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Go Green webinar We had our Go Green webinar event at Sharon fork Library on 04/13/2024 10:30Am- 12:30PM . We learnt about Sustainable Living - - what is sustainability and why is it important? - 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) - How to practice Reduce and Reuse in daily life - Why recycle? - What can you recycle (paper, plastic, metal) - Recycling exercise (sorting of mixed items) - What happens to your recyclable items after collection (video) - Goal setting by youths for sustainable living Earth Hour 2024 Earth Hour is one hour in the year that we all turned off our power to help Earth. Earth Hour believes that each and every one of us has the power to make a positive impact on our planet, but it’s up to us as individuals to decide how we do so. Anyone, anywhere can join the Biggest Hour for Earth by spending 60 minutes doing something - anything - positive for our planet. This year, 21 VT Seva youth volunteers participated in this amazing event. Many people lit candles to light their homes. Some even used the moonlight. But, they all had fun while helping conservative earth’s resources make it a better place. April 4th 2024 Fresh Water Treatment Facility Have you ever wondered what goes behind the scenes to produce clean, safe drinking water? Atlanta VT Seva youths visited ‘Tom Lowe Atlanta Water Plant’ on April 4th to learn water treatment process. Our youths learned what goes behind-the-scenes and produce clean water for the fulton county residents each day. Clean drinking water is vital to our good health and it’s our responsibility to save water for the next generation. More than 40 Atlanta VT Seva youths participated in this educational Water Tour. This water plant has an incredible track record of providing clean, safe drinking water to more than 300,000 residents in Fulton County. Our youths will share the feedback about this tour and also their Action plan to save water in their daily life. We have build good relationships with the Water plant officials and they learned about VT Seva and the good work of VT Seva Atlanta team! DIY Composting & Agroecology Webinar On March 3rd, 2024, VT Seva Atlanta has organized ‘DIY Composting Webinar’. More than 50 youths attended this session and understood the science & art of composting. They learned various types of Composting - Hot Composting, Cold Compisting, Trench Composting, and Vermi Composting. They will make their own organic compost for the April Cool Seedling project! April 2023 Waste Water Facility Tour VT Seva Atlanta facilitated 2nd Waste Water Facility Tour on April 4, 2023. More than 70 plus VT youths and parents participated in this educational tour. We had a warm welcome by the organizers, David Horton and Camilla Russell and were led into the main conference room. Their we learned about trash, debris, etc are present in waste water and what prices it goes through to get clean drinkable water again. We understood how important it is to use the water responsibly without wasting it during brushing the teeth and taking long showers. We had a wonderful Q&A session in which VT youths participated actively and got to know information like how this facility cleans 12000 tons of water every day and send that water to residential areas, businesses and finally, extra water to Chattahoochee river. Later, we were taken inside to see the waste water plant and we got good insights on architectural design, monitoring system, and how they control the odor and sound of this big plant. This waste water tour was facilitated by Jeya, Hithesh, and Madhu, Atlanta VT Seva core members. Overall, Atlanta youths had a great interactive session where they got the insights on waste water treatment process, dewatering, recycling, wastewater landscape and much more… We have build good relationship & partnership with the Johns creek environmental officials and they were thrilled to see our youths participation and feedback from the last tour. We all had fun, got color changing water bottles as a gift from them, and went home with some really good take-homes. As a VT Seva team, we gave them VT Seva Calendar, Brochure, and hand-made Thank you cards. They have never heard about VT Seva before, but now it’s in their minds and they want our youths to come forward and collaborate & help them in their research projects. Its’s a great learning, enriching, and rewarding experience for us as Atlanta VT Seva team. March 2023 Waste Water Facility Tour Have you ever thought about where your water goes from the sink and toilet once it flows down the drain? VT Seva Atlanta inspired youth to know what goes behind a water treatment facility and how to use water responsibly and take action to make a difference. At the amazing Johns Creek Wastewater treatment facility on March 10th , 2023, around 30 Atlanta youth toured the facility to learn the importance of water.   The facility staff had been extremely professional and showed us all the processes that go on in the facility. The first process Bar Screening takes away all the big items like rags, plastic, and other big items. Then it goes to the grit chamber where this whirlwind takes down all the grit, rocks, and sand. Then the water goes to a place where they let the water sit because the small particles will slowly sink to the bottom allowing the top water to be cleaner. After that process, the water reaches this chamber where small microbes and membranes will break down the harmful bacteria in the water. Before the UV light process it is taken to a tank where this membrane technology called Zeeweed has microscopic holes that will transport only the clean water to the top so the treatment can continue. Next it is sent to this UV light that is able to destroy the rest of the harmful bacteria. Last but not least they add chlorine and other helpful chemicals to make it extremely clean. All that water that has been made will go back to the Chattahoochee River for further uses.   The tour was very educational and helped us learn about water and how to treat it before sending it back into the river. This is a sustainable way of recycling important Mother Earth’s natural resources which is water, and keeping the Earth clean for other animals, aquatic, plant life and future generations.

March Everyday, we text people because it is quick and easy, but sometimes, writing a letter can be more personal, allow for more depth of communication, and can have more formality. It is vital that we are connected with our loved ones, and we should make them feel appreciated whenever possible. To do this South Forsyth High School VT Seva, started a letter-writing activity that has helped teenagers connect with their loved ones on a deeper level. It was a fairly successful project and we observed that our volunteers were able to connect with their family and friends! October SFHS youth made book marks, kindness stones, and thank you cards in the month of November to celebrate and appreciate the hard work and support of teachers , and promote education and reading. They gave cards to healthcare workers, police officers, and fire fighters to thank them. VT Seva Atlanta - South Forsyth High Nature write up SFHS VT Seva's first project was the Nature Writeup in which our members wrote paragraphs about times when they helped nature, how nature has affected them, or simply about the beautiful aspects on nature. We chose this topic as we thought of the start of seasonal change in September, when the a light chill mixes with the air, the sky blue deepens in shade, and the leaves of the trees gradually turn orange and red. This beautiful nature compelled us to start this project and spread the knowledge and appreciation of nature to everyone around us. We had a total of 22 very well written responses, and we compiled them all into a portfolio named "The Canvas of Nature" to portray our members' creativity and inspiration from nature! https://www.canva.com/design/DAFvlXzoMtI/rJdENHfFn5NMiYUnjfbeyQ/view?utm_content=DAFvlXzoMtI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink#1 Club Initiation South Forsyth Highschool is our 7th VT Seva youth Club in Atlanta. It is established on August 28, 2023. Please read the message below from our youth club President Nikhila, very inspirational Hello everyone, my name is Nikhila Mannepalli, and I am the President of South Forsyth High School VT Seva Club! Our now VT Seva members including myself have been separately trying to start this VT Seva club since January of this year, long before any of us knew there were others trying to start the club. It was a difficult process at that time, as no teacher was willing to sponsor the club, we hardly had any members, and the process was very scattered and unorganized. Throughout those experiences, each one of us learned a lot individually about communication, teamwork, and taking initiative, and got together to form a new, bigger SFHS VT Seva group at the beginning of August. Soon enough, with proper communication, productive meetings, discussions, and good organization, we were able to successfully find a sponsor, submit an application, and get the club approved today! What was taking us months of time as we attempted to start the club separately took mere weeks when we all came together to be a team.

On Labor Day 2023, VT Seva 8th Youth Club in Chattahoochee Highschool was established. Another inspirational story of persistence, not to quit inspite of several rejections✌️✌️✌️ Hi all, this is Parthu Valluri, the President of VT Seva club at Chattahoochee Highschool. I'm proud to say that we have established VT Seva Youth Club in our school on Sep 1st. This club has been in the works since last year; the idea of the club was introduced to me by Madhu Aunty when I first joined VT Seva. Although it has been in the works for a while now, these last three weeks have been a series of unexpected twists and turns, as finding a proper sponsor was a huge issue. Our first two sponsors both quit immediately after submitting the application. Finding teachers only got more difficult as dozens rejected me and quickly, two weeks had flown by. It wasn't looking too good for us as time was running out. Thanks to Yoshna, one of our Vice Presidents, we managed to get a sponsor that was willing to help us last minute and thanks to him we are able to start our club! Now we are going to get started on pitching our club to the school this coming week and work together to spread VT Seva to Chattahoochee. Community service always starts small and becomes a big and beautiful collaborative activity, exactly what VT Seva Chattahoochee aspires to become. I look forward to working with my wonderful team of officers here in order to bring value to our community and to support the cause that VT Seva has brought to the world. - VT Seva Chattahoochee High School Team

VT Seva Detroit Youths are conducting the fourth annual walkathon from June 1, 2024, to July 12, 2024. The In-Person Finale Walkathon will be conducted in Shiawassee Park, Farmington on July 13, 2024. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” –Lao Tzu When cancer becomes a part of one's life, there is a lot to worry about. Angels of Hope provides financial assistance to Michigan families in need to ease the burden caused by the disease. All the proceeds go towards Angels of Hope. Do you want to lead a team in the walkathon? You can have your own team to stay healthy and support families impacted by cancer! All you have to do is sign up your interest in Team Lead Signup Link: https://bit.ly/vtsdetybwalk2024teamleadsignup Please make sure to select your team while registering. Waiver/Release of Liability: By registering for this event, you acknowledge that you and/or your child are participating on your own accord and that you alone assume liability for injury, accident, or other risk incurred. Consult with your healthcare provider regarding your health risk. Information presented during this event is not intended or implied to be a substitute for individualized professional medical advice and attention.

"In honor of the great philosophers of India and America—Swami Ramanuja, an 11th-century saint known for his unwavering commitment to equality, and Martin Luther King Jr., a 20th-century social reformer—VTSeva Austin is hosting an Equality Speech Contest on April 27th. Join us in celebrating their legacies and sharing your own perspectives on equality. Let your voice be heard in our quest to promote inclusivity and equity for all." We are happy to share the news that Feb 5th 2024 has been declared as “Equality Day” In Austin,TX by Austin Mayor Kirk Watson!! Equality Speech Contest concluded on April 27th 2024 and registrations are closed. Winners : Here are the Winners from each division: Div 1 -  Samarth Anchoori, Pranshi Mehta and Sudarshan Rangarajan Div 2 -  Kanishk Lalith, Arjun Guthikonda and Kharanshu Sayani Congratulations to all the participants! Please find the link to the photos from the event: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Bwasnctpy1MY6nRdA Students age 8 to 12 ( div 1) and ages 13 to 17 ( div 2) are invited to prepare and present a 2- 3 mt speech on one of the following topics: 1. Finding my voice 2. How can one practice equality in today's world? 3. My Hero  /  My Champion Registration ends Apr 10, 2024. You will receive an email on April 11th with all necessary details! The contest will be held on Apr 27th, 2023 from 10:00 am to 3 pm . Rubrics for judging:  https://tinyurl.com/vtsevarubric FREE PUBLIC SPEAKING WORKSHOP FOR REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS: April 13th , 2 PM- 4 PM  Trillium Montessori,   9707 Anderson Mill Rd #350, Austin, TX 78750 Limited registrations for each age category.. So huuuurrrry and register at the earliest

April 14, 2024 - Atlanta April is a Stress Awareness month and our Atlanta VTS Hope Team participated in the “Out of Darkness” walk on April 14, 2024 to bring mental heath awareness amongst teens and adults for their overall well-being! Atlanta VT Seva youths from 6 Highschools (Denmark, Forsyth Central, Lambert, Northview, Alliance Academy and Innovation Academy) participated in this Out of the Darkness Walk for Mental Health.

Every year, 𝗩𝗧 𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗮 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗶𝘁 𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗮 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗶 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸 (𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟮, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 – 𝗦𝗮𝘁, 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟴, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰) to appreciate them for their selfless service and sacrifice towards our communities.   VT Seva Detroit has always recognized the difficult job of being a Police Officer facing many odds & challenges, including the safety of their own lives.  It was so nice of the 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆/𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗘𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗪 𝗭𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿, 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘀: 𝗝𝗲𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗻, 𝗧𝗼𝘁𝗵, 𝗔𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗲, 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲, 𝗪𝗼𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗸𝗶 & 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗻 to meet our youth and adult volunteers and appreciate our community service efforts. We also thank 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘆𝗮 𝗚𝘂𝗿𝘂𝗺𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝘆 - 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗶 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.  This year, we asked our youth volunteers to make handmade ‘Thank you!’ cards for our police officers, and it was great to see how enthusiastically some of our youth made very creative and heart-touching cards. Kudos to these youth who came forward for this wonderful act!!! 𝗞𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗶 𝗞𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗺𝘂𝗿𝗶, 𝗔𝗱𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗣𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶, 𝗦𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗲, 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗵𝗶𝗹 𝗔𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗶, 𝗞𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗮, 𝗥𝗼𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗹, 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗮 𝗩𝗲𝗱, 𝗦𝗮𝗶 𝗦𝗿𝗶 𝗥𝗮𝗺 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶, 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗸 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶, 𝗬𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗶 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗸𝗮𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗯𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝘃𝗶𝘆𝗮 𝗝𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗮𝗿. Our Youth volunteers explained all the activities and community service projects we execute to benefit underprivileged people locally and internationally. The officers really admired the fantastic effort of our youth and all others in VT Seva Detroit. All the officers got really moved and overwhelmed receiving these kind appreciation cards from our youth. We also gave the Police Chief and the officers a plaque for their efforts, courage, and gallant duties they perform, as a small token of appreciation.  VT Seva Detroit was very happy to buy the officers pizzas, donuts, desserts, and sodas for their lunch. Here are our awesome adult volunteers who participated in this event as well: 𝗡𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶. 𝗦, 𝗡𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗶. 𝗖, 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗮. 𝗣, 𝗦𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗶. 𝗗, 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗶. 𝗗, 𝗩𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗮. 𝗚, 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗱. 𝗥, 𝗦𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘀. 𝗖, 𝗦𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗵. 𝗞, 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵. 𝗥, 𝗦𝘂𝗱𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗿. 𝗞, 𝗥𝗮𝗷. 𝗣, 𝗦𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗵𝗮𝗻. 𝗗 Few of the kids also grabbed the opportunity for an impromptu Tour of the Police Station and asked some very interesting questions. 𝗪𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻'𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵, 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗶 𝗣𝗗! 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗮𝘆! We all owe them a debt of gratitude, so let’s make sure we take time out of our day-to-day lives to recognize their efforts and give back however we can! Blog Written by: Suresh Rajan Blog Published by: Nandini Cheemalamarri

In a world where the language of robots, AI, and machine learning is the new frontier, a tale of unyielding determination, relentless grit, and unwavering commitment takes flight. These subjects, complex and intricate, pose a formidable challenge even to many conventional students. Yet, in this world of coding and robotics, a bold and audacious idea is born. The return of the FLL national competition in India after a long break kindles a spark of inspiration. Why not equip our visually challenged students of Netra Vidyalaya for this challenge? The task is monumental; teaching robotics to visually impaired children, nurturing their innovative ideas, and refining their presentation skills. But, a flame of confidence, fueled by past experiences of their indomitable will, burns bright. The journey begins with the blessing of VTSeva CEO, HH Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji . His thoughtful insights and unwavering support bolster the resolve. The flame spreads, igniting the passion of our subject matter experts and the dynamic teachers of Netra Vidyalaya. Doubt is absent; instead, electrifying energy fills the air as they embrace this ambitious goal. Within days, the teachers select the students who will be part of the FLL competition. They are introduced to FLL bricks, coding, and how to build a robot using Legos. For two months, they worked tirelessly to understand, design, test, rebuild, and make their innovative ideas work. They not only improve their skills in robotics but also get better at presenting their ideas eloquently in English. For the whole two months, all the students, teachers, and mentors worked together to turn these nine children into proud representatives who can stand tall on the national stage. They named their team ‘Thought Notch Robotica’ . The two-day national competition in Goa sees participation from 350 teams from all over the country. Against all odds, the Netra Vidyalaya team did exceptionally well, showcasing their innovative idea of ‘Sudoku for Visually Challenged’ and their passion for ‘Cricket for Blind’ . Their performance was outstanding, and the judges praised their effort. Their project caught everyone’s attention. They presented real solutions to the problems they face as visually challenged individuals. The Sudoku idea they presented is the first of its kind for the blind. They gave it their all and did just as planned. The result is a testament to their hard work - they won the ‘Champions Award’ . The children, teachers, and mentors are overjoyed, all their hard work for two months has paid off. It’s not just about the win, but they gained much more - they get to see the world of robotics and stand on the national stage with special approval. The "Thought Notch Robotica" team is scheduled to present on Friday 4/19 from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM as part of the conference session. Our team is not competing in Houston. Many thanks to the FLL organizers for not only giving a chance to a completely visually challenged team but also not charging them an entry fee because they are a nonprofit organization. Special thanks to Mr. Chandra Polisetti (FLL 54520 and FRC 2976) from Seattle for being a mentor and guiding the team every step of the way, and also for getting his friend Mr. Siddarth from Vizag to help the team in person. Without their support, this would not have been possible. This victory would not have been possible without our Netra Vidyalaya teachers, they are the backbone of this win. Many thanks to our donors who believed in them to sponsor their education. This is a story of triumph, a story of overcoming odds, a story that inspires us all. This is an uplifting tale about seizing an idea, fully embracing it, and giving it your all. It’s a story that sparks inspiration. This is their story for all of us. "This is a moment that etches itself in our hearts, serving as a beacon of inspiration. There are days when we find ourselves in the labyrinth of life, seeking purpose and motivation to persevere against all odds. These children, with their humble backgrounds, and the teachers, devoid of luxuries, find their sole motivation in the triumph of these young souls. Let this narrative ignite a spark within us during those times when life seems to be an uphill battle. Let it remind us that even in the face of adversity, victory is possible. This is not just a story; it’s a testament to the indomitable human spirit." Please click here to support our Nethra Team: https://bit.ly/helpnethrateam

The journey began with the blessing of VTSeva CEO, HH Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji . His thoughtful insights and unwavering support bolster the resolve. The flame spreads, igniting the passion of our subject matter experts and the dynamic teachers of Netra Vidyalaya. Our Nethra students are introduced to FLL bricks, coding, and how to build a robot using Legos. For two months, they worked tirelessly to understand, design, test, rebuild, and make their innovative ideas work. They not only improve their skills in robotics but also get better at presenting their ideas eloquently in English. They named their team ‘Thought Notch Robotica’ . The two-day national competition in Goa sees participation from 350 teams from all over the country. Against all odds, the Netra Vidyalaya team did exceptionally well, showcasing their innovative idea of ‘Sudoku for Visually Challenged’  and their passion for ‘Cricket for Blind’ . They presented real solutions to the problems they face as visually challenged individuals. The Sudoku idea they presented is the first of its kind for the blind. They gave it their all and did just as planned.  The result is a testament to their hard work - they won the ‘Champions Award’. Now they are here to attend the FIRST Worlds Championship! We are excited to meet our champions! In Texas, multiple sessions have been planned in Houston, Austin & Dallas. In addition to this, Our Netra Vidyalaya team "𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝑵𝒐𝒕𝒄𝒉 𝑹𝒐𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒂" is going to give a presentation on "𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐬" - 𝐀 𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐡 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 at the 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐑. 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟗 @ 𝟏𝟎 𝐀𝐌 𝐢𝐧 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝟑𝟒𝟎𝐁. We also have a virtual session to meet our champions from anywhere in the world! On April 20, let's join us at 8 AM PST / 9 AM MST / 10 AM CST / 11 AM EST. Meeting Link: bit.ly/vtschampionsmeet Please click here to support our Nethra Vidyalaya team: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjA0NjQz For more details on their journey in India Championship: https://www.vtsworld.org/post/nethra-students-see-the-world-through-robotics

Author: Parth Ganga Co-President Youth Executive Board      The preparation for our annual walkathon started well in advance. With a dedicated team of youth volunteers in place, we set out to meticulously plan every aspect of the walkathon. From selecting a suitable route to coordinating logistics, every detail was carefully considered under the guidance of our advisors. We used our social media presence, reached out to local authorities, and established partnerships with other organizations to increase the impact and ensure a smooth and successful event. As the date of the walkathon drew near, we focused our efforts on mobilizing support from the community. Through social media campaigns, word-of-mouth promotion, and outreach to local influencers  and school clubs, we spread the word far and wide, inviting individuals of all ages to join us in our cause. This helped us draw the largest and very engaged crowd that we ever saw till date at a walkathon we had hosted. . On the actual day of our mental health awareness walkathon we saw participants from diverse backgrounds and different age groups coming together to raise awareness about mental health issues, promote understanding, and reduce stigma while participating in a fun run/ walkathon. A green balloon arch welcomed the guests to our beautiful venue. The event included walks, talks, and activities aimed at educating the community about mental health resources and support. Our distinguished speakers shared stories, connected with others, and advocated for better access to mental health services. Overall, the walkathon served as a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental well-being and supporting those who may be struggling. While the primary focus was on raising awareness on this important cause, we made it more fun by awarding medals to the fastest runners to complete the 5k. We also had the privilege of having Matthew Jorgen a representative of local congressman at our walkathon, who was able to hand out the medals to the winners and recognized our organization for hosting this walkathon. As we look back on the journey that led us here, we are filled with a sense of pride and gratitude. The youth-led walkathon was not just a one-time event; it was a testament to the power of collective action and the potential of young leaders to raise awareness towards a meaningful cause.  Receiving recognition for our organization's efforts in hosting the walkathon is truly humbling. It highlights the collective commitment of our team and supporters towards fostering community engagement and promoting awareness for the cause. This acknowledgment serves as a reminder of the impact we can make when we come together with passion and purpose.

Hello everyone I'm Nishanth Kotapati the President of VT Seva in Forsyth Central High School, I am pleased to announce that we have established a new chapter of VT Seva. The process of setting up the club was not without its challenges, however. We had to navigate through multiple emails and conversations to find a suitable teacher sponsor, and then faced the even greater challenge of getting the administration team on board. Despite these obstacles, our team persisted, and we were eventually able to establish the club. I am proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to making a positive impact in our community through our involvement with VT Seva. We had been trying to establish this club since the beginning of the school year, and we are thrilled that our efforts have finally paid off. Within two months of establishing the new chapter of VT Seva, we are already seeking new members to join us. We are excited to start having meetings and working towards achieving even greater success in our community.- FCHS VT Seva

Hello, I am Shreyas Paladi, president of Desana Middle School VT Seva club. VT Seva is an organization that helps people in need. We are happy to let you all know we have just started this club! It started by talking to my teacher like I do everyday in class. Then we had to collaborate between the vice principal, Madhu aunty, and Ms.Weis to make this happen, and we finally pulled through! Thanks to school authorities and VT Seva leaders Madhu Aunty and Harsh Gulati. I also want to thank our team member Samvar Jain. Now the next step is to get more people to join us and we will have great meetings and have more people help the world, it is going to be a blast. -The Desana Middle School VT Seva club

By: Sriteja Kataru, Co-President, VT Seva Bay Area. "In a world where mental health is often overlooked, every step towards awareness and understanding is a stride towards a more compassionate and resilient society." On a beautiful weekend at Lake Elizabeth in Fremont, California, VT Seva organized its 3rd Mental Health Awareness Walkathon, which turned out to be a resounding success. The event brought together a diverse group of around 175 enthusiastic participants, ranging from energetic 5-year-old children to spirited 70-year-old grandparents, all united in their commitment to promoting mental health awareness. The tranquil waters of Lake Elizabeth provided a perfect backdrop for the walkathon, with temperate weather and clear skies adding to the event's charm. At 9 am sharp, the walkathon kicked off with a bang, as participants joined in a 10-minute energetic warm-up session led by the dynamic instructor Chakri, moving to the beats of lively Bollywood songs. The participants competed in three categories: Adult Men, Adult Women, and teens, each determined to win medals and showcase their dedication to the cause. As they walked along the picturesque trails surrounding the lake, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of camaraderie, purpose, and a shared commitment to promoting mental well-being. After the walkathon, participants gathered in the lakeside picnic area to listen to expert speakers. The first speaker was Dr. Reena Trivedi, MD, a renowned child and adolescent psychiatrist. Dr. Trivedi, a leading voice in pediatric mental wellness, shared practical advice for teenagers and parents, focusing on early warning signs of anxiety, developing resilience to deal with setbacks, and everyday practices to create a mentally healthy home environment. Following Dr. Trivedi's insightful talk, Ashwini Surpur, a yoga therapist and the Executive Director of Yoga Bharati Academy, took the stage. Ashwini's talk perfectly complemented Dr. Trivedi's, as she discussed how yoga therapy can be an effective antidote to anxiety and depression. Drawing from Lisa Miller's book "The Spiritual Child," Ashwini shared cutting-edge research and anecdotal evidence to illustrate the invaluable role of spirituality in a child's mental and physical health. She provided parents with concrete ways to develop and encourage their children's and their own well-being. Our VT Seva branch director, Archana Bindu, presented plaques and gift bags to the speakers as a gesture of gratitude for their valuable contributions to the event.  The success of the walkathon is a nod to the dedication and leadership of the VT Seva Youth Leaders who meticulously planned and executed the event. Parth and I, the two co-presidents, served as the MCs and cheerleaders, motivating and encouraging the walkathon participants throughout the event. Thanisha Kapur and Nidhi Parthasarathy played crucial roles in overseeing the setup and introducing the esteemed speakers. The concluding ceremony was a joyous affair, with CA Assemblyman Alex Lee’s rep Matthew Jorgens distributing medals to the walkathon winners amidst a jubilant crowd, their mood elevated by the 4.2-mile walkathon. The event not only raised awareness about mental health but also succeeded in raising more than $6,000. These funds will support the well-being of over 20 underprivileged children for an entire year, making a significant impact on their lives and the community as a whole. VT Seva's 3rd Mental Health Awareness Walkathon not only brought the local community together but also provided a platform for experts to share valuable insights and strategies for promoting mental well-being. The event's success serves as a testament to the power of community engagement and the importance of addressing mental health issues head-on. As participants left Lake Elizabeth that day, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose, a stronger connection to their community, and the knowledge that their efforts had made a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Finally, as a cherry on the top, Mr. Jorgens presented VT Seva Bay Area with a Certificate of Recognition from the California State Assembly, commending the dedicated efforts in organizing the annual walkathon to raise awareness about mental health and VT Seva’s work empowering people to serve their community.

2024 April April Cool 2024 Kick off is here again with with more than 60 youths signed up to participate in this amazing journey of sowing, growing, caring, and selling the plant seedlings to support the education of blind / visually challenged Netra Vidyalaya students of Bharath. Let’s make April 2024 the best April Cooooool ever so far ✌️✌️ Atlanta VT Seva youths are enthusiastically participating in April Cool Seedling project. More than 40 youths are nurturing the plants and learning the science and the art of plant care, soil health, and nutritive values of various vegetable, fruits, and herbs. Our first plant sale will be in front of Patel Brothers on April 20 & 21st, 2024. 2023 May April Round 1 Atlanta VT Seva April cool plant project was a grand success for the third year in a row. Vt seva youth successfully raised funds for the education of blind children/visually challenged children in India. The sale event took place in front of the Indian grocery store, Patel Brothers on 15th and 16th April from 10am to 2pm. Around 60 VT youth volunteers and 40 adult volunteers participated. Youth explained the cause and sold various vegetable saplings, herbs, fruits, flower plants and seeds to the customers. The vegetable saplings were grown by the youth for 4-6 weeks.The vegetable saplings included tomato, eggplant, peppers, gourds (bottle, ridge, bitter, and snake) green chillies, cucumber, zucchini, chikkudu/papdi beans, long beans, ash gourd, chukka kura, dosakaya, and bathua etc. Fruit plants like strawberry and blackberry were sold. Different kinds of herbs like ajwain, mint, curryleaf, lemon grass, betel leaf, tulsi and basil were sold by the youth. Flower plants like canna lillies, hybiscus, other lillies, and chrysanthemums were also sold. Youth also sold some ornamental plants like pothos, monstera and tradescantia. Some vegetable seeds were sold in this sale event too. Several sponsors came forward and donated this year. It was really exciting to see community actively participate in this event and donate for the cause, raising money for the education of visually challenged/blind children in India. 2022 ROUND 1 April Cool Plant and Pot Sale on 23rd, 24th 2022 The best time to plant a tree was 10 years ago. The second-best time to plant is today! Atlanta VT Seva youth believed in the second option and did exemplary work by planting more than 1000 plants under APRIL COOL 2022 initiative. More than 50 Atlanta youths and adults were involved in APRIL COOL 2022 project in which they sew more than 1000 plus seeds of various vegetables, fruits, and herbs in the month of March. They planted a variety of veggies, fruits, and herbs. Their plant list shows their commitment to service and their enthusiasm to support Mother Nature. They sew various seeds such as Cherry Tomato, Plumb Tomato, Regular Tomato, Eggplant Back Beauty, Kale, Malabar Spinach, Sweet Basil, Green Bell Peppers, Lettuce, Chikkudu Green, Chikkudu Purple, Bottle gourd, Long Beans, Ridge Gourd, Bitter Gourd, Dosakaya, Wax Gourd, Luffa Sponge Gourd, Curry leaf, Lemongrass, Pothos, Snake Plant, Ajwain, Chrysanthemum Yellow, Spider Plants, Brahmakamalam, India Kanakambaram, Rose, Strawberry, Daisy, Cucumber, Sastra Daisy, Chemanthi. Yellow one, Sudan Pink, Mint, Marigold, Strawberry, Batua, Tindora, and many more types of plants. Atlanta youths’ energy, synergy, and enthusiasm was outstanding in sowing the seeds, watering it every day, taking plants out for sunlight, and nurturing it well with care and love. They exhibited the empathy in several ways and donated $4000 proceeds for the education of the blind / visually challenged children of Nethra Vidyalaya. In the words of George Washington, ‘True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity, before it is entitled to the appellation”. Atlanta youths are committed to build true relationship with Mother Nature by planting more and nurturing it well through adverse conditions with love, care, and empathy. ROUND 2 VT seva youth had a successful second round plant sale for raising funds for education of blind children/visually challenged children in India. The sale event took place in front of Patel Brothers on 21st and 22nd May 2022 from 10am to 2pm. Around 25 youth volunteers and 15 adult volunteers participated. Various vegetable saplings, herbs and flower plants were sold. The vegetable saplings were grown by the youth for 4-6 weeks.The vegetable saplings included tomato, eggplant, different types of chillies, peppers, tomatillos, cucumber, zucchini, bottlegourd, ridge gourd, snake gourd, bitter gourd, chikkudu/papdi beans, long beans etc. Different kinds of herbs like ajwain, mint, basil and chocolate mint were also sold. Flower plants like canna lillies, hybiscus, rose, lillies, chrysanthemums, and marigold were also sold. Some house plants like pothos and crotons were sold. Youth also sold other plants like banana, curryleaf, lemon grass, betel leaf, tulsi and other ornamental plants. It was a huge success. We raised $6000 from the plant sale and It is evident from the community response that people are generous and willing to be part of this wonderful cause of education of blind kids/visually challenged in India.

Atlanta youths and ladies learned Self Defense techniques on March 30, 2024. We learned realistic, practical, and effective ways to defend ourself and think clearly in very intense situations. It is about gaining the confidence to better control situations that might otherwise be completely outside of our control. We also learned how to attack if need arises. Total 40 youths and ladies participated in this workshop. Safeguarding ourself from potential dangers is not a luxury, but an essential skill in 21st century!

Atlanta VT Seva Team has launched a STEM Program for the Atlanta youths in which youths will come forward and ideate, research, & create prototypes in the field of science, engineering, technology, and mathematics. STEM program will ignite scientific temper and critical thinking in our youths! Atlanta VT Seva Team has launched a STEM Program on Feb 4, 2024 for the Atlanta youths in which youths will come forward and ideate, research, & create prototypes in the field of science, engineering, technology, and mathematics. STEM program will ignite scientific temper and critical thinking in our youths! It’s a year-round program in which we will connect 15 times a year to build STEM prototypes with the help of industry experts. In this project, youth will ideate & implement STEM projects. We want to build & implement projects in the areas of Science, Technology, and Engineering. Selected youths will participate in the Atlanta Science Festival in March 2024. Registration per student is $75 for year-long - 15 sessions in 2024 . Register by Feb 10th, 2024 , and participate in the Atlanta Science Festival in March 2024! Please register for this program, after reviewing the Code of Conduct & Waiver and Release of Liability in the above form. Registration will be complete when a parent signs the waiver and release of liability in the registration form VT Seva at the Science Festival in Georgia Tech Empowering our youths in this technological world is crucial to build Next Gen Leaders for VT Seva. At Atlanta VT Seva STEM program our goal is to integrate digital literacy and robotics to provide measurable outcomes in math, science, engineering, and technology. By emphasizing on cognitive and social skills which is required to thrive in the 21st century. Young VT Seva learners will brainstorm and build prototypes to solve problems, face challenges with flexibility, and handle change. Our first project is to take Atlanta youths to the ‘Atlanta Science Festival’ at GA Tech to have hands-on learning in STEM field. On March 9, 2024, they learned about aerospace, chemical, mechanical, bio-molecular, bio-tech, sustainable design and much more. This is our pilot project with 30 youth participants. Overall, it’s a very successful start to our STEM project and young inquisitive minds enjoyed visiting GA Tech and exploring plethora of options for their college journey!

“Communication works for those who work at it.” John Powell. VT Seva Detroit conducted the 7th Annual Public Speaking Workshop marked a significant milestone in the journey of empowering individuals to articulate their ideas with confidence and conviction. Hosted by Mr. Raju Brahmandhabheri, the expert Toastmaster and founder of Speaking Masters LLC ., who continuously support Nethra Vidyalaya students’ education through VT Seva Detroit. On Mar 2, 2024, Online workshop has been conducted by Mr. Raju, students from different states were participated. A great interactive session with the youths. Participated students learned the techniques in delivering a good speech and presented their speech in the Farmington Hills Library on Mar 9, 2024 and received feedback from Mr. Raju. Thanks to our youth volunteers Adhip, Yathi & Kaustubh for giving a speech about VT Seva pillars to the participants and their families. Without volunteers, no event is possible, we would like to thank Ms. Priya Jaisankar, Mr. Srinath Babu Karnati, Ms. Architha Kramadhati, Mr. Sudheer Koppu, Mr. Suresh Rajan, Ms. Vanitha Gopalan, Ms. Asha Puranam and Mr. Jaisankar Kannan. VT Seva Detroit thank Mr. Chandrasekar for his continuous support and sponsoring the Public Speaking Workshop. It was one another successful public speaking workshop with the support of participants, parents, volunteers, sponsors and Speaking Master LLC. For more pictures, click here https://photos.app.goo.gl/NGg8zeTEQ6S78uRt8 Blog written by: Ms. Priya Jaisankar Blog Published by: Ms. Nandini Cheemalamarri

The National Women’s History Month’s theme for 2024 celebrates “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” The theme recognizes women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future. "Inspirational women have shaped our world." More than half of the VT Seva team members are women, and these women serve in various roles helping to fulfill our mission of being compassionate leaders and serving our communities.   VT Seva is recognizing women serving across the branches in honor of Women's History Month. We hope you enjoy watching the video & their messages to know how some of our women leaders advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Happy Women's History Month to all the great women in the world! Dr. Aparna Tamirisa, VT Seva Vice President of Education & VT Seva Houston Director At VT Seva, we support equality, diversity, and inclusion by inviting ideas and collaboration to do better work. In supporting the American Heart Association and promoting National Wear Red Day, we are part of the movement for health equity in the realm of cardiovascular disease. In working with the Houston Council of the Blind, we support equity of opportunity and inclusiveness for the visually challenged in our community. Arathi, VT Seattle Communication Lead As VT Seva Seattle Secretary, I dive into youth initiatives and push for equity, diversity, and inclusion. Keeping the community in the loop through good communication (newsletters, blog posts, etc), I'm all about creating an inclusive, vibrant, and empowered future. Archana Bindu, VT Seva Bay Area Director I've helped create a more diverse and inclusive environment within our organization and a just environment where everyone's contributions are valued and respected. Archana Korlimarla, VT Seva Virginia Communication Lead Worked with youths to conduct free STEM programs and collected funds to provide free education for the underprivileged. Arthima, VT Seva Bay Area Secretary & Youth Director I have actively promoted equity, diversity, and inclusion by fostering an environment where all youth leads and volunteers feel seen, heard, and appreciated. By embracing diverse perspectives and championing equal opportunities, our volunteer efforts have contributed to creating a more inclusive community. Together, we've worked towards breaking down barriers and building a space where everyone's unique strengths are recognized and valued. Gayathri Makhija, VT Seva North New Jersey Communication Lead I made an impact by being kind, helpful, and supportive to my family members Friends, and colleagues! Harika Parvathareddy, VT Seva Atlanta Communication Lead I’ve led an organization that advocates diversity and inclusion during my university, we a group of woman engineers have created various events that teach young children from all races about the importance of STEM and education for equality. This foundational thinking has instilled the same ideology in me that VT Seva holds, especially in our events. Some diversity events I’ve been part of are, feeding the homeless, essential worker appreciation, and letters to less fortunate high school seniors. Kalyani Sanka, VT Seva Cary Director I advocate equity, diversity, and inclusion through varied volunteer activities. By engaging in diverse initiatives, we cultivate empathy, bridge communities, and amplify voices often unheard, fostering a more inclusive society Madhavi Donepudi, VT Seva Boston Director Being aware of diversity and respecting cultural values helps in a collaborative environment. Dr. Madhu Nemani, VT Seva Atlanta Director Atlanta VT Seva team welcomes all volunteers from various ethnic backgrounds to join volunteer work, provide equal opportunities to all, listen to their ideas, collaborate, and recognize their efforts. We have 11 VT Seva Youth Clubs in schools that are promoting this doctrine. Nanda Madadi, VT Seva Columbus Director By trying to include people who come forward to volunteer and treat them equally regardless of their background, like to include pick organizations regardless of the race or gender they cater to. Pranuti Kalidindi, VT Seva National Youth Director I encourage girls from a young age to strive for leadership roles and make their voices heard. I empower them to succeed by advocating for equity across all our youth leadership teams both locally and nationally. Priya Jaisankar, VT SevaNational Joint Secretary of Communication & VT Seva Detroit Outreach Coordinator Promotes VT Seva’s Mission & Vision by sharing all the accomplishments of our volunteers & students. Encourages high school clubs to include members from diverse backgrounds and create a more inclusive environment for youths to engage in community service to create an equitable community. Radha Chilkur, VT Seva Houston Communication Lead As a communications lead, I have encouraged various people to participate in the Vt Seva activities. Radhika Palukuri, VT Seva Charlotte Communication Lead My impact in advocating for equity, diversity, and inclusion lies in providing diverse perspectives, addressing bias, supporting accessibility, and encouraging learning and growth among youth volunteers. Through these efforts, I strive to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society. Ramya Popuri, VT Seva Minneapolis Communication Lead I promote open dialogue within our organization and consistently advocate for transparency and empathy. By encouraging respect among members, I create an environment where everyone feels welcome and safe to share their diverse ideas. Santhi Kanumuri, VT Seva National Secretary As a woman in leadership, I actively champion women’s empowerment, inclusivity, and equity. This commitment has been demonstrated through workshops, mentoring sessions, and concerted efforts to dismantle societal stereotypes. I emphasize collaborative approaches, showcasing how women can effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and excel as negotiators. Satya, VT Seva Cary Communication Lead Treating everyone with respect listening to their ideas and valuing their contribution. S obana Vasudevan, VT Seva Maryland Director VT Seva MD Team built a diversified volunteer group and as a Branch Director, I made sure to recognize, respect, and value different perspectives in our team. I have also made sure to provide equal opportunities to everyone and protect all our volunteers from being discriminated against. While working with our volunteers, I made sure to listen to each volunteer about their ideas and implement them wherever its possible. I am so proud of our volunteers' team and taking this quick moment to appreciate all our volunteers who roll up their sleeves, and participate in all our events with an empathic heart. EAST or WEST, VT Seva is the BEST!! Sridevi Ranga, VT Seva Chicago Director I've made a meaningful difference by championing fairness, diversity, and inclusivity. By planning volunteer events, I've opened doors for kids of various economic and cultural backgrounds, nurturing an environment where every voice is embraced, honored, and appreciated. Srivani T Kandalam, VT Seva Minneapolis Director As a director of Data and engineering at work, I lead a diverse team of folks from China, Turkey, Nepal, India, and America and I have to be fair and constructive with the feedback I share with my team. I have a diverse team, of folks from China, Turkey, Nepal, India, America, and Somalia we can deliver engineering excellence. Even in my volunteering experience, I meet volunteers and donors from diverse backgrounds and we all work towards a universal cause of making the world a better place! Sruthi Ranga, VT Seva Chicago Communication Lead In an English class project, I delivered a speech and wrote against banning books, showing how it silences diverse voices, aiming to create a school where everyone’s story is valued. Swetha Panuganti, VT Seva North New Jersey Director Encourage friends and youth volunteers to raise awareness about VT Seva. Lead efforts to establish a welcoming atmosphere, enabling all members to freely express their thoughts without fear of judgment. Acknowledge and appreciate the diverse contributions of everyone involved in the cause. Uma Rudraraju, VT Seva Austin Director Encouraging school clubs and enabling them to work with other diversifying clubs in schools. We have two schools with diversifying club members. Vanitha Gopalan, VT Seva National Joint Secretary of Special Program & VT Seva Detroit Volunteer Coordinator  Championed appreciation events for Police Officers/Firefighters; Food drives & Fundraising events to help Detroit food pantries; the homeless & VT Seva causes.Conducted various activities at 35+ organizations in Detroit to help their needs & Foster inclusive & supportive communities from diverse backgrounds.

In the ever-evolving landscape of community service, VT Seva Detroit has stood as a beacon of hope and empowerment. Over the past year, we have embarked on a journey filled with dedication, compassion, and relentless determination to make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. Through our collective efforts and unwavering commitment, we have forged lasting connections within our communities. Thanks to our team of volunteers & supporters who participated in the events and made a significant difference in the local neighborhoods and the lives of Nethra Vidyalaya and Jeeyar Gurukulam students in India.

Dear Walkathon Participants,    VT Seva Bay Area is excited to host the Annual Mental Health Awareness Walkathon event and looks forward to seeing you all. Please see the instructions below and reach out for any clarifications. Location: Lake Elizabeth Park, Sailway Dr  Near 40000 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont, CA 94538 Check-in starts at 8:30 AM at Sailway Dr. Picnic Area C Walk/Run to begin between 9 AM to 9.15 AM Please show proof of email confirmation either as a printed copy or through mobile phone to receive the T-shirt/Jersey at the time of registration. Location Details Plenty of parking available on Sailway Dr at 8.30 AM Restrooms available inside the park Map of the park is available here  Please bring a water bottle to keep yourself  hydrated Dress in layers, it's going to be a chilly start but it is warming up gradually Look for the balloon arch or Picnic Area C on the left of Sailway Dr People coming from Eastbay please check I-680 closure details and plan accordingly  Lake Elizabeth trail is fairly flat, even ground. One loop around the lake takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, 2 loops to complete 5k.  We will give first, second, and third place medals to adults and youth who complete 5K the fastest. Medals will be given out at the end of the event after our guest speakers have concluded their presentations and to be eligible for the medal, participants must be present at the start of the race.  Every step matters! The VT Seva Mental Health and Wellbeing Walkathon is more than just an exercise. Your participation directly supports education for underprivileged and visually challenged kids, creating brighter futures. Thank you for walking together for a powerful cause! If you have questions, please reach out to us - Arthima Ronda - bayarea.secretary@vtsworld.org Archana Bindu - bayarea.director@vtsworld.org