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Empathy. Giving. Community Service. These form VT Seva’s triumvirate set of values that represent VT Seva’s mission and intent. It is these values that underpin our every effort and outreach. These very values are the cornerstone of every activity, event and program for VT Seva. It is all about service. And this commitment to service is fueled by something so pure, uplifting and motivating - inspiration. The inspiration to serve. And to make a difference. VT Seva’s youth and volunteers are incessantly motivated and inspired to bring their best, to make a difference in people’s lives and to serve our community. This is what brings out the best in each and every one of us. But how do we stay inspired? How do we ensure that our volunteers are constantly reinvigorated every morning to continue giving back to the community? With Tarangini, our annual cultural event, our volunteers and youth get to explore and learn about different parts of VT Seva and their importance. This event blends in all the different themes and values our organization stands for. VT Seva Dallas’s 13th Tarangini was held on March 20th, 2022. Our motto for Tarangini is “One act of kindness can cause a ripple effect.” Tarangini was led by a group of young and passionate emcees, including Arnav Senapathi, Shreyas Vishwanathan, Ronav Aviur, Rujutha Thakurdesai, Utham Koduri, Shriya Senapathi, and Ananya Ganni. The team’s goals for this year include the education of 200 underprivileged students from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, India, to sponsor accessible equipment and training for 100 visually challenged students pursuing higher education in New Delhi, India, and to support the Anganwadi Center infrastructure in Narayanpet, Telangana. This year, our 13th Tarangini, we had multiple motivational skits and drama, irenic songs, speeches from accomplished and inspirational speakers as well as dances that traversed through India, all performed by our young volunteers. We had speeches from accomplished and inspirational speakers with Mr Kanthi Rana Tata, the Commissioner of Police(Vijayawada, AP, India) as the Chief Guest, Mrs Harichandana Dasari, the IAS Collector(Narayanpet, Telangana, India) as the Keynote Speaker and Mr David Schilson, the Chief of Police(Frisco, Texas, USA). All three of them appreciated VT Seva youth for the services rendered to the community and encouraged us with the new opportunities to expand our services with commitment. Although Tarangini this year was a virtual event, it was a resounding success, with participation from over one hundred and twenty families watching the entire event. Here are the program events: - Welcome song by youth board member - Peace Prayer by PRAJNA students - Indian and American National Anthems - International Cricket skit with drama, music, and dance to understand the challenges of the visually challenged - Music Without Barriers: Singing performance from students of Mr Parameswara Rao(visually challenged), a Nethra alumni supported by VT Seva - Unity in Diversity depicted by a dance program with theme from every region of India - Singing performance of Heal the World by youth members - Inspirational speeches by eminent community leaders who are engaged in services - Kashish performance Tarangini is as great a showcase of arts and talent within the community as it is a platform to learn about VT Seva, its causes and the positive impact it has on communities. VT Seva Dallas branch director Mr Uttam Indukuri talked about the service activities and events we conduct throughout the year and encouraged one and all to participate in them, and expressed gratitude to our donors and volunteers for their generous support. He also listed the accomplishments of Tarangini 2021, which included the education of 500 underprivileged students for 1 year from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, India, the sponsoring of 8 lakhs INR as the appreciation prize money for the T20 National Cricket tournament champions for the visually challenged in Andhra Pradesh, India, and the sponsoring of research and development of accessible equipment at the University of Texas, Arlington, USA. Mr Uttam also appreciated the leadership of Ms Amita Aviur, VT Seva Dallas Youth Director for forming the youth team and leading them with great commitment. Her dedication is motivating the youth to come forward and become leaders. He also thanked VT Seva National Youth Director Mr Phani Aduri for starting multiple initiatives such as the Digitization of Books for the visually challenged to empower youth with the value of volunteering. Tarangini 2022 was a resounding success, with over a hundred attendees, and we consider ourselves fortunate to have gotten an opportunity to contribute to its success. We, the Youth of VT Seva, deem it an honor to be part of this organization and be a cog in the wheel of VT Seva’s progress towards achieving its service goals. As Robert Collier put it - “Success is the sum of small efforts — repeated day in and day out.” दर्लु भर्ल ान्यपि कार्या णि सि द्यन्ति प्रोद्यमेन हि । शि लापि तनतु ांयाति प्रपातने ार्णसर्ण ो महुुः॥ “Even the Impossible things can be accomplished with consistent efforts. Like a hard rock gets thinner with repeated fall of water.” Most importantly, this event gave the youth the opportunity to take leadership roles and be emcees. Being an emcee meant learning in detail about VT Seva and its principles and showing both your love and knowledge for the organization and volunteering on the day of the event. I was an emcee myself, and I have to say that it was an absolutely wonderful experience for me. I learned about many parts of VT Seva that I didn't know about and about multiple experiences that the other emcees encountered through VT Seva, and the profound impact that it had on them. --- Tarangini Cultural Melang by Ronav Aviur Link to full Tarangini 2022 photos: https://www.facebook.com/VTSevaDallas/posts/1046478372604552

Adopt-A-Spot (Environmental Clean-up) Saturday, 23-APR-2022, 10:00 AM - 12:00 noon The intersection of Madison Oak Dr and Stone Oak Pkwy

The 20th All India National Para Athletics were held at Bhubaneswar, Odisha from 27th March to 31st March of 2022. 1064 participants from different states have competed at the event. 8 students from VT Seva supported Nethra Vidyalaya school and colleges got a chance for participation in this national competition based on their state-level performances. Our Nethra Vidyalaya intermediate college 2nd year student Ms. Killaka Lalitha won 2 Gold medals, 100 meters running and 200 meters running races. She completed her 100 meters sprint in 15:01 sec and 200 meters in 31.34 sec. Because of her outstanding performance as a national champion in both 100 meters and 200 meters running, she got qualified to represent India in international athletics championships all over the world. Nethra Vidyalaya founder Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji greatly appreciated the accomplishment of Ms. Lalitha and encouraged all other students too to practice hard and win laurels for the nation. Your support is our Strength to Serve! We thank VT Seva volunteers and donors for your continuous support. You were put on this earth to achieve your greatest self, to live out your purpose, and to do it courageously. Dr. Steve Maraboli Join us in congratulating and wishing Lalitha all the very best for future endeavors by commenting on the post.

To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil is to forget ourselves. Mahatma Gandhi Indian Vegetable Seedlings for sale - April 9th, at Alanita Travel, 14339 Eldorado Parkway, Frisco - 10:00 - 2:00 PM. Richwoods Spring Fest. April 9th, 11:00 - 2:00 PM.

Environment Protection is one of the four major service pillars of VT Seva. VTSeva through the Adopt-A-Park Program, we seek to find the best practices and strategies to work together to enhance the park system. This is a monthly event by the youth and adult volunteers while planning the strategies to improvise the park and creating a small garden. Our first adopt a park clean up activity was held on Mar 26th 2022. Volunteers have picked up the trash around the park and racked the leaves.

In 2021, VTSEVA volunteers were #Limitless! Goals were surpassed, boundaries were broken, and an impact was made. On the eve of National Volunteer Week, join us to reminisce on everything the organization has accomplished in 2021. Come celebrate volunteerism with us on April 24th at 5:30 PM EST! Have an incredible story you want to share? Participate in our Be #Limitless campaign to have your story showcased at the national event and on the Limitless website. Reach out to your branch director now to submit! Deadline April 15th.

“A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.” —Franklin D. Roosevelt VT Seva Dallas is excited to invite you all to Earth Day 2022 Celebration on April 23rd . We will be having a street cleaning activity on 8:30 - 10:30 AM. This event is open to all; adults, kids and youth members. Come join us as a family to make the Earth a better place to live in. Please register at the earliest possible since the Frisco department needs to order the required supplies. REGISTER by - APR 10th Please fill in BOTH forms to register. The below form is for the Frisco Department to get a free T-shirt (while supplies last ) and the required supplies. Please enter ‘VT Seva’ for the team name in the form.

VT Seva Atlanta conducted a webinar on ‘ Plant Care For The Beginners ’ on March 5, 2022 at 2:00 PM EST. Last year, Atlanta VT Seva youths participated in ‘April Cool’ seedling project in which children sew more than 500 seeds, natured the seedlings, and later donated the plants and raised $2000 funds for the Covid relief aid. To go the extra mile this year in regards to plants and funds raised, we organized a plant care webinar for youths to learn the dos and don’ts of planting. Two SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) were invited to share their insights of start to finish of plant care from buying the seeds, using organic fertilizers, temperature control, watering, sunlight, and much more. The webinar started with a welcome note by Dr. Madhu Nemani, VT SEVA Director in which she welcomed Ashwin Kattula, owner of Kattula Farms, Mr. Sreenivasulu Naidu, farmer, Kiran Kumar, Chaitanya, and Ashwin’s daughter Tanvi. This webinar was organized by April Cool leads, Malathi Apparala and Shoban Abhireddy. Shoban invited Tanvi Kattula to present her views on plant care. Tanvi presented the basics of sowing seeds by planting in small cups indoors with good soil and good drainage. Later, Ashwin Kattula shared insights on temperature control, soil health, watering the seedlings. Afterward, Chaitanya shared her firsthand information about prepping the soil by proper tilling, adding compost, and organic fertilizers. Next was Q&A in which detailed insights were shared on plant care, soil health, organic fertilizers, weeds reduction, pesticides, and composting. Lastly, Ashwin Kattula graciously gave a 25% discount on seeds/plants to all the VT Seva volunteers. It was a great hands-on session on the basics of plant care, soil health, and ground preparation.

VT Seva Austin's Seeds for Tomorrow Project is hosting a 5k walk/run to support the Austin Parks Foundation and the Saksham Trust on July 23rd at 8:00 AM CST. Please join us to show your support for our cause and to have fun with friends and family! The walk/run will begin at around 9 AM but please plan to arrive early to check-in and hear from our Youth Board comprised of diligent and motivated middle and high school students! Where: Old Settlers Park Soccer Fields, 3300 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665 (we will be starting and ending the walk/run by this parking lot) When: 8:00 AM CST - 11:00 AM CST 100% of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the two organizations Seeds for Tomorrow is supporting this year - the Austin Parks Foundation and the Saksham Trust. Click the button below to buy tickets! Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at our event! Meet our project's sponsors! ======= “To plant a seed is to believe in tomorrow” - Audrey Hepburn

Public Speaking: Category 1: Kindergarten- 2nd grade Topic: If you were a superhero for one day, what would be your superpower? How would you use your superpower to help our community? Category 2: 3rd grade- 5th grade Topic: How is poverty different in various parts of the world? What can you do to reduce poverty in our community and the world? Category 3: 6th grade- 8th grade Topic: The “Statue of Equality - Samatha Murthy” was inaugurated in Hyderabad, India on Feb 5th 2022. Share your views on how Bhagavad Ramanuja’s philosophies align with equality. Category 4: 9th grade- 12th grade Topic: Why are some groups of people at a higher risk of mental health problems like depression? What are some steps we can take to solve this problem? Public Speaking registration deadline: Friday, April 1 2022 Public Speaking live event: Saturday, April 16 2022 Registration individual fee (public speaking & video): $20 Video Contest: Topic: Imagine you are a famous youtuber. Use your platform to advocate for a cause you believe in through a creative video. Minimum time limit: 2 min. Maximum time limit: 3 min. Teams: 1-5 people Video Contest Registration deadline: Friday, April 1 2022 Video contest submission deadline: Saturday, April 16 2022 Video contest team fee: $50

As a team, the young volunteers of VT Seva have implemented numerous successful projects that have benefited underprivileged kids in India and worldwide. During this stressful pandemic, VT Seva Atlanta wanted to come out with a project to contribute to society, especially during a time when lockdown prevented us from not being able to help in person. This project was led by Dr. Madhulika Nemani to produce masks for special needs kids at Laurel Heights Hospital. Numerous volunteers spent countless hours cutting, sewing and stitching to create quality masks for the hospital’s children. With every hour that went by, every stitch that was sewn in, we never once failed to consider and wish for the wellbeing of children no matter what their situation was. We created masks that had a vibrant assortment of colors and designs so that the kids’ would cherish them and enjoy wearing them. We utilized 100% cotton material for skin comfort and used the templates provided by the hospital. All sizes of masks were created - small, medium, and large - to cater to the needs of every kid or adult. In addition, these masks are washable and reusable, which would prevent trash and waste. In 2021 , VT Seva delivered 10,000 masks, and in 2022 , we will be delivering 2000 masks at the end of March. This project has truly come a long way as it not only allowed the safety of all people during this chaotic pandemic but also put a smile on the faces of the precious children and hospital staff. From this experience, we have all learned valuable lessons of our own as well. We have been invited to several events at Laurel Heights Hospital for receiving appreciation for our work throughout the past 2 to 3 years. The CEO of Laurel Heights Hospital , Corey Jackson, acknowledged our contribution to his hospital and community during several events we were invited to at the hospital. In 2021 , “Thanks for giving our kids masks, this has been a great partnership for the last year end half. I will look forward to happening again in the years to come. On behalf of Laurel Heights and the staff, myself, I just want to say thanks a lot. We are truly grateful!” Recently, in 2022 , “Once again you guys have done it again, We greatly appreciate your effort, Your work and dedication to ensure Laurel Heights for being able to stay safe. As you know we are in the uptake around the community and these masks come in around the right time at the beginning of this so we can be really prepared. I have to ensure that we remain safe and we remain Covid free, And also thank you guys for the great community service that you provide towards the community. As always thank you, continue the great work. I will look forward to seeing you guys here soon.” We all truly appreciate the efforts and work of Mr. Corey Jackson , Dr. Smitha Battula , the main doctor of Laurel Heights Hospital, all of their other staff members , VT Seva volunteers , and of course, our very own director of VT Seva, Dr. Madhu Nemani . Nothing can measure how grateful we are for being given the opportunity to contribute for the betterment of society. VT Seva Atlanta youths had donated 500 cotton cloth masks to the Special Needs kids of the Laurel Heights Hospital on October 30, 2022. These masks are stitched by our VT Seva Atlanta youths. The Laurel Heights staff highly appreciates our youths year round contribution and loving-caring attitude for the jewels of hospital. We have donated 6,500 masks till now in year 2022. It really helped them in minimizing flu break and Covid prevention at the hospital.

VT Seva Dallas is hosting its 13th Annual Tarangini on Sunday, March 20th at 5 PM CST (Dallas time). Please join on Zoom- https://tinyurl.com/mwwk5acv. Our rock star youth volunteers are hosting this event. Along with them, we have the following dignitaries joining us:

Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it she stands up for all Women - Maya Angelou If a woman is healthy, the entire family stays productive and happy. Society flourishes. Contributing to a happy society is what we want to achieve in the Health care and Education pillars and were able to accomplish a lot of progress in the past 10+ years serving hundreds of thousands of women. VT Seva is now very happy to host an interactive Women Empowerment Workshop. We want to touch upon the most important basics for the success of every woman. Please participate and encourage all wonderful women in your life to participate. Gentlemen are welcome to participate as you get empowered with the knowledge and as always be there to lift up the women in your lives. Day 1: Saturday, March 26, 2022 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm EST Dr. Nina Tamirisa Assistant Professor, Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX Dr. Preeti Prakash Mathur, M.D. Psychiatrist Proposed topics to be covered Physical and Emotional Well-Being What topics would you like to hear about? o Diet, Nutrition, Meal Planning o Physical Fitness, Exercise o Work-Life Balance o Family Dynamics and Parenting o Impact of COVID-19 on Overall Wellbeing o Shaping a Resilient Frame of Mind o Hormonal Shifts and Impact on Overall Sense of Wellbeing Meeting Link for Day 1 Saturday, March 26, 2022, 2.00 - 3.30 PM EST https://bit.ly/VTSWD _____________________________________________________________________________________ Day 2: Sunday, March 27, 2022 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm EST Proposed topics to be covered Dr. Madhu Nemani Wealth Management Advisor Financial Wellness What topics would you like to hear about? o Financial Selfie and Gap Analysis o College Planning o Retirement Planning o Tax Planning o Legacy Planning o Home Buying, Mortgage, and Refinancing o Asset Management o Stock Market Investment Women Back to Work Ms.Samantha Johnson, SVP & Executive Director, First Citizens Bank What topics would you like to hear about? o Back to Work Readiness o Work-Life Balance o Support System at Work o Job Trends o Hard and Soft Skills o Breaking the Bias Meeting Link for Day 2 Saturday, March 26, 2022, 2.00 - 3.30 PM EST https://bit.ly/VTSWD

VT Seva Cary recently celebrated their first annual Sadaya event. Sadaya, meaning kindness in Sanskrit, was dedicated to Netra Vidyalaya Schools and responsible for uplifting and supporting the education of visually-challenged students. Through splendorous performances and stories, the event was highly successful and inspiring. Through videos that highlighted the struggles, journeys, and achievements of Nethra Vidyalaya students, we witnessed remarkable passion and determination. They provided details regarding their daily life and imparted insight on various other topics. Their most recent and most significant achievement occurred when they received the opportunity to march in the Republic Day Parade. Participating in this prestigious opportunity opened up new doors of opportunity and inspiration among the students and community. Additionally, during our Sadaya event, we discovered the awe-inspiring journey of two alumni students from the Nethra schools. They divulged their educational days and the current career paths they are pursuing. Throughout the event, the audience heard encouraging words about volunteering and the impact of service from the president and vice-president of VT Seva's National Board, Mr. Kiran Vangala, and Ms. Madhavi Donepudi, respectively. In addition to those top-notch speeches, the audience became well acquainted with world-renowned scientist John Cohn. He actively engaged the audience with his breakthrough career and motivated us with words about reaching your dreams and doing what you love. To convey his importance of enjoying one's life, he quoted from one of his favorite Irish play writers, George Bernard Shaw, "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." Moreover, VT Seva Cary's Sadaya incorporated entertainment that included a plethora of performances ranging from classical melodies songs to upbeat modern dance performances. Apart from these dances, musical medleys, drumline performances from a local high school, and a Karra Samu performance completed the event. Without a doubt, this incredible event with the meaning of kindness in the atmosphere sparked a movement of understanding and happiness among the audience. VT Seva Cary successfully reached their goal of supporting 80 Nethra Vidyalaya students. The impact from dozens of wonderful families is not lost. To see the audience determined to help and support our Nethra Vidyalaya kids is stupendous and extraordinary. The Sadaya event and the ever-circling meaning of kindness were not just bound to the walls of Zoom but rather augmented outward and beyond. Sadaya was truly an inspiring act of kindness. Thank you to all the donors and volunteers for their support to make this even successful.

“The worst speech you’ll ever give will be far better than the one you never give.” – Fred Miler We can do this well or we can do this badly, and the outcome strongly affects the way that people think about our ideas. This is why public speaking causes so much anxiety and concern. The good news is that, with thorough preparation and practice, you can overcome your nervousness and perform exceptionally well. VT Seva Detroit presents a great opportunity to learn the skills of being a good speaker from a Distinguished Toastmaster - the highest educational award in the Toastmasters program. VT Seva Detroit is conducting an online workshop on March 12 & 19. On the 12th, you will get to learn the tips and tricks of a good speech. With the learned tips and tricks, you get to prepare a speech and present it to the experts on 19th for their valuable feedback. On March 12th, you will learn about 1. Importantance of public speaking skills 2. How to plan and prepare an effective speech 3. How to deliver a speech based on a variety of verbal and non-verbal criteria. 4. Tips and techniques in eliminating verbal fillers 5. How to use visual aids to enhance the speech 6. Tips and techniques to engage the audience. Online Public Speaking Workshop will be conducted by esteemed and experienced Distinguished Toast Master Mr. Raju Brahmandhabheri Mr. Raju Brahmandhabheri is passionate about public speaking and communication skills and has been a Toastmaster (a platform to improve public speaking and leadership skills) for the last 8 years and achieved the DTM (Distinguished Toastmasters) - the highest educational award in the Toastmasters program. By profession, he is an electrical engineer and has been working in the utility industry from the past 18 years. He is currently working as an Engineering Manager at ITC Holdings Corp., Novi, Michigan. He has a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from Mississippi State University. He teaches Electrical Engineering at Lawrence Tech University on a part-time basis as he passionate about teaching. He is a mentor for the high school students to coach/advice/prepare them for the annual Leadership Speech Contest hosted by the National Management Association (NMA). in April this year, he led the efforts to create a new corporate Toastmasters club at his workplace, ITC and continues to mentor the new club. He is one of the founders, past president, and current board member of the Detroit Telangana Community (DTC). Alison Jolliff is originally from England and has been in the US for 10 years. She became a Toastmaster two years ago and is now President of the Novi Toastmasters club. Prior to joining Toastmasters Inter-national, Alison studied to achieve a Master's degree in training and organizational development, and she currently works as a tutor. In this workshop, you will learn public speaking skills on March 12th from Mr. Raju Brahmandhabheri and present your speeches on March 19th to get feedback from both Toastmasters Mr. Raju Brahmandhabheri and Mrs. Alison Jolliff. Please prepare your speech to fit between 120 - 150 seconds in one of the below topics: Equality Are video games good or bad? Or somewhere in between? Does peer pressure helps students grow as individual? All the proceeds from this event goes to support Visually Challenged & Tribal Students education in India. What a great way to support others while become competent in the essential life skill Public Speaking! Don't miss the opportunity to learn from the best!!!! For more details on VTSEVA Please visit

Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others. - Booker T. Washington