https://www.vtsworld.org/specialoccassion June 29th 2024 June 27th 2024 June 26th 2024 January 23rd 2024 Birthday occasion at Netra Vidhyalaya Sponsored by Madhuji January 1st 2024 Krishna Guntaka and Atlanta team has donated $500 for all Nethra students on Jan 1, 2024. With generous contribution, all Nethra Vidyalaya students and tribal students of India were provided 3 meals on Jan 1st- breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This generosity is a beacon of hope for the young minds, empowering them to focus on their studies and dream of a brighter future. Here’s the link https://www.vtsworld.org/specialoccassion

VT Seva Summer Robotics Camp July 22nd - July 26th, 2024 Join us for an exciting 5-day Summer Robotics Camp by VT Seva Houston.  It is designed for children entering grades 4-7. The camp will run from July 22nd to July 26th, from 8 to 11 am each day for grades 6-7 and from 1-2 pm for grades 4-5. Campers will work together and dive into the world of robotics through hands-on activities and interactive learning.  All proceeds will be donated to Kids Meal of Houston. Pl ease make sure to review the waiver form listed above, before clicking here to enroll in the VT Seva Houston Robotics Camp:

VT Seva is organizing a soccer tournament, on June 29th, 2024 from 10:00 AM  in Total Sports Novi East. Proceeds from this tournament will go to schools in India for visually challenged children. VT Seva supports Schools for the visually challenged in India such as Nethra Vidyalaya . These schools provide higher education to visually challenged students and enable them to be independent and compete with other students. VT Seva Detroit is conducting its 5th Annual Soccer Tournament this summer. All the proceeds go to VT Seva supported Schools for the Blind   Date:     June 29th, 2024 from 10:00 AM EST Venue: Total Sports Novi EAST  41550 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI 48375  Thank you for supporting the VT Seva causes! Registrations for the 2024 Soccer Tournament are now closed. We will see you at the event on June 29th, 2024.  Three different age groups to play in: ¨      Group 1 : Age 6 yrs. to 9 yrs. ¨      Group 2 : Age 10 yrs. to 12 yrs. ¨      Group 3 : Age 13 yrs. and above Come join us and play for the cause!   VTSEVA SOCCER TOURNAMENT LIABILITY WAIVER FORM   Participant Waiver & Liability Agreement   I understand that there are risks associated with playing all sports and field related activities. In consideration for the privilege to use the Novi Total Sports facility and/or attend the VT SEVA Soccer tournament, my participation indicates that I assume the risk of any injuries that myself or my children/wards may sustain while participating in any VT SEVA organized sports activity and for any injuries which myself or my children/wards may sustain while on the premises of Total Sports, Novi. I assure that I am, or my child is physically and mentally able to participate in physical activities and have been examined by a licensed medical physician within one (1) year prior to attending this clinic/camp.   By registering for the tournament, I am signing this Waiver and Liability Agreement. I acknowledge that I HAVE READ AND FULLY UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO ALL OF ITS TERMS AND CONDITIONS INCLUDING PERMISION TO TREAT AGREEMENT. I further state that I have executed this waiver and liability voluntarily and with full knowledge of its significance to be binding on my, my heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns.     ___ Signature assumed automatically if you register _______ Participant’s Signature (Parent/Guardian if under 18)

2024 VT Seva Atlanta 1st Alumni Meet is organized on May 19, 2024 by youth leaders to bridge the gaps between Middle School, High School, and College students and build meaningful relationships. All 11 VT Seva youth club members presented their inspirational stories, activities, challenges, and how they overcome their challenges, and converted threats to opportunities. College students shared their college selection process, experiences and how they balance studies, co-curricular activities and pursue their dreams. VT Seva Atlanta 1st Alumni Meet was a big success in terms of breaking barriers between Middle, Highschool, and College students. It’s a very inspiring event and many youth came forward to start a youth club in their schools and bring a positive impact on the community!

2024 PVSA and Police Appreciation The Atlanta VT Seva Team, led by Dr. Madhu Nemani, organized the 2024 Presidential Award Ceremony and Police Appreciation event on May 18th, 2024. In this ceremony, 67 Atlanta VT Seva youth volunteers received Gold, Silver, or Bronze Awards for their service. These awards were presented by distinguished chief guests: Police chief Mark Mitchell, sergeant Dimitri Caldwell, corporal Charles Kistler, officer Richard Gray, officer Rob Hall, officer Ann Briggs, officer John Jennings, and GA state representative Todd Jones. These volunteers were recognized for their hard work and commitment towards serving the community. Many of the volunteers pushed themselves to dedicate time to volunteer despite the workload of school, sports, music, and more. These 67 youth VT seva volunteers are great examples of how there is always time to help the community. For Police Appreciation week (May 12 to May 18), Dr. Nemani gave a speech saying that the Atlanta VT Seva Team appreciates the selfless service of our Police officers and as a token of appreciation, gave them gift cards along with Thank you cards made by Atlanta youth volunteers. More than 150 people were present in this successful event to support the VT Seva youth volunteers. This included friends, family, and the parents, who encouraged their children to volunteer throughout the year. So, the parents were also appreciated, as without them, this event would not have been possible. At the end of the event, chief guests police chief Mark Mitchell and sergeant Dimitri Caldwell spoke about the value that the police department places in selfless service and how they saw that in the volunteers as well. Chief guest GA state representative Todd Jones gave a moving speech about the importance of helping the community, asking “If you left your community right now, would they notice?” This is just a beginning…Atlanta VT Seva team is building great relationships with the Johns Creek Police officers and the GA state representative, Todd Jones. They have invited us to the GA State Capitol building to discuss collaborative projects in Atlanta. Overall, it’s a great inspirational cum rewarding event, a memorable one with a message for all - Each day you have a choice - To do or not to do one or more deeds for the good of others. You always have a Choice, Always! Atlanta Police Appreciation for Thanksgiving 2023 VT Seva Atlanta appreciates the selfless services of the Police officers on 2023 Thanksgiving - Highlights of today’s event on Nov 18th, 2023 - 1. Tour of the Police Dept 2. Interactive session with the police officers to learn & understand defensive driving, ticket handling, dos and don’ts of driving, how to handle citations, police encounters etc 3. Thank you cards and appreciation lunch for the police officers. Police officers were highly appreciative of the VT Seva services and announced that Johns Creek Police Department will organize a ‘Young Driver Workshop’ soon for the VT Seva youths to provide hands-on training to them. Overall, it was a grafting event for us to thank our front-line hero’s to keep our community & country safe! Where and When : Johns Creek City Council Building May 20th 2023 Time : 1:00 - 3:00PM EST Event Agenda : Welcome Tour of the Facility Interaction with the City Council Leaders & Police Officers PVSA Certificate Distribution Vote of Thanks Our 2023 PVSA Event VT Seva Atlanta celebrates National Police Week & pay tribute to the brave men & women in duty to keep our communities and families safe. Police Chief, Mark Mitchell, Sergeant Dimitri Caldwell, Sergeant Colin Belisle, Officer Dominique, Officer Jennis, Officer Hall, and Officer Gray attended the ceremony today. Also, Erin Elwood and Dilip Tunki, Johns Creek City Councilwoman and Councilman attended the function. They rendered PVSA Awards to our 37 Atlanta youths and were highly impressed with the service attitude & service projects of Atlanta VT Seva youths. We have built partnerships with the Johns Creek Police department and Johns Creek City Council members and soon will be launching collaborative projects with them. Atlanta VT Seva held PVSA Award Ceremony and Police appreciation event along with City council meet at Johns Creek City Council building on May 20, 2023. Dr. Madhu Nemani delivered the welcome note, appreciating the youths, police officers, volunteers and went over the initiative and projects done by the Atlanta youths. A beautiful and well-prepared video by our youth Nikhila was played to the audience which showcased all the great work out Atlanta youth has done during the year. All the Cards prepared by our youths for the police officers were also on display at the event. Council members, Police Sergeant and Dr. Madhu Nemani discussed some projects that will provide an opportunity for our youths to do more for the community. Further, Sergeant Dimitri Police gave the tour of gave a tour of Johns Creek Police Department and youths had the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about Johns Creek police department. It was also discussed to provide an opportunity for the other youths to have such tours to gain insight into the police officers day to day work. The event was concluded by thanking all the Police officers, city council members and volunteers for taking their valuable time out of their busy schedule to be present and making the event successful. Police officers were provided with Yummy Pizza and refreshments as a token of appreciation for their dedication and commitment in serving the community. We are very proud of 37 youths and 1 adult volunteer who were recognized for their contribution in serving the community during the year 2022 with Gold, Silver and Bronze Presidential Volunteer Service Awards. These awards were presented by the Police officers and Council members and each awardee also received a water bottle from the Police officers. Our 2022 PVSA Event VT Seva Atlanta was proud to organize a ‘Police Appreciation cum Award Ceremony’ at City Hall on May 12th, 2022, at Johns Creek City Hall. This event was organized in collaboration with Johns Creek Police Department (JCPD). During this event, our VT youths of Atlanta were graced with the presence of Sergeant Seymour and Officer Wear, as well as several other police officials that night, allowing our students to directly thank their heroes with homemade cards during the National Police Appreciation Week. The program started with a Welcome Note by Dr. Madhu Nemani, VT SEVA Atlanta Director and later a video was played exhibiting and highlighting the initiatives and activities performed by VT SEVA youths in year 2021 & 2022 which comprises of Mask Making for the Special Needs Kids of the Laurel Heights Hospital, Eco-friendly April Cool Seedling project, Feed the Needy though Meals By Grace program, and serving the underprivileged by participating in American Kidney Services and American Heart Walk, VT SEVA Youth Club in Lambert Highschool, Summer Camp program, Card Making for Nethra School Kids and SUBHA Annual Event. All the police officers were fascinated at the hard work, dedication, and diligence shown by the youths and adults of VT Seva Atlanta. U.S. Peace Officers Memorial Day falls on May 15 each year to pay tribute to the brave local, state, and federal peace officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Our police appreciation event was organized on May 12th which is during the National police appreciation week. Our VT youths gave ‘Thank You’ cards to the police heroes for appreciating their hard work in protecting our communities 24/7. In addition to this, 33 youths and 2 adult volunteers were recognized for their great service to the community in year 2021 with Gold and Bronze Presidential Volunteer Service Awards, which were presented to the nominees by Sergeant Seymour and Office Wear of Johns Creek police department. There were 35 Presidential Awardees which are listed below: Abhinav Adigopula, Abhiram Chilakamari, Abhiram Nalla, Adithya Karthik Upadhyayula, Aditya Thatavarty, Akshaj Nalla, Ameya Agnihotri, Anshi Rudraraju, Charishma Bijum, Dharanija Peram, Jayaditya Abbireddy, Naimisha Kodali, Nikhila Mannepalli, Omkar Konkimalla, Pranuti Kothapalli, Pranav Arkatala, Pranav Mocherla, Pranav Vempati, Rikhil Sai Duvvuri, Rishi Narendran, Rishi Vempati, Ritika Vemulapalli, Samved Gazzala, Shivangi Panda, Shreyas Medicherla, Shriya Yadavalli, Siri Arkatala, Sreeja Sappati, Srimayi Kukkadapu, Srivanth Magham, Sriya Gourisetti, Sujay Reddy, Trisha Vemulapalli, Dr, Madhu Nemani and Madhavi Kodali The students were honored by all the JCPD members present and thanked for their service to the community. Later, a tour was given of Johns Creek Police Headquarters and youths had the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about Johns Creek police department. At the end of the event, VT Seva Atlanta thanked police officers and provided wonderful dinner as a token of appreciation of their hard work and service to the community.

A Heartwarming Bake Sale Story (Homemade Goodies for Our Peers’ Education) Hello, everyone! My name is Abisrishti Ram . I am a youth volunteer of VT SEVA Detroit Youth Board, and I’m thrilled to share an inspiring story with you. On October 28th, 2023, I organized a bake sale with a purpose to raise funds and donate for the education of children at NethraVidhyala School supported by VT SEVA. Let me take you through this heartwarming journey. The Motivation VT SEVA  supported NethraVidhyala school students’ remarkable achievements deeply impressed me. Their determination and resilience inspired me to take action. I firmly believe that education should be accessible to all, regardless of their circumstances. With this conviction, I embarked on a mission to make a difference. Baking with Purpose Having baked countless treats for my family and friends, I decided to channel my passion into something meaningful. I set my sights on sponsoring the education of at least one student, which required raising $365 . The Power of Teamwork Knowing that I couldn’t achieve this goal alone, I rallied my friends (Shruthi and Kirupali) . Together, we formed a team of enthusiastic bakers and salespeople. Our shared commitment fueled our efforts. Crafting Vegan Delights Recognizing the growing interest in vegan options, I spent a week experimenting with various vegan cookie recipes. Once I perfected them, I documented the recipes—essential for transparency regarding ingredients and potential allergies. Our menu featured sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies, and pumpkin spice cookies (courtesy of my talented friend). Preparation and Setup The day before the bake sale, I diligently prepared the cookie dough, allowing it to chill for optimal flavor. On the big day, we set up a charming table outside my garage. Each baked item came with its recipe, prominently displayed for visitors to see. We wanted everyone to feel confident about their choices, especially those with dietary restrictions. Sales and Outreach Sales started slowly in the morning, but as the day progressed, our efforts paid off. Undeterred, we hit the streets, distributing bake sale flyers door-to-door. Along the way, we honed our sales skills and learned valuable lessons about customer service. Not everyone was friendly, but we remained focused on our mission. The Irresistible Selling Point Our secret weapon? The tagline: “Homemade Goodies for Our Peers’ Education!”  This simple phrase resonated with our community, emphasizing the dual purpose of our bake sale. Triumph and Impact By day’s end, we had surpassed our initial goal. Together, we raised over $750 , enough to sponsor the education of two children at NethraVidalya . The joy and fulfillment we felt were immeasurable. This experience has left an indelible mark on my heart, and I’m committed to making it an annual tradition. A Call to Action As I reflect on this journey, I encourage everyone to use their abilities to uplift others. Let’s create a world where education knows no barriers. 🌟 Blog written by: Abisrishti Ram Blog Published by: Nandini Cheemalamarri

VT SEVA SEMI-CLASSICAL AND LIGHT MUSIC WORKSHOP July 8th - July 12th, 2024 Dates: July 8th to July 12th. The l ast day  to register is JULY 5th, 2024.   There will be two  sessions each day: - Session 1: 10:00 am CST to 11:00 am CST for 5 -10 years  - Session 2: 11:00 am CST to 12:00 pm CST for 10 years and above   This is an online camp on Zoom. All song recordings and lyrics/notations will be provided. More details will be sent out as we near the camp date.   At the end of the workshop, we will have a performance in Ashtalakshmi Temple on July 27. More details will be sent out near the performance date.   The camp admission fee is $50.   For any questions, please message 408-592-0096, or email himaponnapalli@yahoo.com . Please make sure to review the waiver form listed above, before clicking here to enroll in the VT Seva Houston Workshop:

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.