As our country is facing a crisis, love and compassion could not be more important. Compassion: its putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, and knowing how to help them, and yourself, heal. Being that person to make a difference in someone else’s life. “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” – Robin Williams VT Seva embodies this theme in every way possible. VT Seva is about serving the community we live in and the community we are from with compassion and love. We show compassion and love to people who need it the most through our four pillars, including educating the underprivileged and visually challenged, environmental sustainability, cancer awareness, and disaster relief and aid. This year on Valentine's Day, we hosted an event to spread love to heroes in our local community. The VT Seva Hearts for Heroes program was conducted by our Seattle youth team who supplied over 100 meals and made 40 personalized messages for many of our healthcare workers in the Seattle area. Through all of these kind gestures, we were able to convey the love and compassion that we call “service” to an entire community of people. VT Seva Dallas youth volunteers showed their love and compassion to the senior citizens. Senior citizens have been our friends of VT Seva volunteers for the past 4 years. To express our love and friendship, on the occasion of Valentines' day, a few volunteers visited the center and handed over handwritten musical greeting cards to all the residents there through the coordinator. How can you spread love and compassion today? Through VT Seva’s feed a meal program! Our donors can sponsor meals for children at our tribal and visually challenged schools for special events in their lives such as birthdays, anniversaries, and maybe even just to spread smiles. To learn more on how you make a difference through love and compassion, visit the vtsworld.org website. And remember, without love and compassion our entire world would be buried deep in violence and hatred so, let’s spread love! Laya, (6th Gr) and Anushka, (11th Gr)

VT Seva started the year 2021 with great energy and poised to focus on Youth empowerment more than ever. There was no better time than this to celebrate considering the amazing work done by our Youth volunteers in the year 2020 when the world has been grappled in the pandemic. They showed compassion, leadership through several virtual workshops, seminars, Health camps, sports events planned and executed by the youth with the help of VT Seva Leadership Team. There were 82 nominees for five categories from various branches and the selection process was meticulously planned engaging external judges. VT Seva empowers youth with volunteerism and philanthropy and everyone putting in their time to help each other is a winner to begin with. The nominees made the job of our panel of judges very hard but, it is a nice problem to have. Without further ado, the winners are - Most Active Rookie of the Year A volunteer who recently joined VT SEVA is considered a rookie The winners are Runners Up: Aditi Anakala, and Varshita Parupudi, Nominees: Sumana Chilakamarri, Chinmay Dongari, Sreeja Sappati, Mehar Nemani, Aaditya Shivapooja, Hiba Zyna, Shrikha Atchutuni, Risha Narayanan, Siddharth Thirumala Kanduri, Kartheek Mukkavilli, Srisamhita Ponnapalli, Srinithya Tirumala, Yashwanth Piratla, Laya Dhilip, and Amogh Desai. Rising Star of the Year A volunteer who started to show a lot of initiative and commitment this year The Winners Are Runners up: Sriram Vennamaneni, Keerthana Noru, Nominees: Charishma Bijum, Rikhilsai Duvvuri, Sanjana Veerapaneni, Srimayi Kakkadap, Trisha Vemulapalli, Ritika Vemulapalli,Siri Chandana Arkatala, Pranav Arkatala, Lohith Manthena, Manasvini Gudibandi, Arnav Senapathi, Rashmitha Raghunathan, Saisha Srivatsan, Veeraj Sirivolu, Shreyas Bharath, Dev Shashank, Aditya Manthena,Akshaya Manthena, Ananya Suthram, Aakarsh Dhilip Most Initiative Driven Volunteer Volunteer who has demonstrated lot of initiative in ever Activity they did for VT SEVA in either generating funds, doing unique initiatives, or bring more youth to join VT SEVA . The Winner is ANUSHKA SHARMA SEATTLE Runners up: Rohitha Sanka, Lakshman Vennamaneni Nominees: Adya Ganti, Aayush Kumar, Nikhilesh Edara, Nitya Hosur, Blivanilay Vakulabharanam, Abhishek Sambaraj, Aditya Agarwal On the beautiful evening while celebrating our awesome youth volunteerism, wanted to provide motivation and inspiration and that's exactly what our esteemed Chief Guest and Key Note Speaker did. Padma Bhushan Pullela Gopichand ( Indian Badminton Player ), Dronacharya and Arjuna Awardee, addressed the group encouraging the youth and sharing inspirational experience of his journey, the inspiration our scriptures provide and the importance of including them as default curriculum for the benefit of youth. The Keynote Speech was delivered by Major Nikhil Kesiredddy (United States Marine Corps) who enunciated values like discipline, focused efforts, mindfulness and Goal oriented approach. Both gentlemen appreciated VT Seva’s efforts and initiation in giving back to the community. The evening continued with recognizing volunteers in two more categories. Most Creative Volunteer Volunteer who has demonstrated a lot of creativity in either generating funds, doing unique initiatives, or bringing more youth to join VT SEVA or etc. Creativity is identifying unique ways to create value for VT SEVA, its pillars and its communities. The Winner is CHINMAY KOIMUTTUM SEATTLE Runners up: Sahana Peechara, Anish Immadi Nominees: Nikhila Mannepalli, Manasi Oleti, Parth Garg,Thanuj Desu, Sribhavita Nekkalapudi, Anjali Alishala, Shrija Cheetypalli, Trisha Chinnimeni, Varshini Vakulabharanam, SaiVachan Ponnapalli, Samhita & Vedanth Jonnalagadda, Oviya Jaisankar. Most Valuable Volunteer This Volunteer has contributed at various levels - as a leader, as a participant, helper, mentor, initiator etc. The Winners Are Runners up: Shreya Bandi, Adarsh Nallapa Nominees: Adithya K Upadhayula, Sri Chandrika Changavala, Aaditya Malapati, Shreya Bandi, Kaavya N Srikarnati,Harish Jaisankar, Rahul Rajulu Our panel of judges did an amazing work and they were present at the event to witness and congratulate the volunteers in person, well virtually. We thank our judges panel for their time, effort and encouragement to all the nominees and winners. Panel of Judges: Ms. Usha Ravilla, Youth Chair of NJ Telugu Association, Worked with the Vegesna Foundaiton and The Hunger Project Initiative Mr. Samir Shah, Lead, Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care. Ms. Sangeetha Chowhan, VP Project, Small Steps Foundation, Volunteer/Coach and Judge for Odyssey of the Mind, Ms. Ceeilia Jackson, Founder/Executive Director of Youth Leadership Development Program, Bharatanatyam Teacher, Ms. Rajani Veeramachaneni, Mentor for Sfeteens Online, TEDx Youth Programs, Judge for American Business Awards Ms. Sunitha Cheruvu, President of Frisco Education Foundation, Mayoral Ad-hoc Frisco Inclusion Committee, Frisco ISD Diversity Task Force “Because of the service. Whether you make yourself available to a friend or co-worker, or you make time every month to do volunteer work , there is nothing that harvests more of a feeling of empowerment than being of service to someone in need.” Gillian Anderson

VT Seva Seattle team is excited to offer for children. Cricket is currently the fastest growing sport in the United Stages according to the Washington Post. We Want to spread the game across the northwest so more and more can take part in this awesome manifestation of Indian & global culture and sport! Dates : Mar 20th to May 1st Grades : 3rd and above Registration: $90 ($15 per session) The coaching team consists of 8 -16 year old's and adult supervisors, three of them have played nationally in the under 15 level. Young and talented kids are ready to share their experiences with your child. They have also been coached by a number of former ICC coaches, including Word Champion Cleon Smith of the West Indies and Dav Whatmore of Sri Lanka and the IPL's Kolkata Knight Riders 26. All proceeds will go towards educating the Underprivileged and Visually challenged kids in India as well as local community causes. Contact : 408-505-4693, Email: vtsevaseattlecricket@gmail.com

VT Seva Dallas organized Tarangini 12th anniversary on Feb 13th, 2021. Due to Covid-19 pandemic, it was a virtual event. Still, the programs were no short of real experience to motivate and entertain the audience of 250 families watching live from their homes. With the power of teamwork and kindness of the volunteers and donors, Dallas team raised funds (including corporate matches to come soon) to support the education of 500+ underprivileged students studying at schools for Schools for visually challenged and Schools for tribals in India. From Tarangini funds, Dallas team also contributed $12,000 as appreciation prize money to 16 players of Andhra Pradesh Cricket team for the Blind. The team won national T20 cricket tournament competing with 23 states from all over India. Key highlights of the event Motivational Speakers: Chief Guest – Padma Bhushan Mr. Gopichand Pullela, Chief Coach of India Badminton, Dronacharya and Arjuna awardee Keynote Speaker – Professor Mr. Giri Amaravadi, University of Texas, Arlington, Lend an Eye Project coordinator for better enabling the education of visually challenged at Netra Vidyalaya using technology Guest Speaker – Ms. Suma Kanakala, Prominent TV presenter Hosts: Emcees – VT Seva Dallas Youth Volunteers Speakers – Mr. Priyatham (Dallas Branch director, 2019 & 2020 ) and Mr. Uttham (New Dallas branch director, 2021 & 2022) Entertainment by: Multiple programs such as dance, comedy shows, Festivals of India cultural show by JET USA PRAJNA students Mimicry program by Mr. Raju Songs program by Kasheesh group Music and Songs by Mr. Karthik and Ms. Nutana The event started with peace prayer and lighting of the lamp followed by rendering of national anthems of US and India. As part of the event, VT Seva national Joint treasurer announced the President's Volunteer Service Award recipient names from Dallas and congratulated them for their volunteerism. The volunteering opportunities and new project initiatives by VT Seva Dallas team were announced and the team is looking forward to spreading the joy of volunteerism and philanthropy in the communities we live in with active engagement and empowerment of youth. Here is Padma Bhushan Mr. Pullela Gopichand's special interview. He recognizes the efforts of VT Seva volunteers, shares what compassion and success mean to him and much more. Watch the complete program of Tarangini 2021

Encouragement for sports in India is not much compared to academics. And especially for the blind, there is almost none. VT Seva supported Nethra Vidyalaya provides free education, food and boarding to hundreds of students from kindergarten to graduation with a Bachelor's degree. The institutions give equal importance to sports and arts and we have been successful in enabling our students to win laurels for the country. VT Seva CEO and Nethra Vidyalaya visionary - Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji believes in empowering the visually challenged with comprehensive education and growth opportunities in sports, arts and academics with the best of the facilities. Here are key highlights from the recent past - In 2020 & 2021 , VT Seva supported Nethra Vidyalaya students & alumni represented the Andhra Pradesh state cricket team in the National T20 championship and emerged as champions competing against 23 states in India. Being champions back-to-back years is a huge accomplishment. VT Seva has contributed $12,000 (8 lakh Indian rupees) appreciation prize money to the Andhra Pradesh Cricket team through our CEO Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji. Rs 50,000 was given to each of the 16 players to aid them in better training and performance, winning laurels for the nation. 2021 Win - IndusInd Bank Nagesh Trophy National Level Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2020 Win - Nagesh Trophy National Level Cricket Tournament for the Blind In 2019, our Netra Vidyalaya students have represented India in ATTF (Asian Track & Turf Federation) games and won 9 Gold, 5 Silver and 1 bronze medals . 2019: Asian Track & Turf: Wins 2021 Covid challenge In 2021, due to Covid pandemic, there was no organization in Andhra Pradesh who would come forward to conduct selection trials for forming Andhra Pradesh team that would later represent the state at national T20 Cricket tournament. Our Nethra Vidyalaya took the responsibility and successfully conducted the trials a month ago. 3 players from Nethra Vidyalaya - Mr. Punya Srinath (10th class student) and Mr. Gopal & Mr. Ravindra (Alumni) got selected for the state team. Not only did our institution support our 3 students with expenses for travel and training, but also enabled other visually challenged enthusiasts to form a team for the state. Prize Money encouragement As Nethra Vidyalaya came forward and organized the selection trials for selecting the best team, the cricket players after winning the tournament came directly from Bengaluru to Vijayawada to meet him in person and expressed their gratitude to Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji. Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji felt extremely happy for their victory and presented 50000 rupees for each of the 16 players as a token of encouragement. The players were pleasantly surprised while taking the prize money and stated that they did not receive such huge prize money of 800,000 rupees from any tournament till now. Even in this tournament as the national champions, they have received 100,000 rupees only for the whole team. They mentioned that providing facilities and training expenses will go a long way in realizing the dreams of the visually challenged. Your support and Reach If you are a cricket league or a cricket fan or the one who believes in empowering youth with sports and especially sports for the visually challenged, please reach out to us at cricketforblind@vtsworld.org to support our efforts in making a positive impact in the lives of visually challenged through sports education and participation opportunities all over the world.

VT Seva Centers across the United States partner with local food banks/non profit organizations heavily to serve communities ensuring more people get food. In Dallas, VT Seva has partnered with NTFB for the past 8 years and hundreds of VT Seva Dallas volunteers have been volunteering at North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) for the past 7 years. As part of our volunteering at NTFB, we have logged over 4000 volunteer hours, sorted and packed more than 300,000 pounds of food which provided 250,000 meals. Through food drives, we contributed more than 20,000 pounds of food to support senior citizens and meals for school pantries. Post COVID-19 we are looking forward to start actively volunteering with NTFB and would for you to join us. Sign up here to get notifications about our future volunteer events at Food Banks in Dallas.

Our VT Seva Dallas team has been volunteering on bi-weekly basis at Senior Citizen Home for the past 4 years. The volunteers spend time with senior citizens playing bingo, music and read books with love and care. As soon as Covid-19 restrictions are relaxed, we will begin volunteering with them. If you are interested, please register here.

At VT Seva, teamwork is taught to us from a very young age. We learn to recognize one another’s strengths and to work together respectfully. As we contribute to groups, we perceive that leaders begin to naturally emerge around us. One of our enthusiastic and joyful volunteer Anushka shared her thoughts on Leadership - "Just a few weeks back, Vice President Kamala Harris was sworn into office. Seeing Vice President Harris on inauguration day, standing in front of the US capitol and representing the people of America, I was inspired by the growth and journey she’s had to reach such an illustrious position. Harris is a reminder for many children that no one can stop us from leading the country regardless of our gender, skin color or religion. In her speech on November 7th, Vice President Kamala Harris said, “…while I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last, because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities.” I know that these words will deeply resonate with all women and inspire them to lead America and the world through positive change." To celebrate youth volunteers leading several initiatives in giving back to the community, VT Seva is hosting First National Youth Award Ceremony on Feb 6th, 2021 at 5.00 PM CST. J oin the Youth Award Ceremony Here Several of VT Seva branches have wonderful Youth leaders working on amazing causes year round. Learn more: US President's Volunteer Service Award Winners - more to come. VT Seva Dallas Youth Leaders VT Seva Seattle Youth Leaders Many more to come! Please join us by signing up to volunteer - together we can do great work!

Serve All Beings As Service to God - Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, VT Seva CEO Ms. Shreya Bandi Active volunteer for the past 10 years and raised awareness & funds for all the service pillars of the organization Lead for Volunteering at Senior Citizen Home for the past 4 years Expert in video editing, emceeing Year around volunteer In Shreya's own words - "With all the unknowns going, one thing I’ve realized is that the simplest actions, gestures, and compliments can be enough to put a smile on someone’s face. Although we have certain limitations with the pandemic, I plan on spreading VT Seva’s message virtually through making impactful videos that inspire people, which makes the audience more connected towards VT Seva’s mission to create a further equitable society." Mr. Arnav Senapathi Active volunteer for the past 6 years and raised awareness & funds for all the service pillars of the organization Expert in emceeing and blog writing Year around volunteer In Arnav's own words - "This year, I plan to help out in the community in any way possible from volunteering in various local VT Seva events, to lead activities that drive awareness about VT Seva’s Education and Cancer Awareness pillars. Covid Pandemic rendered many people helpless in unimaginable ways and I would like to work with others to figure out ways to engage. I’m privileged with the opportunity to support the underprivileged and I’d love to help out in any way possible because I enjoy working with like-minded volunteers towards a noble cause. One can form a beautiful picture with individual puzzle pieces. Similarly, I hope to collaborate with other VT Seva volunteers to make this year a fruitful year." Mr. Sriram Vennamaneni Active volunteer for the past 10 years and raised awareness & funds for all the service pillars of the organization Expert in emceeing, conducting composting workshops, researching and compiling quizzes for the organization Year around volunteer In Sriram's own words - "Hi! My name is Sriram and I’m an active volunteer of VTSeva. Over the course of 2020 I’ve done many activities, but I believe I always can do more. For 2021 I want to participate even more for the next cancer walkathon by raising funds, attend all the youth board meetings, and raise awareness about cancer. I am also very very excited as I have been offered the position of an emcee for this year's annual Tarangini. Last year for my brother's birthday my family donated money to feed all of the Netra Vidyalaya students for 1 entire day. For my birthday which is coming up I want to do the same thing and help even more students! I will do my best to achieve these activities and goals this year and I hope I can do even more next year!" Mr. Nikhilesh Edara Active volunteer for the past 5 years and raised awareness & funds for all the service pillars of the organization Good communication skills with emceeing and blog writing Year around volunteer Ms. Shreeja Cheetypalli Active volunteer for the past 10 years and raised awareness & funds for all the service pillars of the organization Lead for Volunteering at Senior Citizen Home for the past 4 years Expert in financial accounts compilation, emceeing Raises and donates her birthday gift money to VT Seva every year In Shrija's own words - " 1) In the year of 2021, I plan to raise $1,000 in donations to VTSEVA. 2) This year, based on the opportunities given by VTSEVA, I am aiming for the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award by completing 250 of service hours. 3) In the Spring break and Summer of 2021, I plan to continue to volunteer as an intern for VTSEVA with the treasurer. " Mr. Lakshman Vennamaneni Active volunteer for the past 10 years and raised awareness & funds for all the service pillars of the organization Expert in conducting composting workshops, researching and compiling quizzes for the organization Year around volunteer In Lakshman's own words - "Hi my name is Lakshman, I am 12 years old. I am a current VT Seva youth volunteer. Last year in 2020 I participated in various volunteering activities, but I feel as if I can utilize my talents better. A talent I have is cooking/recipe making. I can utilize this talent for VT Seva by spreading my recipes and teaching others to cook and use these recipes. The way that helps me serve VT Seva better is with these classes I can raise money for the education of the tribal and visually challenged children served by VT Seva. In 2020 I have been selected to conduct a quiz for this year's annual Tarangini event hosted by the VT Seva Dallas Branch. I also plan to sponsor a day's worth of meals for Nethra Vidyalaya on my birthday like I did last year. I will also raise more awareness and funds for cancer screening and will try to serve VT Seva the best I can. What motivates me to volunteer is looking in other people’s perspectives. It motivates me because I think how I would feel if I was affected by a Natural disaster or by Cancer and by doing that I think how hard it must be to go through that. That makes me want to serve everyone the best I can. If I can do it as one person, think how much all of you can do. Volunteer Together for Service!" Ms. Sahana Peechara Volunteering with VT Seva for the past 1 year Expert in designing comic art, conducting composting workshops, researching and compiling quizzes for the organization Raised impactful contributions as part of Covid Relief for daily wage migrant workers In Sahana's own words - " In 2021, I plan to definitely continue volunteering for VT Seva. I want to use my talents and things that I am good at to contribute more to VT Seva. I want to dedicate more of my time to volunteering and learn about how I can help with the events that VT Seva conducts." Ms. Sahiti Peechara Volunteering with VT Seva for the past 1 year Expert in designing cartoon art, conducting composting workshops, researching and compiling quizzes for the organization Raised impactful contributions as part of Covid Relief for daily wage migrant workers In Sahiti's own words - "In 2021, I want to keep volunteering for VT Seva, and get more involved with VT Seva's events. One thing that I really want to do is combine my passions and volunteering. I want to create something that is fun to make, but will also benefit VT Seva. I think this year is going to be a great year for volunteering, and I can't wait to get started!" Ms. Aditi Anakala Volunteering with VT Seva for the past 1 year Expert in emceeing and digital artwork Participating in VT Seva Tutoring program In Aditi’s own words - "During 2021, I plan on contributing by continuing to participate in virtual events and helping out with them along with fundraising. I’m also participating in the VT Seva tutoring program, and plan on contributing to other VT Seva projects such as Taringini and the Cancer Walkathon. I hope to also encourage more people to join and volunteer in VT Seva this year. I am motivated by knowing that what I do by volunteering can actually make an impact and help. Seeing the countless lives that have changed due to the work of volunteers and social workers who have spent so much time and effort to make someone else’s life better continues to motivate me to work not only for myself but for others as well. " Ms. Trisha Chinnimeni Volunteering with VT Seva for the past 1 year Expert in song writing and singing Wrote and sang a song for VT Seva 10th Annual Dallas Cancer Awareness Walkathon Ms. Pranamya Budda Volunteering with VT Seva for the past 1 year Expert in researching and compiling quiz material for the organization service pillars Thought leader who comes up with creative ideas

VT Seva Dallas volunteers will closely work with various school districts in the Dallas metroplex to identify and provide school supplies. Please stay tuned for more details on drop off locations.

In every family picture, there is one person missing as he or she has to capture the rest. VT Seva Dallas will be hosting portraits session at multiple locations wherever VT Seva volunteering activities in various community neighborhoods are going to be held. Stay tuned for the dates and locations. We encourage one and all to take family portraits and encourage our youth volunteers by donating to support the education of underprivileged students.

VT Seva Dallas volunteers have been donating gifts to battered children for the past 6 years during holidays. We are planning to organize book and toy drives throughout the year. Stay tuned for more details.

My heroes are those who risk their lives every day to protect our world and make it a better place – police, firefighters, and members of the armed forces - Sidney Sheldon VT Seva Dallas invites you to participate in a m onthly Educational Tour of the Frisco Police Department. VT Seva has been coordinating the tour since April 2021 and at least 10 students each month got an opportunity to visit and got to hear from the Officers first hand and see the facilities. VT Seva appreciates the services of First Responders and provides Appreciation Lunch monthly since April 2021. For more details please see below: Contact: Mr. Phani Aduri | Email: phani.aduri@vtsworld.org Being a Firefighter is more than courage, It's sacrificing yourself for something greater than yourself.

Growing your own food may be one of the most powerful steps you can take for the health of yourself, your family and your planet. You love gardening and would like to use the skills to help visually challenged? We got some great news for you. Youth volunteers from Dallas metroplex are welcome to join "Seedlings for Education" team to learn, practice basics or gardening and in turn help Visually Challenged. You get to grow seedlings in backyards. We will provide seeds, and teach the basics of gardening, composting etc. When the seedlings are ready, you can use them for raising funds for Schools for Visually challenged. VT Seva Dallas will sponsor educational needs of visually challenged with special needs 3D human body anatomy and telescopes for tribal schools to gaze at stars and reach to the highest horizons in their educational pursuit. Questions? Contact - dallas.director@vtsworld.org

There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed. - Woodrow T Wilson PRERANA is VT SEVA Charlotte's annual cultural event to celebrate the joy of volunteering and also with a goal to support underprivileged children. Team celebrated their 3rd anniversary on December 20, 2020. With the pandemic this year, all plans had to be changed to conduct the event virtually. The youth volunteers of Charlotte took the lead on planning, organizing and conducting the whole event. Annual Event was named by our beloved CEO HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji as "PRERANA", which translates to inspiration. Since then, PRERANA has inspired many youth leaders and other volunteers to support the great causes to support education of several children. This year the goal was to be able to support education of 80 underprivileged children. Event was hosted via Zoom, FB live, was kicked off by lighting of 'Diya' and a welcome note by Kalpana Ji, the Branch director. It was followed by a mental health seminar by noted child psychiatrist Dr. Raghava Reddy, who spoke about the challenges of remote learning and impact of social distancing on children and their parents. Knowledge and tips were shared on how to handle the situation during these tough times. Followed by the seminar was an overview on the four major pillars education, community service, disaster relief and health services. For more details and numbers please visit - https://www.vtsworld.org/ Below are a few snapshots from the event Event was a great success and very well organized by the VT Seva Charlotte youth volunteers. We are thankful to our National Leadership team their continuous support and guidance, and grateful to our CEO HH Chinna Jeeyar Swami ji for providing this great platform and inspiration to support the community. Thank you for your time and support. If you have missed the event and would like to enjoy the wonderful performances, please click here - https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=887321742012908&ref=watch_permalink

US faces shortage of up to 8 billion meals in next 12 months, leading food bank says -Seattle Times “35 million people in the U.S. are hungry or don’t know where their next meal is coming from, and 13 million of them are children. If another country were doing this to our children, we’d be at war.” Jeff Bridges As a result of the COVID - 19 pandemic, the number of Washingtonians who are experiencing food insecurity and hunger has reached a critical point. Our VT Seva team launched VT Seva Grocery Delivery project to collect food donations and support our local food banks. Our youth volunteers will pickup donations from your porch and donate them to the local food banks on your behalf. If you are unable to do grocery shopping to support do not worry you can donate as well and we will shop on your behalf. For more details please watch the video

VT Seva Virginia/DC Chapter conducted their annual event, Subhada, on December 27th via Zoom. This outreach and fundraising event was centered around light and inspiration. The chapter also had a goal of sponsoring 100 children, and were close the to the finish line. The event started off with a prayer by Sriman Sreepathi Ramireddygari Garu, a “pass the diva” video, Sri Swamiji’s mangalasassams video, and slokams from Prajna students. The youth MCs, Esha Nagireddi, Aneesh Nagireddi, Sreekrishna Ramireddygari, and Sarayu took the participants through an engaging overview of VT Seva pillars and accomplishments with testimonials from Gangajala and Trinadh. After seeing these inspirational videos, the chapter received more than 20 live pledges to support the Jeeyar students. There were two guest speakers, Chairwoman Phyllis Randall and Virginia Senator John Bell who offered their support and congratulations for all of the support the team provided to the local Virginia community over the years. The night ended with a fun, interactive Kahoot game with the topic of VT Seva and its history.

Almost everything that is great has been done by Youth!! - Benjamin Disraeli Srihari Krishnaswamy President Years with VT Seva: 3+ Years About me: I'm a committed Volunteer that's blessed to be part of VT Seva. Favorite Memory with VT Seva: Being part of the Cricket Coaching camp and raise funds to support community. Also b eing part of VT Seva has given me the opportunity to serve alongside so many wonderful people. Favorite Movie: The Interview Anushka Sharma President Years with VT Seva: 5+ Years About me: Alongside my great interest for badminton, I have a great passion to volunteer and help make a change in the world! Favorite Memory with VT Seva: Playing the role of Sabriye in the UTSAV 2019 Drama Favorite Movie: The Gods Must Be Crazy Aditi Srinivasan Vice President Years with VT Seva: 5+Years About me: I am passionate about utilizing creative thinking to solve problems. Favorite Memory with VT Seva: Out of the many amazing memories I've had at VTSEVA, I have enjoyed choreographing dances every year for our annual show, UTSAV, and establishing the Coding With Compassion program alongside our amazing adult volunteers. It was such a rewarding experience to be able to teach kids various coding languages along with leadership lessons, and donate all the money we raised to educate underprivileged children in India with a free education. Favorite Movie: The Life of Pie Yashita Tanwar Assistant Vice President Years with VT Seva: 3 Years About me: I love working and helping people and VTSeva has always been a great opportunity for me. Favorite Memory with VT Seva: UTSAV will always be a vivid memory being part of VTS, every year we make new memories of this amazing event in which we get to work and celebrate our year longs worth of work together with our amazing VTS team Favorite Movie: Fault in Our Stars Ananya Suthram Secretary Volunteering with VT Seva: 8 years About me: I aspire to share the joy of life with everyone around me, with my thoughts, words and deeds. Favorite Memory with VT Seva: When we performed a skit for UTSAV ( Annual event) about Sabriye and her journey to originate a blind school. For one of the scenes the whole auditorium joined in and sang along with the actors on stage, and it was so nice to see a community get together to enjoy the message we wanted to bring. Favorite Movie: Tangled Vivek Chilakala Sports Director Volunteering with VT Seva: 2 years About me: I like to play cricket, watch soccer, and play with my dog! Favorite Memory with VT Seva: Being part of the Cricket Coaching camp and raise funds to support community. Favorite Movie: The Social Network Sumedha Kanumuri Sports Director Years with VT Seva: 2+ years About me: I am a creative person that is very passionate about the activities/projects I do. Favorite Memory with VT Seva: My favorite thing with VTSEVA was the eco-challenge during the fall of 2019. This was the first project I worked on as a youth member and it gave me a chance to collaborate with the Seattle youth members and become part of the VTS community. As we were working on the project and going through our one-month eco-challenge, I could see the concrete impact we were making on the community as people who didn't know about VTSEVA before were participating in the challenge! Favorite Movie: Iron Man Merwan Malakapalli Head of Technology Years with VT Seva: 4+ Years About me: I can adapt to almost every situation Favorite Memory with VT Seva: I was one of the actors for the UTSAV 2019 play, and I enjoyed that quite a bit. Favorite Movie: Avengers: Endgame Nikhil Chivukula Head of Technology Years with VT Seva: 3+ Years About me: I can adapt to almost every situation Favorite Memory with VT Seva: I love all the VTS annual events because they are a great experience to have fun and meet new people and support community. Favorite Movie: Matrix trilogy, lord of the rings, and Tenet Nidhi Munikote Head of Marketing Volunteering with VT Seva: 6+ years About me: I n my free time, I like to go down Wikipedia rabbit holes. Favorite Memory with VT Seva: My favorite memory from VT Seva is being part of the skit about the Enron scandal in UTSAV 2015 (I played the secretary!) Favorite Movie: 10 Things I Hate About You Ronit Chepuri Head of Marketing Years with VT Seva: 4+ Years About me: I would describe myself as cool, smart collative and happy Favorite Memory with VT Seva: My favorite memory of VTS was when I was doing northwest harvest and they said that we packed 2000 meals and I felt very good. Favorite Movie: 3 Idiots Pranav Alaparthi Head of Volunteer Outreach Years with VT Seva: 2+ Years About me: I'm passionate about volunteering and helping those in need Favorite Memory with VT Seva: I joined right before COVID, but this year, I hope to find unique and effective ways to help the community during COVID. Favorite Movie: Interstellar Pranuti Kalidindi National Volunteer Coordinator Years with VT Seva: 8 Years About me: I am passionate about community service and Chipotle 😊 Favorite Memory with VT Seva: Every year brings a bucketful of new memories but my favorite ones will always be our team meetings. The memories and initiatives we’ve launched in a room full of leaders is an environment unlike any other. Favorite Movie: Spiderman : Homecoming Swadesh Sistla Advisory Board Years with VT Seva: 5+ Years About me: I am passionate about learning and creating . Favorite Memory with VT Seva: The summer after my seventh grade, I visited the Allampally and Birsaipet schools for the underprivileged, as well as Netra Vidyalaya in Visakhapatnam. The weeks I was there were so impactful, as I not only got the chance to form long lasting relationships with my fellow volunteers, but I also learned so much about humility, dignity, and dedication from children much younger than I. It was truly a familial experience, to be called "Anna" or "Thammudu" by a sea of brothers and sisters I had made just days before, to get obliterated at the volleyball net or facilitate my favorite classroom word games, to eat the most bomb rasam rice I've ever had the pleasure to taste besides kids who consistently and unflinchingly put others before themselves. I hope one day to fully emulate the boys and girls from Allampally, Birsaipet, and Netra, and I know I'll be forever inspired by my unforgettable time with them. Favorite Movie: The Dark Knight Esha Bantwal Advisory Board Years with VT Seva: 2.5+ Years About me: I am someone who enjoys serving my community and helping underprivileged and misrepresented people be supported and understood. Favorite Memory with VT Seva: My favorite memory with VTS is from UTSAV 2019. The thrill of performing and being backstage, knowing that our efforts will be going towards a good cause at the end of the evening was motivating. Also it's an annual project and lots of us were anticipating a great show - which I believe it was. UTSAV 2019 will always be memorable to me because its the first UTSAV that I helped conduct and participated in! Favorite Movie: The Parent Trap Chimnay Koimuttum Advisory Board Years with VT Seva: 3+ Years About me: I am passionate about serving community. Favorite Memory with VT Seva: My favorite memory from VT Seva is definitely UTSAV (VT Seva Seattle Annual Event). Also being part of VT Seva has given me the opportunity to serve alongside so many wonderful people. Favorite Movie: Kesar Aakarsh Dhilip Advisory board Years with VT Seva: 4 Years About me: I am passionate about utilizing creative thinking to solve problems. Favorite Memory with VT Seva: I am happy to have been part of the grocery delivery project during the pandemic. Favorite Movie: Interstellar Thank you for reading and supporting the organization with your time and donations.

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