hand in hand.

Youth EMCEE Team – Voices of the Future

The entire evening was guided by a dynamic youth emcee team: who brought energy, grace, and professionalism to the stage. As they introduced each segment, they also educated the audience on VT Seva’s five service pillars:

• Nethra Vidyalaya (Education for the Visually Challenged) – Navya and Nakul shared stories of students who overcome blindness through technology and perseverance.

• Tribal Community Support – Satvik and Jannat spoke about transforming lives in remote villages through education, clean water, and transportation access.

• Cancer Awareness – Vera, Saanvi, and Prisha explained how VT Seva’s 6,400+ biopsies and 1,200+ camps have touched nearly 2 million lives.

• Environmental Advocacy – Meghana, Vaikha, and Shreya highlighted creek cleanups, tree plantings, and Earth Day drives led by local youth.

• Disaster Relief – Sampriti, Sahana, and Tanay reflected on food banks, PPE drives, and local support campaigns.

Recognizing Outstanding Youth – PVSA & Jeeyar Awards

One of the most moving portions of the event was the recognition of our incredible youth volunteers who earned the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA).

Their hours of dedicated service were honored with:

🏅 8 Gold Award Recipients 

🏅 9 Silver Award Recipients 

🏅 9 Bronze Award Recipients

Each name called on stage was a reminder that consistent effort—no matter how small—can lead to transformative change.

Awards Summary

🥇 Gold Award Recipients (100+ hours)

• Akhil Yeduvaka

• Deepti Salya

• Meghana Neelisetty

• Nakul Ramprasad

• Prisha Munigala

• Rajneesh Satya

• Shreya Ekkaladevi

• Vera Bachu 

🥈 Silver Award Recipients (75–99 hours)

• Diksha Padmanabham

• Diya Padmanabham

• Navya Ekkaladevi

• Saanvi Boddu

• Satvik Gunisetti

• Shaimak Hatt

• Srihith Majeti

• Vishruthsai Gunna

• Vishwaksai Gunna

🥉 Bronze Award Recipients (50–74 hours)

• Anvesha Bhagat

• Aryam Dichpally

• Ishita Gunisetti

• Neha Bondalakunta

• Rahil Parikh

• Sahana Jeyakumar

• Shravan Balakrishnan

• Srikar Majeti

• Vaikha Bheemana

Fundraising with Flavor – Chipotle Night Incoming!

The youth team proudly announced the upcoming Chipotle fundraiser on June 14th in Parsippany. All proceeds will go directly to supporting education and boarding for visually challenged students in India. It's a simple reminder that a meal can also be a mission.

Thank You – Our Community of Change

This night could not have happened without the countless individuals who gave their time, energy, and passion:

🙏 Volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes 

🙏 Performers and choreographers who brought magic to the stage 

🙏 Donors and sponsors for their generous support 

🙏 Parents, families, and friends for showing up in spirit and strength

Together, we created a night to remember—and a future filled with hope.

VT Seva North Jersey’s 2025 Annual Event proved one thing loud and clear: Youth leadership is not just the future—it’s the present. With seva as our guiding light, we will continue to serve, support, and uplift communities in need.

-By Nakul Ramprasad (North Jersey Youth Board Media Secretary)