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The VT Seva Detroit branch proudly celebrates the success of its Youth-Led Outreach Project 2025 , which raised over $23,800  to support the education of 65+ visually challenged students  at Nethra Vidyalaya . Renowned for its commitment to holistic education, Nethra Vidyalaya empowers students to grow academically, personally, and with confidence - and this project focused on ensuring they have the resources needed to thrive. 3 Months, 28 Team Leads, $23,800+ Raised, 65+ Students Empowered One of the most inspiring aspects of this initiative was the leadership shown by our youth volunteers. As they advocated for the cause and shared its impact with diverse audiences, they strengthened their communication skills, learned resilience in the face of rejection, and transformed challenges into meaningful learning experiences. This journey shaped them into empathetic, purpose-driven leaders, while creating lasting impact for the students they served. Our heartfelt thanks to every youth volunteer, mentor, donor, parent and supporter who made this possible. Together, we are not just funding education - we are shaping futures. Meet the incredible youth leaders who led this outreach project with commitment, resilience, and a shared vision to create lasting impact: Oviya Jaisankar, Sai Sriram Karnati, Kaustubh Dingari, Shruthi Adduri, Adhip Pisipati, Raja Ameya Yeddula, Dritihi Reddy Bhatula, Deekshi Chittala, Arya Patel, Rathneesh Balamurugan, Advithi Kothapalli, Shreya Shetty, Harini Kopparapu, Arnav Vinjam, Aadya Kamath, Sri Vasudha Vundi, Manish Megeri, Swathi Aayushi Alluri, Shalini Srinivas, Siddarth Ram, Ella McCleery, Shipra Valli Putrevu, Shreeya Sahu, Akshita Sakthi, Sreenika Perumalla, Andrea Zou, Avantika Nair, Kishore Parthiban Reflections: Oviya Jaisankar (Supported 21+ students): I am so glad I was able to be part of the Outreach Project again in 2025. This marks my 6th year doing this project, and every year it becomes more meaningful and successful. Over the years, I’ve seen my confidence and speaking skills grow as I continue stepping out of my comfort zone, talking to people I barely know, sharing a cause that resonates deeply with me, and inspiring others to invest in the future through their support. This year stood out in a special way because I was able to donate from my own savings and personally impact the very kids I’ve been speaking about for the past 6 years. With the incredible support of my family, friends, and local businesses, who continue to believe in our cause and support my fundraiser year after year, I was able to raise enough to support the education of 21+ students for one full year. Thanks to all of the donors and thanks for the opportunity. I am beyond grateful to support the students of Nethra Vidyalaya and allow them to reach their dreams. Sai Sri Ram Karnati (Supported 15+ students): The Outreach project is something I genuinely look forward to because it lets me directly support students who need it most while also helping me grow, both in how I communicate and my persuading skills. Each donation felt like someone standing beside me, saying they believe in this mission too, and that sense of shared purpose was incredibly motivating. Supporting visually challenged and tribal students at Nethra Vidyalaya is truly inspiring, and I’m grateful that this year I was able to help provide a full year of education for more than 12 students. Yes, there were challenges along the way, but seeing people come together to uplift these students made every moment worthwhile. This project always reminds me of what we can accomplish when a community unites with compassion and determination. I’m deeply thankful to VT Seva for giving me another chance to contribute to such impactful work. Kaustubh Dingari (Supported 6+ students): Overall, the outreach experience was great. I was able to reach out to many familiar and unfamiliar faces that I have not talked to before one example that really stood out to me was my neighbor who was completely unaware of the Nethra Vidyalaya schools and everything associated with it she was pleasantly surprised to find out and even donated $100 to help support the cause. another example is one of my dad’s friend. It was also his very first time hearing about our cause, and he was so touched by the movement that he donated $500.. Shruthi Adduri (Supported 3+ students): What I enjoy most about outreach is the opportunity to make a difference for the Nethra students and the satisfaction I feel each time a donation is received. Youth Leads who supported 1+ students: Dritihi Reddy Bhatula: Participating in the VT Seva Outreach Project was a great experience. It’s a truly wonderful opportunity to give back to others, and it feels amazing to know that my efforts helped support the students at Nethra Vidyalaya. This project also taught me a lot, helping me improve my communication skills. My favorite part of outreach was the wonderful feeling of helping others. Deekshi Chittala: Outreach helped me realize how important school is for all children regardless of their conditions; everyone deserves an education. I was able to raise $400 to support these children through my parents, family friends, and work donations. In upcoming years, I hope to raise even more money to donate for children’s education as I now have experience from doing it twice. I hope to reach out to people from all over Michigan. Overall, this project has made me feel extremely proud as I am able to say that I funded at least one student’s education. Arya Patel: I had so much fun at this year’s outreach event. This was my second time being a team lead, and even though I’d done it before, I still learned so much. I was able to support one student’s year of schooling, which is a big accomplishment. Overall, I am so thankful to be a part of and hold leadership in these types of events. Rathneesh Balamurugan: I was able to provide assistance for one student’s education this year through my donation, which was an extremely meaningful experience for me. Supporting one student shows how even small donations can create a major impact. I felt a stronger connection to the vision and mission of VT Seva, as well as our goal of making a positive difference. This year I learned that being a leader includes giving back and supporting others as much as participating at events. Donating to help one student grow gives me more motivation to continue supporting these projects. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to help someone grow. Advithi Kothapalli: This is my second year participating in the Outreach program to and it was truly a meaningful experience for me. At the beginning, it felt a little overwhelming to reach out to people and ask for donations, but as I learned more about the students and the impact this program has on their lives, it became much easier and more motivating. What stood out to me most was realizing how much of a difference even a small contribution can make. Hearing about the determination and achievements of visually challenged students reminded me not to take my own opportunities for granted. This experience also helped me improve my communication skills, as I had to step out of my comfort zone and reach out to more people than I normally would. Overall, this experience was both rewarding and impactful, and I look forward to participating again next year! Shreya Shetty: Working on this Outreach project gave me a chance to step outside my comfort zone and grow in ways I didn’t expect. I learned how important it is to listen, communicate clearly, and stay flexible. More than anything, seeing how people responded reminded me that even small actions can spark bigger change. One of the most impactful parts of this experience was learning more about the students at Netra. Sharing their stories with potential donors helped me understand their abilities, determination, and the challenges they continue to overcome. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the importance of supporting their education and for the strength each student demonstrates every day. Overall, this program helped me grow in areas I didn’t realize needed strengthening, and it left me with new skills I know I’ll carry forward. Most importantly, it allowed me to contribute to a cause that genuinely matters. I’m grateful for the experience and for the opportunity VT Seva continues to give me to learn, contribute, and make a difference in my community. Youth Leads fulfilled the minimum requirements: Arnav Vinjam: The VT Seva Youth-led Outreach program has shown me how small efforts can lead to such a big outcome. Collecting donations for people in need has opened my eyes in a way that other volunteering events haven’t before, and I’m grateful for this opportunity that I’ve been given to make a change in other’s lives. Sri Vasudha Vundi: The outreach project taught me more about helping people and supporting one another. At first, I was very nervous and wondered how difficult it would be to raise money and support children. Slowly, I began to enjoy collecting donations and felt happy learning how the funds would help support students. I also learned how schools like Nethra Vidyalaya help visually challenged students succeed in their education, sports, and other activities. Through this experience, I learned that raising money is not easy, but I still tried my best. I am really proud of myself and all my teammates for getting the opportunity to contribute to such a wonderful cause. Manish Megeri: I joined VT Seva Detroit branch with the goal to help underprivileged kids in India have to same chance to succeed as us. With the that goal in mind I fundraised over 100 dollars to help the underprivileged kids in India. However, this is just the start I wish to help in so many more like next year I can set my goal to fundraise double or even triple that amount. Throughout the process of fundraising and volunteering I’ve learnt that it doesn’t just come to you, if you want it you have to earn it and work hard and diligently. My favorite part of this experience was just the supportive community that cares about the underprivileged kids in India. I’ve also realized that I’m so lucky that I have the life that I have because my life is someone else’s dream. Thank you so much for VT Seva for helping me realize this!! Swathi Aayushi Alluri: This was my first year being part of the outreach program, and I really loved it! It allowed me to support visually challenged students and other volunteering activities. It felt great to make a difference, and I definitely want to make it happen again and again. Ella McCleery: Participating in Outreach has been a life-changing experience for me. Only now do I realize how much the simple action of reaching out to family and friends can do for an amazing cause such as this. Seeing the “Smiles to Remember” video really impacted me, and to think i helped make those smiles appear was really special. It was really amazing to actually see the results of such a huge project, and I think about the kids in those schools now as I go about my day. It makes me so happy to think that I could’ve helped one of them achieve their dreams and goals, and the video highlighting what they wanted to be when they grow up really inspired me. Once again, thank you so much for this opportunity to give back to the world! Shipra Valli Putrevu: Raising support for VT Seva visually challenged students in Nethra Vidyalaya was an incredibly rewarding experience for me. Knowing that my efforts could contribute to the education and opportunities of these students was deeply fulfilling. It made me realize how impactful even small acts of kindness can be. This experience wasn’t just about helping others, it also gave me a sense of purpose and gratitude. It reminded me that when we take the time to give back, we not only make a difference in someone else’s life but also grow as individuals. Akshita Sakthi: This is my second year in VT Seva, and I’m so glad I got to be part of the outreach project this year. It is truly an amazing way to contribute. Learning about all the incredible accomplishments of the Nethra Vidyalaya students was so inspiring, and getting the chance to reach out to people and help raise funds made the experience even more impactful. Talking to all different people like parents, teachers, and family made me realize the difference one donation can make. Thank you so much VT Seva for this opportunity! Sreenika Perumalla: Being a part of VT-Seva’s outreach 2025 was once again another amazing opportunity for me to do something meaningful for my community. Being able to advocate for Nethra Vidyalaya and their students and also reach out to various groups of people to help in supporting these schools was such a fun activity. I was able to interact with new people and also spread more awareness about the missions of VT- Seva. Through this experience I was really able to understand that “every dollar count” because even the smallest donation contributed to greater cause. Avantika Nair: Participating in the Outreach Program this year was definitely a rewarding experience. It was really great talking to other people about the importance of Nethra Vidyalaya and how they make real impacts in the lives of many students. This experience really gave me a sense of purpose to make a difference for these young children in India and also made me realize how grateful I am for the things I have in my life. I’m glad I got to participate in this program for a second time, and I’m excited to do even better next year! Blog Written By: Priya Jaisankar

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders through Clarity, Confidence & Opportunity VT Seva’s Commitment to Youth Empowerment At VT Seva , we believe that empowering youth with the right guidance at the right time can change the trajectory of their lives . Through purposeful initiatives, mentorship, and skill-building programs, VT Seva is committed to nurturing confident, capable, and socially responsible future leaders. The Next Step is part of VT Seva’s ongoing Youth Empowerment Series, created to bridge the gap between education and real-world careers by offering young minds direct access to industry insights, mentorship, and practical tools for success. Facilitator:  Bhavishya Lingam  Recruiter & Career Mentor with 23 years of experience  at global organizations including Amazon Program Overview The Next Step: Youth Career Navigator  is a free, focused program designed to equip young people (ages 14 - early 20s) with the mindset, tools, and strategies needed to successfully explore careers, secure internships, and build a professional network. The goal is to demystify the hiring process and help participants move forward with absolute clarity and confidence. The curriculum is built on the facilitator's two decades of experience in talent acquisition, offering an invaluable, insider's view on what organizations look for. When:  Saturdays (Feb 7, 14, 21 & 28) Time:  8 AM PST | 9 AM MST | 10 AM CST | 11 AM EST Meeting Link will be shared later Who This Is For (Youth Focus) This program is specifically designed for youth who are: Exploring future career paths and educational options. Building their first professional documents (resumes, LinkedIn profiles). Learning how to speak effectively about their strengths, projects, and achievements. Preparing for interviews, volunteering, apprenticeships, or first internships. Guest Speaker: Each weekly session will include a guest speaker, industry professionals and mentors will be sharing real-world insights, career journeys, and practical advice. Program Benefits Participants will walk away with a complete strategy and the confidence to execute it, including: A clearer sense of personal strengths and aligned career direction. A stronger, targeted resume and a polished LinkedIn profile. Practical knowledge of the modern job search:  The specific  tools, locations, and timelines to use. A working Mentorship Strategy  detailing who to seek out and how to contact them. Interview confidence and a structured follow-up system. A grounded, structured 30-day action plan for their next step. Program Format Monthly Format: One session each week One hour per session. Hosted virtually (Zoom) Guest Speakers at each session Optional 1:1 Support: If any participant needs deeper, personalized guidance beyond the group sessions, Bhavishya is available for one-on-one coaching by request to review documents or practice interviews. About the Facilitator Bhavishya Lingam  brings 23 years of experience as a recruiter and career mentor, having guided people through every stage of the career journey - from first internships to executive roles. In her work at Amazon, she supports talent acquisition, hiring strategies, and candidate development, giving her a clear understanding of what organizations look for and how individuals can present themselves with confidence. Bhavishya is known for her ability to help people recognize their strengths, communicate who they are, and find direction during uncertain or overwhelming times. Her work is grounded in service, clarity, and compassion, and she brings that same energy into The Next Step: Career Navigation Program.

Every Saturday morning, VTSeva volunteers come together at the Round Rock Area Serving Center (RRASC) Community Garden  with one shared purpose— to grow fresh food and nourish our community . What began as a small weekend effort has grown into a meaningful, consistent service activity that directly supports families facing food insecurity in the Round Rock area. Join Us! 📍 Where:  RRASC Community Garden, Round Rock   When:  Every First Saturday: 9:00-11:00 Who Can Join:  Individuals, families, and student volunteers Signup Here : https://forms.gle/4QV4XD3m1z6ad2CT7 What We Do Dec 5th : At the RRASC Community Garden, volunteers of all ages roll up their sleeves to: Prepare garden beds and enrich the soil Plant seasonal vegetables and herbs Water, weed, and maintain crops Harvest fresh produce for donation Each task plays an important role in ensuring the garden thrives year-round and continues to supply nutritious food to those who need it most. Why It Matters The produce grown in this garden is donated to the RRASC food pantry , where it becomes part of weekly food distributions for local families. Fresh fruits and vegetables are often the hardest items for food-insecure households to access, and this garden helps bridge that gap— one harvest at a time . Beyond food, the garden cultivates: Community connection Environmental awareness Youth leadership and responsibility Hands-on learning about sustainability Powered by Volunteers Our Saturday garden activity is made possible by the dedication of VTSeva volunteers—students, families, and community members—who choose to give their time consistently. Many volunteers return week after week, building not just a garden, but lasting relationships and a deep sense of purpose. This activity is also a wonderful opportunity for youth volunteers  to earn service hours while learning teamwork, responsibility, and the impact of grassroots service. Growing More Than Food The RRASC Community Garden reflects VTSeva’s commitment to environmental sustainability, hunger relief, and community empowerment . Every seed planted represents hope, resilience, and the belief that small, regular actions can create lasting change. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a first-time volunteer, your help makes a difference. Come grow with us—and be part of a movement that feeds both people and purpose. Together, we are growing hope—one Saturday at a time.

In 2025, Nethra Vidyalaya continues to redefine what’s possible for visually impaired students — turning dreams into victories, and challenges into opportunities. From excelling in national sports championships and pioneering in technology and robotics, to achieving academic excellence and shining in cultural arenas, our students are proving that vision is far beyond sight. Their confidence, determination, and achievements stand as living examples of the power of education and inclusion. With each milestone, they inspire us to believe that when given the right support, no dream is out of reach . As we step into another year of transformation, we invite you to be part of this inspiring journey to sponsor, support, and empower these bright minds who are shaping a future filled with independence, innovation, and limitless potential. Together, let’s make 2025 a year where every child at Nethra Vidyalaya continues to rise, shine, and inspire the world. 𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 | 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐚 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 We are proud to share an inspiring milestone for Nethra Vidyalaya, Visakhapatnam. 𝐒𝐢𝐱 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 have been selected to represent Andhra Pradesh at the National Goalball Tournament, to be held in 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐧𝐚 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔.  𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐲𝐬: Ousha Narendhra (Ajay) | Gagan | Sai Kiran 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬: Sandhya | Sirisha | Bavana This prestigious national selection follows their exceptional performance at the 2nd Andhra Pradesh Goalball Tournament, held over the last two days in Anantapur, where Nethra Vidyalaya students showcased extraordinary skill, leadership, and teamwork.  𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞-𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 The girls’ team, comprising 𝐊. 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐡𝐲𝐚, 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐲𝐚 𝐊𝐨𝐮𝐦𝐮𝐝𝐡𝐢, 𝐒𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐚, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐚 delivered a dominant performance. This trio played together as a team and emerged as the 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 of the Tournament, earning well-deserved recognition. Each of our boys led his respective team as Captain: 𝐀𝐣𝐚𝐲 led his team to 1st Place, standing out for his exceptional leadership and match-winning performance 𝐆𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧 secured 2nd Place as Captain of his team 𝐒𝐚𝐢 𝐊𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐧 and 𝐑𝐨𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐡 guided their teams to 3rd Place These achievements show what’s possible when 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 - and what a 𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐫𝐚𝐩 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫. At 𝐕𝐓 𝐒𝐞𝐯𝐚, we are grateful to our donors and volunteers whose generosity empowers our students with training, confidence, and national-level exposure. Because of you, they are not just participating - they are 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17ooDP9Vt1/ 𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞-𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐁𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧! Hansika was honored as Woman of the Match and later received the Woman of the Tournament award for her outstanding performance. Our Nethra students led both finalist teams as captains: Deepika (2nd Year Degree) Anitha (Final Year Degree) 10 of our students represented the two finalist teams. The team led by Anitha emerged victorious, while Hansika, representing the runners-up team, delivered an exceptional performance. Out of 33 total players, 18 were from Nethra Vidyalaya, showcasing our institution’s strong presence and impact in the sport. This achievement stands as a proud testament to our students’ talent, leadership, and determination! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1742GJGnUK/ 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐕𝐓 𝐒𝐞𝐯𝐚 & 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐚 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐚! We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible achievements of Nethra Vidyalaya students at the 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 , held in 𝐃𝐮𝐛𝐚𝐢 (𝐃𝐞𝐜 𝟕–𝟏𝟒). Our students brought home  𝟏 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝  𝟒 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐳𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐬, making us immensely proud! Six students represented our school, showcasing exceptional determination, discipline, and sportsmanship on the international stage. 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬  𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐑𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢 won 𝟏 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝 (𝟒𝟎𝟎𝐦) 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟐 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐳𝐞 (𝟐𝟎𝟎𝐦, 𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟎𝐦) 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬  𝐀𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐲𝐚 𝐀𝐧𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐡𝐚 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐚 secured 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐳𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐭 𝐏𝐮𝐭 (𝐔𝟐𝟎)  𝐒𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐢 𝐆𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚 secured 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐳𝐞 (𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐦) in 𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 Heartfelt thanks to our dedicated coaches, mentors, and generous donors, your support makes these achievements possible.  VT Seva is proud to empower students to rise beyond limitations and shine on the global stage. Heartfelt thanks to our dedicated coaches, mentors, and generous donors. Your support makes these achievements possible. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/198WUGAHiL/ 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐚 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐑𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 At the prestigious GMC Balayogi Stadium, five talented swimmers from Nethra Vidyalaya made waves on the national stage! Their determination, discipline, and spirit shone through as they brought home multiple medals and made the entire institution proud. 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 & 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 1. 𝑽. 𝑹𝒂𝒗𝒊 – 𝑺11 𝑺𝒖𝒃 𝑱𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒓𝒔 A remarkable champion who dominated the pool with three medals:  100m Freestyle – Gold  50m Freestyle – Gold  50m Backstroke – Silver 2. 𝑩𝒆𝒓𝒂 𝑲𝒂𝒗𝒚𝒂 𝑺𝒓𝒆𝒆 – 𝑺11 𝑺𝒖𝒃 𝑱𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒓𝒔 A rising star with exceptional grit:  50m Freestyle – Gold 3. 𝑷. 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒂 – 𝑺11 𝑱𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒓𝒔 A versatile swimmer known for consistency:  50m Freestyle – Silver  100m Freestyle – Silver  50m Backstroke – Gold 4. 𝑺. 𝑷𝒐𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒂 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒓𝒂 – 𝑺11 𝑱𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒓𝒔 Showcasing strength and spirit:  100m Freestyle – Bronze  50m Freestyle – Bronze 5. 𝑵𝒂𝒈𝒖𝒍𝒂 𝑺𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒉 – 𝑺13 𝑴𝒆𝒏 A strong and steady performer:  100m Freestyle – Silver Congratulations to all the swimmers for their phenomenal achievements! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A29PLWRL5/ 𝐒𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐮𝐦𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐉𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥-𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩! We are proud to share that Sriman Tumram Jagan, an 8th-grade student from 𝐉𝐞𝐞𝐲𝐚𝐫 𝐆𝐮𝐫𝐮𝐤𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐦, has secured𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭-𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫-𝟏𝟒 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 held at Nellikuduru, Mahabubabad. Earlier, Jagan had also qualified in the district-level competitions held in Nirmal district in both the Under-14 and Under-17 categories, displaying a remarkable display of his dedication and skill. With this outstanding performance, Jagan has earned the opportunity to 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥-𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩! Let’s extend our heartfelt congratulations to Jagan for his inspiring achievement and best wishes to all our Under-17 archers as they aim for success at the highest level! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17Jct31ikj/ Nethra Vidyalaya Swimmer Qualify for 25th National Para Swimming Competition! Our visually challenged champions made waves at the 7th State Para Swimming Competition held on Oct 12, 2025, in Eluru, showcasing incredible skill, confidence, and determination! Swimmer from across Andhra Pradesh competed, and the best-timed performers will move on to represent the state at the National Para Swimming Championship in Hyderabad (Nov 16 - 18). Here are our outstanding results: 6 Gold | 7 Silver | 1 Bronze, Total - 14 Medals! Girls' Category: Kavya Sri – S11, Sub Junior, 50m Freestyle - Gold Priyanka Das – S13, Sub Junior, 50m Freestyle - Silver Mounica – S13, Sub Junior, 50m Freestyle - Silver Syamala – S12, Junior, 50m Freestyle - Silver Boys' Category: V. Ravi – S11, Sub Junior, 100m & Backstroke - Gold | 50m - Silver S. Poorna Chandra – S12, Junior, 100m -Gold | 50m - Silver P. Chaitanya – S11, Junior, 100m - Gold | 50m - Silver | Backstroke - Bronze Suresh – S13, Junior, 100m - Gold | 50m - Silver These remarkable performances reflect the students’ hard work, resilience, and passion to excel beyond limitations. A special thank you to 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐡, whose free and dedicated training has helped our students transform challenges into triumphs. Qualified Students for Nationals: Valasanaini Ravi, S. Poorna Chandra, Bera Kavya Sri, P. Chaitanya, Priyanka Das, Nagula Suresh Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16zoFUoXzv/ National Representation in Goal ball: We're thrilled to share that our student Ajay has been selected for the Indian Goalball Team to represent India at the Youth Asian Games 2025 in Dubai . Equally exciting, Sandhya has been shortlisted among the Top 10 players in the national pool! Their journey is a powerful example of how determination, teamwork, and opportunity can turn dreams into achievements. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Fk19K6Arc/ Nethra Vidyalaya students win Special Jury Award at WSRO Robotics Nationals: The students of Nethra Vidyalaya proudly represented their institution at the 𝗪𝗦𝗥𝗢 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 held in Ahmedabad, participating in three challenging categories: 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐫, 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝. Despite facing intense competition from 40+ teams in each event, the students showcased remarkable innovation and teamwork. While they narrowly missed the semifinals in the first two categories, their farming project for the visually challenged stood out for its ingenuity and social impact, earning them the 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗝𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱. This recognition is a true reflection of their creativity, compassion, and the spirit of inclusive education nurtured at Nethra Vidyalaya. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A26oEc9Av/ 14th Junior & Sub-Junior Para-Athletics Competition in Gwalior We are proud to share the remarkable achievements of our students from Varija Nethra Vidyalaya School, who represented our institution at the 𝟏𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 & 𝐒𝐮𝐛-𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚-𝐀𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 held from 29th to 31st August 2025 at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Training Center for Disability Sports, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. A total of 15 students participated, and together they won multiple Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals, bringing immense pride to Nethra Vidyalaya. From blazing performances on the track to powerful throws and soaring jumps, every student gave their best and shone brightly. 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 5 Gold | 11 Silver | 6 Bronze | 22 Medals! 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: K. Ravi and P. Santosh dominated the 200m & 400m, claiming double Golds. 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐮𝐦𝐩 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐲: With Santosh, Gowtham, and Ravi excelling, our athletes swept the category. 𝐅𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡: Sandhya earned double Silver in Discus Throw and Shot Put, showcasing versatility. 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: Several students secured podium finishes in both track and field, proving the depth of talent across age groups. Thanks to the teachers and coaches for all their support and training! The achievements of our Nethra Vidyalaya students would not have been possible without the steadfast support of our donors and well-wishers. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17dfscrhkT/ Nethra Vidyalaya students advance in WSRO competition to Nationals! The 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐖𝐒𝐑𝐎) conducts innovation-driven competitions that inspire students to apply STEM concepts through hands-on challenges in robotics, science, and engineering. It provides a national platform for students to showcase creativity, problem-solving, and technical skills. 𝐒𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐢𝐯𝐚 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐢 secured 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 in the 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐲 for inventing a customized cane to support visually challenged individuals in farming. Their project has been selected for the 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥-𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐝. 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡 earned 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥-𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 through their impressive performance in the 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞. 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐣𝐞𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐯𝐢 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐉𝐚𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐚 qualified for 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 in the 𝐍𝐨𝐧-𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐨 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐭 competition. These inspiring milestones are not just victories for the students, they are a testament to the unwavering commitment and generosity of our donors and volunteers. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1A79yQpDN7/ Breaking Barriers, Lifting Dreams! 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐬𝐢𝐤𝐚 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐢, a visually challenged B.Com  student from Netra Vidyalaya JIVA campus, has made 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 by winning 𝑮𝑶𝑳𝑫 at the 𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐁𝐒𝐀 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 - a prestigious event hosted by the Karnataka Blind Sports Association in Udupi-Manipal. This year’s competition marked a powerful first women were welcomed onto the stage and Hamsika rose to the occasion with unmatched grit and grace, competing among athletes from 11 Indian states. Her success is not just her own it belongs to every donor, supporter, and mentor who believed in her potential. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1FG5ohjJ8R/ Empowering Vision: Nethra Junior College Opens in Vizag With the divine blessings of HH Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, the Nethra Vidyalaya Junior College for Visually Challenged was officially inaugurated on May 26 in Visakhapatnam, followed by a joyful celebration on June 16 with the Tech Mahindra Foundation, donors, staff, and the first batch of 28 students and their families. This college is not just a new institution, it is a beacon of opportunity, independence, and inclusive education for visually challenged youth. Thanks to your unwavering support, we're advancing in academics, infrastructure, and student development. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16ZcKQdHDt/ 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬! We are beyond proud to announce a phenomenal achievement from our very own USA Narendra (Ajay), a 7th-grade student at Nethra Vidyalaya , who played in the Prudent Indian Blind Football Premier League 2025 , representing the Three-Two-One Kerala team which emerged as the Runners-Up in this prestigious national-level tournament! Ajay is the youngest player on a team filled with seasoned men's athletes, yet he stood shoulder to shoulder with them, contributing with remarkable skill, courage, and sportsmanship. His inclusion in the team is a shining example of unity, resilience, and what’s possible when diverse talents come together as one. Adding to this incredible moment, 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐡, our dedicated Sports Coach, was selected as the Goal Guide for the same team is a recognition of his relentless mentorship and passion for empowering youth through sports. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14NjCHJbS8U/ 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲! We are beyond proud to share that 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐢 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧, 𝐚 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐚 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐚 (𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒–𝟐𝟓), has been awarded the 𝐃𝐫. 𝐀.𝐏.𝐉. 𝐀𝐛𝐝𝐮𝐥 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐦 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐛𝐡𝐚 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐚𝐫 (𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝) by the Government of 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐡𝐫𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐡! This prestigious honor is awarded to top SSC achievers who shine through dedication, resilience, and brilliance. Kalicharan is a true embodiment of all three! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AKdQxeG1g/ Back to Back Triumphs for Jeeyar Gurukulam We are thrilled to celebrate a double victory! Both Beersaipet and Allampally Jeeyar Gurukulams have achieved a phenomenal 100% pass rate in the SSC Board Examinations, a shining testament to the power of dedication, vision, and opportunity.  This academic milestone reflects: ✅ The unwavering determination of our students ✅ The relentless efforts of our dedicated teachers ✅ The inspiring vision of VT Seva CEO HH Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, whose mission to uplift tribal communities through education, continues to create a lasting impact ✅ And above all, the generosity of our donors, whose support makes dreams come true  With each success, our tribal schools continue to raise the bar, proving that with the right support, excellence knows no limits. Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15fDjKau4d/ https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17HCqjpJHL/ Jeeyar Gurukulam Students secure high scores in the MPC exam   VT Seva extends heartfelt congratulations to the students of Jeeyar Gurukulam for their outstanding performance in the 1st Year Intermediate MPC examinations. This achievement reflects the students' dedication and the unwavering support from their educators and families.​ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AYReXkMZ8/ Nethra Vidyalaya Students Achieve 100% Pass Rate; State Topper Emerges Victorious We are thrilled to announce a truly remarkable academic achievement by the students of Netra Vidyalaya. K. Arvind has made history by securing State First Rank in the Blind Category of the Intermediate 2nd Year Examinations with a phenomenal 976 out of 1000 marks (97.6%)! His success is a shining example of how your support transforms potential into excellence. But the celebration doesn't end there... 𝟏𝟎𝟎% 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞 - Intermediate Second Year (2025) 𝟗𝟔% 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞 - Intermediate First Year 𝟏𝟎𝟎% 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞 - SSC (10th Class) at our 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐚 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐣𝐚, 𝐕𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐠, with students achieving outstanding marks! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FNwVLX3tq/ 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐚 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐚 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐊𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓! The 2nd edition of the Khelo India Para Games, held from 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎–𝟐𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓, 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐡𝐢, witnessed an inspiring display of talent, perseverance, and determination from our Nethra Vidyalaya students. Competing among 𝟏,𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚-𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐬 from 𝟑𝟔 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, our champions left an indelible mark with their exceptional performances. VT Seva proudly supports Nethra Vidyalaya, and this victory is made possible by the generous contributions of our donors and volunteers. The previous record of 32.46 seconds, held by Rakshitha Raju for four years, has now been rewritten by Lalitha—a proud student of 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐚 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐚, JIVA Campus, Shamshabad. This phenomenal feat has been 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐊𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬! A unique coincidence? Both record-holders—Rakshitha Raju and Killaka Lalitha—were trained under the same dedicated coach, Sriman Rahul Ramakrishna Ji! His mentorship continues to shape exceptional athletes who redefine limits and inspire millions.   𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 (𝐓𝟏𝟏 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐲, 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧) V. Ravanni – Gold Medal Sirisha – Silver Medal 𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 (𝐓𝟏𝟏 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐲, 𝐌𝐞𝐧) Ambati Swaraj (Degree 1st Year) – Silver Medal 𝟒𝟎𝟎 𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 (𝐓𝟏𝟏 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐲, 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧) Lalitha – Gold Medal V. Ravanni – Silver Medal 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 (𝐓𝟏𝟏 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐲, 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧) Lalitha – Silver Medal 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐮𝐦𝐩 (𝐓𝟏𝟏 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐲, 𝐌𝐞𝐧) Ambati Swaraj – Silver Medal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AJrGQS8JJ/ Nethra's Golden Sprint & Bronze Blaze won at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025 Our own Nethra Vidyalaya student 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐚 has set the track on fire at the 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐀𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐱 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐡𝐢! She 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟒𝟎𝟎𝐦 𝐓𝟏𝟏 𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞, 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃 and stormed the 𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟎𝐦 𝐓𝟏𝟏 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐙𝐄 ! Her triumph isn’t just a win – it’s a movement, an inspiration, and a bold statement of rising dominance in para sports! Many leaders in the sports field across the state are congratulating her victory: * Gonuguntla Koteswara Rao, President, Para Sports Association of Andhra Pradesh * Sri Animini Ravi Naidu, Chairman, Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh * Girisha P S (IAS), Vice Chairman & MD, SAAP * V. Ramaswami, Secretary, Para Sports Association of Andhra Pradesh Lalitha’s incredible feat is a testament to her perseverance, skill, and unbreakable spirit. She’s not just making Nethra Vidyalaya proud, she’s not just making Andhra Pradesh proud—she’s inspiring athletes across the nation! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17TqTXppJG/ 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐡𝐫𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐁𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 The Andhra Pradesh Women's Blind Cricket Team secured a remarkable victory against Karnataka in the 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓, held at the Aluva Blind School Grounds. Displaying exceptional skill and determination, the team clinched the title with a 27-run victory in the finals. A standout performance came from 𝐌𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐚, 𝐚𝐧 𝟖𝐭𝐡-𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐚 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐚, who showcased extraordinary talent and was named 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡. Her efforts were recognized with a cash prize and a certificate. Additionally, 𝐑𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢 from college was honored as the 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 for her consistent and outstanding performances throughout the tournament. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16HMoWnM3t/ 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐡𝐫𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐈𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐲! History was made as Andhra Pradesh clinched the IndusInd Bank Nagesh Trophy 2024-25 on Feb 7, 2025, in a spectacular final against Delhi at Altiore Sports The Oval, Bengaluru! This victory is more than just a trophy—it's a testament to the spirit of resilience, determination, and boundless potential of visually impaired athletes. 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐚 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐚, 𝐆𝐨𝐩𝐢 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐮𝐧𝐲𝐚 𝐒𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐡, 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐡𝐫𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐡, proving that with the right support, dreams have no limits! 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐡𝐫𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐡: 254/1 in 20 overs | Ajay Kumar Reddy - A blazing 104 off 45 balls 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐡𝐢: 184/9 in 20 overs 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡: Durga Rao Tompaki for his stellar performance 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧: 70 runs This championship saw 𝟐𝟖 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 battle it out with unwavering passion across six venues—each player proving that true vision comes from within. This is more than just cricket; this is a movement towards inclusivity, empowerment, and excellence. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GjSSY8g6R/ 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐚 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝟐𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐀𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐢! We are beyond proud of our incredible Nethra Vidyalaya Junior & Degree College athletes for their outstanding achievements at the 𝟐𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐀𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐢i! 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬!! 𝐋𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐚 - 𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝐦 & 𝟒𝟎𝟎𝐦 (𝐓𝟏𝟏 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐲) 𝐑𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢 - 𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐢𝐧 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝐦, 𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝐦 & 𝟒𝟎𝟎𝐦 (𝐓𝟏𝟏 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐲) 𝐀𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐢 𝐒𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐣 - 𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐮𝐦𝐩 (𝐓𝟏𝟏 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐲) 𝐒𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐚 - 𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐙𝐄 𝐢𝐧 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝐦 (𝐓𝟏𝟏 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐲) Special mention to 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐲𝐚 𝐑𝐨𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐡 from Nethra School who missed the finals by just milliseconds, competing fiercely against senior players. Blog Link: https://www.vtsworld.org/post/shining-stars-of-nethra-vidyalaya-at-the-23rd-national-para-athletics-championship IndusInd Bank Women's National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind Although victory eluded us in the match against the Rajasthan team, we take immense pride in the extraordinary performance of our star player, 𝐑𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢. Her unwavering determination and exceptional skills earned her the 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝟏 𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐲 on the 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐈𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝟐𝟎 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓. Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19ocR3hzoB/ 𝐀 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 (𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐫) 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐡𝐫𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐡!!! Nethra Vidyalaya is proudly expanding its footprints in the field of football, marking another remarkable milestone in empowering the visually impaired. By forming a 𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐡𝐫𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐅𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, Nethra has opened new horizons for students to showcase their talent and excel in sports. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Cux8VK3gu/

From the moment I entered Allampally, I was greeted by the purest and most innocent smiles. On the very first day, as soon as we interns stepped outside, we were swarmed by children. They ran to us, their faces glowing, eagerly shouting their names. Some didn’t know how to speak English or Telugu, yet they still reached for our hands. What touched me most was how the older kids would step in to help—introducing the younger ones, translating their names and ages, and even telling us which languages they understood. This spirit of guidance extended beyond introductions; it was woven into their daily lives, from teaching each other games to helping one another when hurt. At the end of each school day, the children were full of energy. They dragged us out of the classrooms to play games like “King,” “Out is Out,” and “Kho-kho.” In return, we taught them “Marco Polo” and “Four Corners.” Within hours, the kids treated us as if we had been friends for years. Inside the classroom, their energy was just as infectious. During one English roleplay exercise, the students began creating their own scenarios and ideas. If one child was stuck, the others would gently nudge them with hints. This camaraderie was constant, a clear reflection of the strong bonds they shared. I was especially amazed at how they embraced every opportunity. Unlike my own school experiences, these students were eager to volunteer for speeches and activities.  At Beersaipeta, I was stunned when second graders confidently delivered memorized speeches in front of the entire school—something even many adults would hesitate to do. Their courage left me in awe. One of the most heartwarming things I witnessed was the bond between the students and teachers. The teachers encouraged the students’ enthusiasm, nurturing both learning and joy. Even the principal knew each of his students personally, showing genuine care and familiarity. Visiting the local thandas was another unforgettable experience. After school, the children begged us to come, proudly pointing out their homes and introducing us to their families. One evening, we had the privilege of witnessing a baby shower. Despite our shyness and hesitation, the women welcomed us warmly, inviting us to participate in their traditions. They treated us with love and affection, even though we were strangers. It was then I realized that the kindness and openness of these children reflected the values they were raised with at home. Swami-ji’s teachings were not confined to the schools—they reached into the thandas, shaping the entire community into something truly inspiring. Life in Allampally was unlike anything I was used to. There was no AC, bugs were everywhere, and power cuts were frequent. We developed new habits: greeting people with “Jai Srimanarayana,” walking barefoot in the classrooms, and chanting prayers before meals. Yet none of these adjustments defined the experience. What made Allampally so special were the people. In our daily lives, we often meet people who expect something from us. But these children had no expectations. They only wanted to share their lives, their games, and their talents. Their intentions were pure, their actions filled with kindness. At Nethra Vidyalaya, I met so many talented people. Beyond their intellectuality, they performed mimicry, sang, and played instruments. I had the opportunity to personally witness how the students took advantage of the resources provided and began to make their mark on this world. They showed me how they worked around their visual challenges and helped each other.  I left Allampally with the realization that these children, though young, embody values and ethics that make them better people than many adults I know. They possess many talents with their dance, signing and speeches and they utilize every opportunity given to them. I walked into this internship thinking that I would teach them, but they taught me more than I could have ever taught them. Their joy, courage, and selflessness are lessons I will carry with me for life. By - Samhita Bandaru

My name is Niyati Pandari, I am in 10th grade and I am from Houston, Texas and I have been a part of VT Seva for 5 years. I was a part of the internship in 2025 and I chose to do this because I really wanted to understand the impact VT Seva is making on the kids in India. When I went I saw that VT Seva wasn’t just helping a few people but it was transforming communities. One of the most meaningful parts of this internship was visiting the Jeeyar Gurukulams in Allampally and Beersaipeta. I loved teaching the kids there and also learning a lot from them. Everyday their smiles and genuine appreciation to learn inspired me and showed me that I should never take things for granted, especially my education. Whether it was Math, English, or even music they approached each subject with such passion and dedication. Watching them made me realize how important it is to pursue the things that you love with enthusiasm and also to appreciate life even when you don’t have everything you want. I also had the opportunity to visit the Netra Vidyalaya kids in Shamshabad. Watching them was incredibly inspiring because they showed me that anything is possible when you set your mind to it. Thanks to all the support that VT Seva provides for them, these visually challenged students are able to get the right education and still do everything that others can do. Their determination and talents were truly eye-opening. They reminded me of the power of having the right mindset and taught me to never give up even though things might be challenging. Another memorable experience was visiting the Statue of Equality and the JIMS Hospital, Medical College, and Medical Camps in the villages. It was really cool learning about the difference between Allopathy and Homeopathy and how both are different approaches to helping people with medical issues. Visiting the medical camps in the villages showed how much effort is being put into medical care in areas that don’t have proper medical care.  Overall this experience was definitely an unforgettable one. I had so much fun during the 12 days that I spent on the internship, meeting, becoming friends with them as well as learning so many things from all the places I went to. This journey has taught me so much and gave me memories that I will carry with me forever. I don’t think I'm ever going to forget this internship and I really hope that the people I met during those 12 days will forget me either. By - Niyati Pandari

Youth volunteer guidelines : Youth Powered, Youth Driven. Create your volunteering calendar. Own your our fundraising adventure. Participate regularly in meetings to stay informed, share ideas, and collaborate with fellow members. Stay active in WhatsApp chats. Contribute your time and skills to various events and initiatives, making an impact. Approach all activities with empathy and kindness, understanding the importance of serving others selflessly. ⁠submit your hours regularly. Our Goal to empower Youth : Build trust. This trust has significantly shaped our journey. Leveraging the power of community is an excellent way to build that trust. When people share their journeys within the community, it inspires others to take action. Our most significant marketing channel has been word of mouth. We avoided fancy or expensive marketing campaigns, sticking to the basics. This approach has led to an incredible number of referrals. We would encourage youth to signup for their activities and not parents. This helps in the real commitment and not any last min drop offs. Submit your volunteer Hrs : myserviechours.org and also the excel sheet link sent in your welome email . Summer Internship and Shadow prog application due - APR 28th 2025 Summer Internship Form : https://forms.gle/ifj326WfoMcDcvQ98 Summer Shadowing Program Form : https://forms.gle/K45eQAT5CYC4Wvkt6 New to Volunteering ? Here are the guidelines to follow and things to expect. Dec-Jan Upcoming Volunteering opportunities Roundrock Area Service center Garden activity Jan 10th Jan 10th https://forms.gle/4QV4XD3m1z6ad2CT7 Open RMHC Jan 10th Jan 10th https://www.vtsworld.org/post/vtseva-austin-rmhc-lunches-with-love Open Round Rock Area Serving center Dec 20, Jan 17 Dec 20, Jan 17 https://forms.gle/H5pn5rCDX7GQvwSF7 Open TSBVI Audio Books Ongoing https://www.vtsworld.org/post/vtseva-austin-tsbvi-audio-books-project Ongoing Digital Library Ongoing https://www.vtsworld.org/post/vt-seva-collaborates-on-digital-book-library-for-blind-print-disabled Ongoing $60 Fundraise challenge Ongoing Signup for your challenge https://tinyurl.com/VTSevaAustin60Challenge https://givebutter.com/VTSevaVASUDHA2025/ Recurring Monthly Events Fundraise Challenge : Signup : https://tinyurl.com/VTSevaAustin60Challenge Community Drives  Impact lives with simple acts this summer by running drives in your community. Volunteer hours can be earned! Youth Empower Events Annual Events Celebrate with Us Ask us how you can help us raise funds Email : austinvtseva@gmail.com with your ideas or contact for questions Adults Get Involved Impact of your volunteering and donations https://www.vtsworld.org/news/categories/nethra-vidyalaya-accomplishments VTSeva Austin Summer internship (CLOSED) : VT Seva Austin is looking for passionate youth volunteers for our summer internship program. We are looking for individuals who are self-driven, compassionate, and hardworking.  Here  is the link to the list of positions available with the roles and responsibilities of each in detail. Interns must be committed for a duration of three months from June 1st to September 1st.  Interns must actively participate in the Whatsapp group, join monthly meetings, fundraise a minimum of $180 for education for underprivileged and visually impaired students, and complete a minimum of 25 volunteering hours with VT Seva for the January to May quarter. Only hours that are logged in myservicehours.com  will be considered.   If applicants did not reach their fundraising goal of $180 or meet the minimum 25 hours with VT Seva by the application due date, they have until June 1st   to do so.   Applications close at 7:00 am on April 15th . You will hear back from us by April 22nd through email communications. Short fifteen minute interviews will be held in the following weeks. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Siri Bandam (512-369-9572 or siribandam@gmail.com ).  SUMMER INTERNSHIP IS CLOSED

I’m Jashvant Malkireddy, a 10th-grade student from Cary, North Carolina. I have been part of VT Seva since I was 12 years old and have always been astonished in the various ways that they have been helping in the United States community. However, I wanted to expand my knowledge about VT Seva and see what impact VT Seva had on communities in India, which led me to joining the VT Seva Internship in India this summer. During my time at this internship, I had visited many places. First were the Jeeyar Gurukulams at Allampalli and Beersaipeta. The moment I arrived in these areas, I immediately knew that I was going to have a great time here. The students here were very kind and their hospitality was something I hadn’t seen before. The kids welcomed all of us interns as if we were their own siblings, calling us “brother” or “sister.” The kids here were very disciplined and had a strong motivation to study well and accomplish great things in the future. Each student had a different goal for the future, ranging from a software engineer to a soldier. They treated me very respectfully and I admire their gratitude and dedication towards education. Everyday, after school, we would also spend time with the kids after their school hours. They were very talented in both academics, but also physical activities as well. They would engage in various activities such as volleyball, kabaddi, and cricket. Although they liked these games very much, they were also willing to learn new games from us such as American football. It was something that was new to them, but they quickly grasped the game. I was really surprised by their adaptability and their ability to quickly learn things. Some of the days after school hours, we would go to visit the Thandas, which were tribal communities which some of the students were from. Every day, the kids came from their home in the thandas to the Jeeyar Gurukulam. I enjoyed hearing the experiences of the people in the communities, as I wasn’t used to the village lifestyle. Although these communities were not that developed with modern day technology, the people were well educated and intelligent. showing how VT Seva is playing a large role in the lives of these people by providing a quality education to them that can take these kids along a successful path in the future. Lastly, in Hyderabad, we visited Netra Vidyalaya, a school for visually challenged students. The kids here had no problem doing things that we normally do on a daily basis although they were visually challenged. Additionally, these kids had many talents such as singing, mimicry, shotput, and running, which I really admired. Throughout this experience, I observed VT Seva’s large impact through the opportunities they provide to kids who are underprivileged. The organization provides so much to these kids such as housing and plenty of education material like computers and books. Through the assistance of VT Seva, so many kids now have a chance to set their goals high and use this quality education provided by the Jeeyar Gurukulams to chase these goals. Overall, this internship experience with VT Seva is something that I will remember for the rest of my life. I was able to see the organization’s contributions in India for underprivileged kids in addition to their contributions in the United States. These kind and intelligent children are truly capable of achieving whatever they aim for under the support of VT Seva and the Jeeyar Gurukulams. By- Jashvant Malkireddy

Hello, my name is Jayani Vaishnava, a current junior in high school. I’ve been volunteering in VT Seva since I was 7 years old. Growing up I noticed my passion to volunteer for a greater cause and attending A:LO:K (VT Seva’s fundraising event in Houston, TX) as I grew up it led me to wanting to attend this internship. It was incredible to see how all the donations have been usedover the course of these many years from when VT Seva started. Throughout the course of these 10 days I learned multiple lessons along with the interns that I share with you now. As we entered the Nethravidyala school for the first time, the students all lined up and greetedus warmly. We went to the study area for the students; during this two-hour period we engaged with them and it was quite interesting learning about their day-to-day life, class schedule and their classes they took such as economics. A couple of the students during this time sang songs and danced in a classroom showcasing their passions. We had the opportunity to teach them as well! A couple of the interns and I were assigned in a room to teach around 10 students… We taught them how to have a casual debate. Debates on topics such as City vs Villages and Is Social Media Good vs Is Social Media Bad. We were impressed as they were able to grasp and had an engaging debate against each other which resulted in both teams coming to an agreement. It was amazing seeing the keen interest they had in debate and how they put their full effort into it as they do in other tasks. During our time in Shamshabad, we had the opportunity to visit SOE where we learned about the 108 divyadeshams and visited all of them at the statue of equality, which resides all over India. We also saw the golden Ramanuja. On this day we learned about Ramanuja’s mission which was to create equal opportunities for everyone as there were none back then. We also learned why all 108 divyadeshams were built together at the SOE, as Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji wanted to put together all of these 108 divyadeshams as visiting all 108 will take several years. In addition to that we had the lovely experience of watching the water and light show. I have always taken pleasure in learning more about my culture, though visiting SOE a couple times prior to the internship, during this internship I learned greatly about the history. Shortly after morning prayers we performed yoga, specifically Surya Namaskar (12 asanas). In the pictures shown we had the opportunity to meet the vedic students at the gurukul. Every glance I took around I noticed the discipline carried within everyone, in this case the vedic students. Though it was so early many of them had the energy to chant continuously the morning prayers. Later all of us interns went to the ashramam (temple) and saw the deities inside the beautiful ashramam. Dr. Sushida gave us a tour of the JIMS medical college. It was an eye-opening exposure to medicine as we were introduced to all the various fields being taught at the college. Dr. Sushida had explained the different departments in depth. We had also visited the hospital and met a couple of doctors throughout the building learning about what they do in their specialized field as well as how their patients are treated. During our time at the hospital, us interns learned about information on the JIMS hospital through a presentation. This later led to us interns visiting the medical camps in the villages, two patients had shared their thoughts on these free medical camps and how it has helped them greatly compared to several other medical aids. We had observed the packaging and learned about biotabs (combined medicine), homeopathy and allopathy, as well as how the medicines are produced and diluted. Shortly after we went to the schools of the kids they provide medical aid to. Throughout this time we learned about their lifestyle, and how the medical camps benefit the students greatly. A couple of these pictures are from when we visited Swamiji’s kuteeram. The other pictures shown are when visiting the gaushala there. All of us interns fed the cows, spent time with them, and drank cow milk. At the time we had seen the process of how cow dung had been used to generate gas, and the dilution process of cow urine for health benefits, which led to them showcasing many of their products (medicine) that they make with the cows there and other herbal ingredients which are very beneficial. Days passed by and before we knew it, it was time to go to allampally to teach the kids what we had been preparing to teach them beforehand for weeks. After our long bus ride from Shamshabad to Allampally we were warmly welcomed by all the students and teachers at the Allampally school, as well as in Beersaipeta when we went there for a day. Our first day in Allampally we noticed the strong will all the students had for learning the curriculum we taught them. We attended their classes and mostly taught Spoken English as our special classes were designated during a certain time. I enjoyed teaching them spoken English as the students had learned with an interest in grammar, and speech. As I taught the Piano many of them asked questions with curiosity, and tried to understand the curriculum. It was amazing to see how they grasped so much information in 2 days as I quizzed them over one hour worth of lecture, and they had used their notes to study. The second day teaching piano, a couple of the students had already learned how to play twinkle twinkle little star and slowly learning jana gana mana as it was more complex. The students were very engaged throughout the curriculum we taught them as all of us interns had gone to different classes (2nd grade, 10th grade, 6th grade, etc) and taught them how to give presentations, a speech, and put together a short essay based on each grade level. As school finished for the day we spent that time getting to know the students that stayed at the hostel by playing games, and learning about their interests. I also enjoyed bringing my camera, as many of the students had an interest for photography and loved using the camera to take pictures in their free time. The couple of days in Allampally and Beersaipeta had truly been a delightful adventure, leaving me with memories I will cherish forever. The students' passion, determination to study, and bonding created from learning, music, and laughter reminded me of the real importance of education. Those days not only allowed me to give but also taught me patience, gratitude, and the necessity to share knowledge for empowering others. As shown in the pictures we visited the villages of the students that had attended the Allampally school. We met one of the villages leader, a woman over 100 years, went to a hanuman temple and chanted hanuman chalisa, and spent time at the village’s leader’s home. These couple of hours showed us the areas of where the kids had lived, and their village’s history.The most long-lasting experiences during my VT Seva internship were those of interactions with the children at the Allampally and Beersaipet schools. Their ability to smile and take pleasure in the simplest of things, in spite of the hardships they endure, shaped my own view of what happiness and strength are like. Their commitment and perseverance made me realize howcrucial education and persistence are in daily life. Altogether, this experience has been far more than just an internship; it has been an adventure of growth and reflection. I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for simplicity, determination, and the wisdom rooted in tradition. It has sparked my curiosity about alternative approaches to learning and healing while strengthening my connection to my cultural roots. Most importantly, it has inspired me to spread these experiences and teachings and share them with my friends and VT Seva youth volunteers. Thank you HH Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji for this incredible opportunity. I thank Madhavi Aunty, Neelima Aunty, Latha Aunty and the interns that made the internship possible. Go VT Seva! By - J ayani Vaishnava

Every Friday and Sunday evening, kids across the United States are usually playing video games or cramming some last-minute homework. But for Nethra Vidyalaya volunteers, there is a whole other story. Every weekend, youth volunteers across the United States log onto Zoom to help visually challenged students in Nethra Vidyalaya schools practice their English as part of Nethra ESL. From practicing verb tenses and figures of speech to participating in mock interviews and impromptu speeches, Nethra students are always learning something new. Thanks to over 20 student volunteers leading 2-4 breakout rooms each session, we have been able to have 180 sessions so far in the past two years, benefitting 60+ Nethra students in grades six through eight.  At first, there were a fair deal of challenges. Having to talk to multiple students in one room, lacking visual cues to rely on, and just the sheer distance and cultural differences between Bharath and the United States all proved to be obstacles to overcome. However, volunteers quickly stepped up. Within the first few sessions, we were able to keep Nethra students engaged using a variety of conversation guides on topics relevant to youth in both  spheres of the world. Seventh grade Nethra student Siraj describes her favorite discussion topic to be friendship, and she enjoys the times when she and her classmates crack up at a joke a volunteer makes. At the same time, Nethra students themselves were very focused and eager to learn from day 1. Nethra students use microphones or alternate seats throughout the session to make sure that each person has a chance to participate. They always help each other when they are struggling to translate a word or phrase into a sentence and prompt each other to speak when they feel someone is being left behind. Volunteers who know Telugu are able to translate for them as well. To this day, both volunteers and Nethra students and teachers actively provide each other with feedback to continue improving the experience for everyone.  Volunteers in grades 9 through the second year of high school are very busy with their school activities, extracurriculars, and so on. They could choose to do any number of things, but they still choose to spend their time volunteering every week because of their deep connection with the Nethra kids. For them, it is no longer a volunteer activity, but a core part of their life. Friends Adhrith and Mourya , both eleventh graders who reside in Minnesota, first picked up this activity because they wanted to volunteer together. Soon, their friendship opened up a door to friendship with tens of Nethra children, who are always full of passion and curiosity. Adhrith’s favorite memory with Nethra kids is “seeing them talk fluently about Sri Rama and Shri Krushna Bhagavan with such enthusiasm.” Nethra is a way for him to stay connected to his roots and he is grateful to see the impact he can make as a leader in his community. Mourya’s favorite memory is “playing role-play games where students were shopkeepers assisting me with buying cricket gear,” which happens to be Nethra student Rithvik’s favorite game as well. Mourya keeps coming back to Nethra ESL because “he enjoys helping students grow and get better.” Students have gone from being scared of making mistakes and responding with short, straight answers to asking us their own  unique questions and replying with strings of sentences. Their fluency and confidence only continues to improve! On the opposite side of the country in Texas lives tenth grader Sanmita , who loves “interacting with the Nethra kids and hearing about their life and school in India and their families.” Every time she hears from Nethra kids, she “feels personally connected to them through their stories,” and I think she speaks for all of us volunteers. One of her favorite exercises to complete with kids is the idioms exercise, where students had a blast learning about some of the more silly and counterintuitive idioms in the English language. All the way in Michigan, twelfth grader Hiba describes weekly Nethra classes as “one of the most grounding and fulfilling parts of [her] routine” even though they take place at 12 a.m. EST. To her, students feel like younger siblings. She appreciates each moment that she and the students “talk about our lives, share favorite movies and songs, and play games like Antakshari.” Hiba feels she has learned just as much from Nethra students as they have from her. Her gratitude for her connection with the visually challenged community from a young age truly manifests through her commitment and her engagement with the students; Nethra student Rithvik describes Hiba akka as his favorite teacher because of the way she patiently repeats English sentences for him and his peers every class.  Also living in Michigan is ninth grader Kushi , who despite being one of the younger volunteers, shared a moving account of her experiences: “My favorite memory of Netra ESL sessions was actually last year, during the final class of the school year before the student moved on to the next grade. Our class ran a bit longer than usual, but another class ended a few minutes earlier than mine. The other students came from their other class to say hi to the kids I was teaching. The moment they saw me, their excitement was overwhelming in the best way imaginable. They were yelling my name and were asking if I remembered them. I assured them that I could never forget. They were the very first group of students I ever taught. They were so happy when I was calling them by their names, and were even more thrilled to share all the different things they accomplished the past year since the last time I saw them. It felt like I was catching up with a group of friends, and it was just such a full circle moment to see all the kids I saw when I taught my first class, during my last that year. It was unfortunately my last time seeing them since they were moving on to 9th grade, but it is a memory I will always treasure.” I am one of the older volunteers, being a second year college student in California. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to teach Nethra students because they have widened my perspective of the world. Aside from improving my teaching skills, I have understood how inspiring Nethra students are. I remember being in awe when I asked students to explain their daily routine; they are so sincere and dedicated, waking up at 5am everyday to do yoga, school, and participate in a wide variety of extracurriculars with listless energy. My schedule appeared like nothing compared to theirs. Nethra kids know so much about topics we have barely scratched the surface of; if anything, their weakness in vision enhances the sharpness of the rest of their four senses beyond our comprehension, enabling them to do just about anything. They are not only able to play sports, perform music, dance, paint, write, debate, participate in robotics, and give speeches (the list is inexhaustive), but they are able to excel  in all of these areas. It is so wonderful to see how students are so supportive of each other as well when sharing about their friends’ victories in the Paralympics or school competitions. They make the absolute most of the opportunities they are given, which is why I believe they should be all of our role models. Overall, Nethra ESL has become something both Nethra students and volunteers look forward to each weekend. Despite exams, monsoons, and poor connection issues along the way, the connection between Nethra students and volunteers is as strong as ever and will continue to be for a very long time. Blog Written By: Jahnavi Tungtur

The true value I found in Allampally Jai Srimannarayana, My name is Medhasree Bhatter and I am in 9th grade. When I first went to Allampally for my VT Seva internship, I thought I was just going there to teach music and help out. What I didn’t realize was how deeply those 2 weeks completely changed my life. The children there were so ambitious. Every single one of them had dreams to become doctors, teachers, engineers, or musicians, and they spoke about their goals with so much passion that it honestly made me stop and think. I realized how much I had taken education for granted. For them, learning wasn’t just something they had to do, it was something they were grateful for. Which is why right now I know, education isn’t a privilege. If the kids there had what we had they would be rocking it right now. That kind of ambition for knowledge was something I had never seen before, and it completely inspired me. I remember teaching them songs and listening to their voices– it was such a good reminder of how music connects hearts. Every time I sang in class, their faces would always light up with the biggest smiles. They’d always ask me to sing “one more,” and the joy in their eyes made me realize how powerful music is in spreading happiness. We also spent time teaching English and helping the students grow more confident in speaking, and learning how to speak in public. I remember one shy girl who was nervous at first, and we gently encouraged her until she started trying her best. Watching her open up and smile after she spoke made me realize how meaningful patience and kindness can be. We all laughed together, created stories in English, and learned from one another. One of them was very good at English and wanted to come to America in the future and we motivated him because we saw how determined he was. That made me realize how big their dreams are for these kids and how hard they’re willing to work for them. You can just feel that they’re going to do something amazing in the future! Through my time there, I learned that the real meaning of service isn’t just showing up or completing a task. It’s about being present with love. It’s about compassion, about giving without expecting anything in return. It’s about realizing that when you help others, you grow too.  This internship truly taught me the value of selflessness and gratitude. The kids at Allampally inspired me to look at life differently and to appreciate what I have. When I study now– I study for them, for the girls who couldn’t, for the kids who dream big even when the world makes it hard. They are my reminder of why I want to keep serving, keep learning, and keep giving through music. Blog written by - Medhasree Bhatter

Before stepping foot in Allampalli, I thought I understood what volunteering meant. I packed my bags, skimmed through the curriculum, and boarded the bus with a vague idea of “giving back.” But nothing could’ve prepared me for what I was about to experience. From the moment we arrived, greeted by students with helping hands and the biggest of smiles, I realized that this trip wasn’t just about teaching lessons. It was about building relationships, seeing life through a different lens, and rediscovering joy in its purest form. Through every handshake, game, and shared cup of chai, I began to understand that true service isn’t just one-sided. The kids we were meant to teach became our biggest teachers. In Allampalli, we weren’t just visitors; we were welcomed like family. The kids called us “sister” and “brother,” held our hands, and invited us into their homes. Even though they had so little, they constantly gave, wholeheartedly giving us their time and joy. That kind of generosity opened my eyes. It made me question what I had always thought of as “enough.” These kids didn’t measure their lives by what they lacked. They shared whatever they could without hesitation, and their kindness felt so natural, so effortless. They didn’t need to know our stories to care about us. That kind of unconditional warmth is something I had almost never felt before, and it reminded me that the most meaningful relationships are often not the ones built on language or background, but instead on simple acts of care and connection. Beyond Allampalli, we also spent time at Nethra Vidyalaya, a school for the visually challenged students in Hyderabad. At first, I wasn’t too sure how to interact, but within minutes, we were deep in conversations about politics, school life, and our cultures. Their questions were thoughtful, their English was incredible, and I found myself forgetting entirely about their disability. It reminded me how often we underestimate others without realizing it. All of these students had so much to say; they just needed someone to listen. As we spent more time there, I began to realize that their lack of sight never limited their vision. Their dreams were bold, their determination was clear, and their sense of humor and curiosity brought so much energy into every conversation. This made me realize how often we enter situations carrying assumptions, focusing more on what others lack, rather than appreciating all that they bring. As the days passed, I found myself growing more connected not only to the students but also to the community as a whole. The barriers that once felt so real, the language, the distance, and the differences, all slowly faded away. What remained was a shared sense of hope and determination. A reminder that no matter where we come from, we all strive for the same sense of growth, happiness, and belonging. Throughout my time in India, I also began to learn the importance of humility. I began to understand that I wasn’t there to “fix” anything, but I was instead there to support these incredible individuals on their journey to success. Our Allampalli internship is something that, despite all efforts, cannot be fully described in words or pictures. One of the most rewarding aspects was the perspective I gained, and the people I got to meet. In my eyes, it wasn’t just an internship; it was a transformation. And it’s an experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Blog Written By: Haasini Beeravolu

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams and are willing to work for it." – Eleanor Roosevelt On 19 th  July 2025, VT SEVA Detroit celebrated 28 of our dedicated youth volunteers who were awarded with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) and Jeeyar Award  for their self-services provided to the community for the year 2024 .   The awards were presented by Mayor Theresa Rich as our Guest of Honor, who reminded us of the power of servant leadership and community impact. It was such a great honor to celebrate these youth and recognize them for their work. The youth have provided their reflections in their own words on what it means for them to receive these awards.                      NAME: AANYA DAS         AWARD:  PVSA BRONZE AANYA’s REFLECTION: I am Aanya Das, a rising Junior at Northville High School. I was able to achieve my first goal in VTSEVA for 2024, earning a bronze medal for participating and demonstrating a commitment to strengthening our nation and communities through volunteer service. I am thrilled I was able to participate in such events as the Cappuccino Soup Kitchen, RAAS Volunteering, DAV event, etc, but the main part was that all these events were very intriguing to work together and help each other while volunteering to help others in our communities. I was also able to lead some events, such as the Plastic Grocery Bag Drive and the DAV Flower Activity. These leadership activities helped me understand how to effectively collaborate with others and communicate correctly to join as a group and work together to volunteer towards strengthening our communities. I am so glad I was able to achieve this bronze medal with the help of my VTSEVA youth board members and the help of the organization as a whole. Thank you! NAME: ADITI JETRI KOMPALLY AWARD:  PVSA SILVER ADITI’s REFLECTION:  I’ve been part of VTSEVA Detroit for years, and it’s become one of the most meaningful parts of my life. When I first started, I wasn’t thinking about awards or hours. I just liked helping and being part of a community that cared for. Over time, the small things we did like serving food, organizing events, and running fundraisers, really shaped how I think about responsibility and showing up for others. Getting the PVSA this year, along with the ones from previous years, is amazing, but the real value has been what I’ve learned. VTSEVA taught me to be patient, to help without being asked, and to pay attention to what people need. It’s the kind of experience that actually stays with you. NAME: ADVITHI KOTHAPALLI AWARD: PVSA GOLD ADVITHI’s REFLECTION:   Receiving the PVSA Award was a great milestone for me because it reflects the time and effort, I’ve put into serving my community. Through my volunteer work, I’ve worked with a lot of other people, learned how to communicate better, and gained confidence in reaching out to other people and working in groups. These experiences have helped me grow as a person and taught me the importance of giving back. This award motivates me to keep making a positive difference wherever I can NAME: AKSHITH ASHWANTH AWARD:  PVSA GOLD NAME: AMOGH MAVATOOR AWARD:  PVSA GOLD AMOGH’s REFLECTION:   Receiving the PVSA award felt both humbling and inspiring. It reminded me of how many meaningful experiences came from a year of consistent service. Through VT Seva, I discovered numerous opportunities to support my community, meet new people, and take on roles that challenged me to grow. Earning this award is something I never imagined when I first started volunteering, and it is humbling to receive it. What stands out the most to me isn’t the award itself, but the impact behind it. Every hour I volunteered represents the time that we spent helping someone and contributing to making our community a better place. Earning this award and gaining 100+ hours made me realize how much can happen when you commit yourself to serving others, and it has inspired me to continue serving others and trying to make a positive difference. NAME:  ARYA TARUN CHEEMALAMARRI            AWARD: PVSA BRONZE ARYA’s REFLECTION: As a member of the VT Seva Youth Board, I’m grateful for the chance to give back and grow through service. This experience has shown me the power of compassion and the impact of even small acts. I’m honored to receive this award, and it inspires me to stay committed to making a positive difference wherever I can. NAME: AVNI PATEL AWARD:  PVSA GOLD AVNI’s REFLECTION: The Gold PVSA Award celebration was such a special moment, I loved receiving the award, meeting the mayor, and congratulating my peers on their accomplishments. It was very inspiring to see everything VT Seva has achieved together. I’m grateful for the memories, friendships, and the chance to continue making a difference in my community. NAME: HIBA ZYNA AWARD:  PVSA BRONZE HIBA’s REFLECTION:  Volunteering has given me a sense of purpose that goes beyond the usual rhythm of school and personal life. There’s a unique fulfillment that comes from dedicating your time to a cause larger than yourself, a feeling that is both grounding and uplifting. Stepping into my volunteer role, I am reminded that my efforts are a small but vital part of a supportive community, creating a powerful connection to the people around me. This service provides a profound sense of perspective, shifting my focus from my own worries to the tangible difference we can make collectively. It’s in these moments that I feel most connected and truly fulfilled, realizing that the greatest personal rewards often come from the simple, selfless act of showing up for others. I am extremely grateful for having the opportunity to create tangible impacts on other people’s lives and volunteering is something that I will continue to do throughout my life! NAME:  JISHNU KANDALAM  AWARD: PVSA GOLD JISHNU’s REFLECTION:  Through earning the PVSA, VT Seva has taught me how meaningful volunteering has been in shaping my perspective. Through different service opportunities, I’ve learned to appreciate the challenges others face and the impact even small acts of support can have. Volunteering has also helped me build valuable skills—like communication, teamwork, and adaptability—that extend into every part of my life. Most importantly, it has shown me the fulfillment that comes from contributing to something larger than myself. As I move forward, I hope to continue serving with the same dedication and sense of purpose that this journey has inspired.  NAME: KALKI RENGA ANANDNARAYAN      AWARD:  JEEYAR BRONZE KALKI’s REFELECTION: My name is Kalki Renga Anandanarayan, I have been a youth volunteer with VT SEVA for the past 6 years. This year I received the JEEYAR Award in recognition of my services.  I am proud of myself for this and the services I was able to provide for those in need, like DRAW when I helped pack care packages with supplies for those affected by natural disasters and being part of countless more events supported by VT SEVA and their annual events. I would like to thank VT SEVA for giving such wonderful opportunities to serve and achieve this award. I would also like to thank my family for supporting me in this rigorous path. NAME: KAUSTUBH DINGARI AWARD:  PVSA GOLD KAUSTHUBH’s REFLECTION:  The PVSA awards were an amazing experience as I got to celebrate my achievement along with my friends, as well as celebrate my hard work from the past year. As for volunteering, it will forever be one of my favorite things to do, and I am so grateful to be a part of volunteering with VTSEVA. NAME: KAVI RENGA ANAND AWARD:  PVSA SILVER KAVI’s REFLECTION:   My name is Kavi Renga Anand. I am in 5th grade. I have been volunteering for VT Seva for about 3 years. I got a PVSA award this year in recognition of my volunteering service. I am happy to help others in need like visually challenged kids' education, Tribal kids, underprivileged kids, and Cancer affected families through VT Seva. I would like to thank VT Seva for giving me these wonderful opportunities and for my parents who supported me. Thank you. NAME: KUSHAL DURGA AWARD:  PVSA SILVER KUSHAL’s REFLECTION:  Community service means giving my time and effort to help others and improve our community where we live, without expecting anything in return. As part of VTSeva, we volunteered at local shelters, organized events, and supported neighbors and made a positive difference.   Receiving a Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) for me is a special honor that recognized my commitment to serving others. It shows that I have made a difference and that my service was recognized. This award not only celebrated my impact but also encouraged me to continue service and inspires others to get involved in their communities. NAME: KUSHI KANUMURI AWARD:  PVSA GOLD KUSHI’s REFLECTION: The year 2024 was filled with meaningful events and projects, and I’m so grateful I got to be a part of them. Through VT SEVA, I helped in many ways, from restocking shelves to folding clothes and packaging boxes, and was glad to support different communities. One of my favorite projects was the Outreach Project, where I talked to people about donations and spread awareness for a good cause. I also enjoyed the Netra ESL program, which I’m continuing. I got to teach visually challenged students at the Netra Vidyalaya school and see their English improve. Even though the classes were late at night, their joy made it all worth it. I’m thankful for everything I experienced in 2024 and hope to keep making a difference. NAME: OVIYA JAISANKAR AWARD:  PVSA GOLD OVIYA’s REFLECTION: I am so grateful to have received the Gold PVSA Award for 2024. VT Seva has been part of my life for so long that it feels like I grew up with it; from meetings with barely ten kids to now a community of more than 200 youth, the hours spent volunteering, planning, and fundraising have shaped me in ways I never expected. My first towel drive at age 11, inspired only by a simple love for animals, taught me that impact starts small, while hosting bonfires at the Manoogian Manor Senior center showed me how even one hour of conversation can mean everything to someone who rarely gets visitors. These experiences have led me to continue these projects and many others in 2024. Leading such events has been a huge part of making me a better communicator and leader and I am forever thankful for these experiences. NAME: RACHANA RAGHUNATHAN AWARD:  PVSA BRONZE RACHNA’s REFLECTION: As a member of the VT Seva Youth Board, I’m grateful for the chance to give back and grow through service. This experience has shown me the power of compassion and the impact of even small acts. I’m honored to receive this award, and it inspires me to stay committed to making a positive difference. NAME:  RISHABH MAVATOOR AWARD:  PVSA SILVER RISHABH’s REFLECTION: I felt really happy and rewarded when receiving the PVSA award. It was a great feeling as I was being recognized for the many hours and time that I put in for a whole entire year. The event ran really smoothly, and it was a great experience for me. NAME: SAI SAHASRA NAMUDURI AWARD:  PVSA GOLD SAHASRA’s REFLECTION: Getting the PVSA award was a surreal experience. I am very happy to have such a great opportunity through my volunteer organization, VT Seva, and to be recognized by the president for the volunteering I've done. But more than that, I was content that through my journey of trying to earn this award, I was able to help so many people. 100+ hours of volunteering is not just a number - it's a testament to how many people I've helped over the year, and how much of an impact I was able to make in my community. The PVSA award is a representation of how valuable helping each other is, and I couldn't be more glad to receive this award. NAME: SAI SRI RAM KARNATI AWARD:  JEEYAR GOLD SAI’s REFLECTION: One of the most satisfying and humbling experience was participating in the VT Seva annual Walkathon to raise funds for families impacted by cancer. Another highlight was my involvement in the VT Seva Outreach Project, where I helped raise funds to support free, quality education for underprivileged and visually challenged students in India. Through community outreach and spreading awareness about Netra Vidyalaya, a school for visually challenged children, I was able to make a small but meaningful impact. NAME: SAICHAKRIKA YADALI AWARD:  PVSA BRONZE SAICHAKRIKA’s REFLECTION: Receiving the PVSA medal is an incredible honor, and I feel so blessed to have been recognized at the award ceremony for my service. But I believe the reward of positively impacting others is much more valuable. Over the past year, I worked extensively with VT SEVA’s Accessible Digital Library Program to proofread and validate digital books that Nethra Vidyalaya’s blind students use in vocational training. Although it is difficult to find time for longitudinal volunteerism in medical school, the successes of these children inspire me to continue. Their stories are proof that our volunteerism creates a lasting, meaningful impact. NAME: SHRAYA VED AWARD:  PVSA GOLD SHRAYA’s REFLECTION: Receiving the PVSA award has been an honor and milestone in my volunteer journey. I am grateful for being recognized for my service to the community. This award has reminded me how much impact my actions have had on the community. I have had the opportunity to work with my fellow VT Seva members to serve the community. NAME: SHREYA SHETTY AWARD:  PVSA GOLD SHREYA’s REFLECTION: This past year in VT Seva was one to remember. I was able to participate and lead several service events such as volunteering at food banks, raising funds for cancer patients, and more to support worthy causes. Last summer, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit one of the beneficiaries of VT Seva’s efforts: the Nethra Vidyalaya schools. Visiting this school and seeing the smile on the children’s faces truly inspired me to do more in my efforts. Since then, I have founded a VT Seva club at my high school (Washtenaw International High School) in order to inspire others to volunteer. Receiving the PVSA Gold award served as a reminder on the importance of giving back to my community and I am so grateful to be able to share my privilege in order to help others. NAME: SHREYA SRIVATSAN AWARD:  PVSA BRONZE SHREYA’s REFLECTION: Receiving the PVSA medal is an incredible honor, and I feel so blessed to have been recognized at the award ceremony for my service. But, I believe the reward of positively impacting others is much more valuable. Over the past year, I worked extensively with VT SEVA’s Accessible Digital Library Program to proofread and validate digital books that Nethra Vidyalaya’s blind students use in vocational training. Although it is difficult to find time for longitudinal volunteerism in medical school, the successes of these children inspire me to continue. Their stories are proof that our volunteerism creates a lasting, meaningful impact.  NAME: SHRUTHI CHAKRIKA ADDURI       AWARD:  PVSA GOLD SHRUTHI’s REFLECTION: This year, receiving the gold PVSA award was such an honor. The past year of service was very impactful and taught me a lot on how to give back to my community and how to grow as a person! The event to celebrate all of the PVSA winners was very nice and put together well, I loved being awarded my medal by such an important person and it was nice to see the work that we have done the past year get recognized and celebrated. NAME: SREENIKA PERUMALLA AWARD:  PVSA BRONZE SREENIKA’s REFLECTION: Hello! My name is Sreenika Perumalla and I am currently a senior at IA East. I am so grateful to be able to receive the PVSA through VT-Seva this year, as this year was full of growth and many new experiences. As my first year of president of the VTS Club at IA East I was able to learn more about coordination and leadership. Through this I was also given more opportunity to learn about how much work it takes to create, host, and implement an event. This year was full of its own challenges, but also full of great fun! Some of my favorite events included the leaf raking event because I got to work with friends on a task that was harder than we actually expected, but with teamwork things went smoothly. Another event that I really enjoyed was the rock painting event that we did at our school which had kind, positive comments written on the rocks. During this event, the whole school came to help make such a positive impact and it was such a nice view to see everyone come together and have fun. Overall, I am so glad to have given the opportunity to be a president this year, meet new people, develop new skills, and support VT-Seva. NAME: SWARA REGE AWARD:  PVSA GOLD SWARA’s REFLECTION: Looking back on 2024, I feel incredibly grateful for the meaningful experiences I had as a VT Seva Youth Board Member. Volunteering at various nonprofit organizations gave me the chance to connect with my community and contribute to the causes I truly care about. Each effort reminded me of the importance of dignity, nutrition security, access to education, and quality healthcare for all. NAME: TEJA TANUSH CHEEMALAMARRI AWARD:  PVSA BRONZE TEJA’s REFLECTION: Hi, my name is Teja Cheemalamarri and I've been a youth board volunteer for 7 years. Receiving the presidential award from the mayor was a big honor to me. I am very grateful to VT Seva for the opportunity to serve the underprivileged and receive an award that recognizes my efforts. I plan to continue dedicating my time towards VT Seva and help support local and global causes. NAME: TEJAS RAJA AWARD: PVSA SILVER TEJAS’s REFLECTION: Winning the PVSA Silver Award through the VTSEVA nonprofit organization means a lot to me because it recognizes the time and effort, I put into helping my community. Throughout the year, I volunteered at a variety of events, from organizing food at local food pantries to spending time at senior shelter homes and supporting the people there. Each experience taught me responsibility, compassion, and the impact small actions can have on others. Earning this award shows my commitment to giving back and motivates me to continue serving my community in even bigger ways.

The VT Seva Youth Board has had an incredible third quarter filled with exciting activities, heartfelt community service, and lots of smiles. From organizing successful fundraisers to participating in environmental clean-ups, our dedicated youth members have shown remarkable passion and commitment. Along this journey, we've learned valuable lessons and have done our part to spread joy and positivity throughout our community. We’re keeping it going strong as we continue to make a difference and create unforgettable memories! Here is a list of the activities that our fantastic Youth Board has done from July to September: Youth Board Projects: Manoogian senior center  DAV Flower Making  Tribute to Bharath Essential Workers Appreciation Adopt A Road PVSA Awards & 6th Anniversary Youth Board Celebration Detroit Projects: HOPE Volunteering Event  RAAS Promotions at ISKON Rath Yatra Food Gatherers Volunteering Group 4 Grab & Go Fleece and Thank You Quality Check Raksha Bandhan with Novi Police Officers Fleece and Thank You Volunteering  Fleece and Thank You Volunteering  DRAW Volunteering Forgotten Harvest Volunteering  Group 5 Remote Grab & Go Quality Check Project Make a Blanket Day Volunteering 5th Annual Police Appreciation Day Annual Fundraiser Events: VT SEVA Detroit YB Walkathon 2nd Annual Basketball Tournament  12th Annual Volleyball & Throwball Tournament VTS Club Events: All Clubs: Freshmen Welcome Notes Support Staff Appreciation Project Club Fair NFHS VTS Club: Fleece and Thank You Troy IAE & Troy High Super Readers Program Troy High VTS Club United Community Family Service Troy IAE VTS Club HOCO Decoration WIHI VTS Club Positivity Mural for Suicide Prevention/Awareness Month Youth Board Projects: Manoogian Manor Senior Bonfire (July 21):  VT Seva members visited Manoogian Manor Senior Center for their second summer visit. Although the planned outdoor bonfire was canceled due to hot weather, volunteers ensured the seniors had an enjoyable evening by playing games like cornhole, ladder toss, Connect 4, Protect the Penguin, and even bowling. The seniors were thrilled by the activities and the chance to interact with the volunteers. The visit provided meaningful social engagement and fun for the residents, and the team looks forward to returning soon for more memorable experiences. Project Lead:  Oviya Jaisankar Youth Volunteers: Oviya Jaisankar, Yathi Debbata, Nemish Debbata, Sriyansh Priyadarshi, Tejas Raja, Shreeya Sahu, Harini Kopparapu Adult Volunteers:   Priya Jaisankar, Jaisankar Kannan, Santoshi Kopparapu, Arya Cheemalamarri, Teja Cheemalamarri, Sreenivas Cheemalamarri FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16f3c8yzqs/   INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DMeWliquRja/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==   DAV Flower Making (July 25 - August 13): During July and August, 15 VT Seva Detroit Youth Board volunteers participated in creating over 5,000 FORGET ME NOT flowers for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) volunteer program. These flowers serve as a meaningful symbol of remembrance for servicemen and women who have served or sacrificed for the country. Volunteers completed the flowers using take-home kits, allowing them to contribute on their own schedules. The project provided a rewarding way for youth to give back while honoring veterans and supporting a meaningful cause. Youth Lead:  Shruthi Adduri Youth Volunteers:   Avni Patel, Arav Patel, Ayraa Swarnkar, Esha Taware, Hemaksh Rathod, Jenisha Rathod, Nemish Debbata, Paheli Jain, Saanvi Rameswarapu, Sai Sahasra Namuduri, Shreya Shetty, Shruthi Adduri, Sri Bhargava Samudrala, Swara Rege, Yathi Debbata FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Sc3sRt1fB/   INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DOAGwEMjPw1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==   Tribute to Bharath (July - August): Every August, VT Seva hosts the Tribute to Bharath project to honor India during the month it gained independence. In its 5th annual edition, participants create posters highlighting historical landmarks from various Indian states. The project encourages students to connect with their heritage, learn about India’s rich history, and develop their creative skills by designing visually engaging posts. By researching and showcasing these sites, participants educate others about India’s culture, stories, and architectural heritage while producing content that is both informative and visually appealing. Youth Lead: Oviya Jaisankar, Siddarth Ram, Amogh Mavatoor, Advithi Kothapalli, Sai Sri Ram Karnati  Youth Volunteers:   Advithi Kothapalli, Amogh Mavatoor, Arav Patel, Avni Patel, Hiba Zyna, Kaustubh Dingari, Kushi Kanumuri, Oviya Jaisankar, Rachana Raghunathan, Raja Ameya Yeddula, Rishabh Mavatoor, Saanvi Rameswarapu, Sai Sri Ram Karnati, Sanyog Iyengar, Shreeya Sahu, Shreya Shetty, Shruthi Adduri, Shruthika Pallapothu, Siddarth Ram, Swara Rege, Valli Nagamalli BLOG: https://www.vtsworld.org/post/tribute-to-bharath-2025   FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16FpeMjHQS/   INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DOyVIquDM1u/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link   Essential Workers Appreciation (September 1 - September 15): The VT Seva Detroit Youth Board organized the Essential Workers Appreciation Project to honor essential workers such as mail carriers, nurses, janitors, and grocery staff. Youth participants created personalized cards and small gifts, demonstrating gratitude and spreading positivity. The project highlighted how even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful impact, strengthening connections between the community and those who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Photos from the event captured the heartfelt exchanges between the youth and the workers, showcasing the power of appreciation in action. Youth Lead: Siddarth Ram, Oviya Jaisankar Youth Volunteers:   Dhruvi Shah, Dhruthi Batula, Hiba Zyna, Oviya Jaisankar, Rachana Raghunathan, Sai Sahasra Namaduri, Siddarth Ram, Varun Aerabati FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A1pBjd6GV/   INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPK2fd7jvVu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==   Adopt A Road (September 28): VT Seva Detroit volunteers came together for the Fall Adopt-A-Road event, joining hands to make the community cleaner and greener. With enthusiasm and teamwork, youth and adult volunteers worked side by side to remove litter, enhance the surroundings, and demonstrate the true spirit of service in action. This initiative not only helped maintain safer and more beautiful roads but also encouraged environmental awareness and responsibility. Each effort, big or small, contributed to building a cleaner, healthier future for everyone. Youth Volunteers:   Ishaan Jaseen, Snigdha Lakkakula, Lukshay Raj Are, Khanindra Raj Are & Varun Aerabati Adult Volunteers:   Jaisankar Kannan, Srinath Karnati, Resmi Ajay & Ajay Unn FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/vtseva.detroit/posts/pfbid0qEjL3XiRcCSin6DzvY3iVaiN1sxHigDJh5TFRsBstV7R2foy5wBsHQAJ128LSzFDl?rdid=dXwX4awrG7vhokPG#   PVSA Awards & 6th Anniversary Youth Board Celebration (July 19): VT Seva Detroit’s PVSA Awards & 6th Anniversary Youth Board Celebration, held on July 19, 2025, was an incredible success, marked by strong attendance and a day filled with inspiration, recognition, and true VT Seva spirit. We were honored to welcome Mayor Theresa Rich as our Guest of Honor, who emphasized the importance of servant leadership and community impact. The event celebrated our dedicated volunteers with Presidential Volunteer Service Awards and Jeeyar Awards, highlighted our Youth Board’s 2024–2025 impact presentation, and commemorated six years of the VT Seva Detroit Youth Board—all coming together in a first-of-its-kind celebration. With 28 youth earning PVSA Awards, two receiving the Jeeyar Award, and festivities including games, cake, and joyful moments, the day was both meaningful and memorable. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who attended and continues to support our mission; your dedication fuels our commitment to serve with compassion and purpose. FACEBOOK:   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Sge9Z72Nw/   INSTAGRAM:   https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ5kPOnDHXi/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Detroit Projects: HOPE Volunteering Event ( 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏𝟗𝐭𝐡, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 ): Our volunteers came together to pack 825 boxes of food that will be delivered to seniors across Michigan, helping support the fight against hunger in our community. Everyone contributed with great energy and teamwork — from packing and sorting items to removing packaging and maintaining a clean, organized workspace. Their collective effort made a meaningful impact and ensured that hundreds of seniors will receive nutritious meals and care. Youth Lead: Mihir Inamdar Youth Volunteers:   Mihir Inamdar, Tejas Raja, Saanvi Rameswarapu, Aaryan Gajawada, Dhruv’s Vankayalapati, Kushi Kanumuri, Lukshay Raj Are, Khanindra Raj Are, Akshara Datla, Tarun Senthilkumar, Shreeya Sahu, Sriraam Hebbar Adult Volunteers: Vanitha Gopalan, Nitya Chandran, Praveen Kanumuri, Rashmi Prasad FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19nazNRyQ6/   INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DMZIXwwulCT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==   RAAS Promotions at ISKON Rath Yatra (July 20): VT Seva Detroit members participated in the ISKCON Ratha Yatra event to promote the organization and its charitable causes to the broader community. Volunteers actively engaged with attendees, sharing VT Seva’s mission and highlighting upcoming initiatives such as RAAS 2025. Through strong communication and interpersonal skills, the team successfully increased awareness and encouraged community participation in VT Seva’s efforts. Youth Volunteers: Advithi, Siddharth,  Sai Karnati,  Oviya, Shreeya, Dhruvi, Kanak, Sanyog, Rana, Ayra , Sriyansh, Dhruvi Adult Volunteers: Suresh R, Narsaraj, Sudhakar K,Sudheer K, Vanitha ,Praveen K, Srinath K,  Rama, Lavanya Priya J, Jaishankar, Asha P, Srivardhan D, Bhavna, Savita ,Jyothi Srinath,  Jyothi Sudheer , Sandeepa  EVENT PICTURES: https://photos.app.goo.gl/dJ2kwS2YZEARKiQs6   Food Gatherers Volunteering (July 26): We sorted through 1,536 pounds of food donations that will be delivered to families in need, supporting the fight against hunger in our community. Our volunteers worked diligently quality-checking perishable items for distribution to over 150 partner organizations while maintaining a clean and organized sorting environment. We are incredibly grateful to Food Gatherers, a Washtenaw County nonprofit that rescues over 10 million pounds of food each year, for giving us the opportunity to help. With 1 in 7 people facing hunger, every pound of food sorted makes a meaningful difference. Youth Lead: Rana Nagoji Youth Volunteers:   Kushi Kanumuri, Arav Patel, jeeja desai, Dhruvi Shah, Saanvi Rameswarapu, Sanyog Iyengar, Advithi Kothapalli, Rithika Ram, Snigdha Lakkakula, Tejas Raja, Harini Kopparapu, Kanak Taware, Rana Nagoji Adult Volunteers: Vanitha Gopalan, Suresh Rajan, Shilpa Shah, Praveen Kanamuri, Chandra Kanamuri, Sowmya Angusamy, Sandip Desai FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Q7CyxoWQh/   INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DMzC7t7sAxn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==   Group 4 Grab & Go Fleece and Thank You Quality Check (July 2025): With our help, Fleece & Thank You was able to quality check over 77 blankets. This great remote volunteering activity allowed our VT Seva Detroit youth to take blanket kit bags home and conduct a thorough quality check following the organization’s guidelines. Over the course of two weeks, our youth volunteers engaged in various inspection tasks to ensure each blanket met the required standards. Special thanks to all the parents who supported the effort by helping with the pickup and drop-off of blankets at designated locations on time. Youth Lead: Shravya Dumbala Youth Volunteers:   Shravya Dumbala, Shreya Shetty, Saanvi Rameswara, Raja Ameya Yedula, Rishabh Mavatoor, Yathi Debbata, Nemish Debbata, Arav Patel, Avni Patel, Sri Bhargava Samudrala FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19a9yWbRu3/   INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DMzEDnrsU06/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==   Raksha Bandhan with Novi Police Officers (Aug 9): VT Seva Detroit, in collaboration with Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, celebrated Raksha Bandhan at the Novi Police Department as part of Universal Oneness Day. This special initiative served as a gesture of gratitude, symbolizing the bond of protection and mutual respect, as participants tied “Rakhi” threads to honor and strengthen the shared commitment to safeguarding one another. Although no service hours were provided due to the nature of the event, the occasion was filled with unity, appreciation, and community spirit. Youth Volunteers:   Siddharth, Sai Karnati, Sanyog, Mihir, Tarun, Hemaksh, Shreeya, Varun, Sanjay Adult Volunteers: Srinath, Raghuraman, Krutika, Anand, Vidya, Suresh FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/vtsworld/posts/vt-seva-detroit-with-other-organizations-celebrated-raksha-bandhan-at-the-novi-p/1221404406697864/   Fleece and Thank You Volunteering (August 13): By the end of the day, volunteers helped prepare roughly 1,400–1,500 blankets, directly supporting Fleece & Thank You in their mission to brighten hospital stays for children across Michigan. Volunteers participated in multiple stages of the process, including sorting and quality-checking blankets—inspecting them, retying loose strands, trimming edges, and ensuring hospital readiness—as well as folding and packaging each blanket by neatly rolling it, wrapping it in protective plastic, and preparing it for delivery. These are our wonderful volunteers who made this impact possible. Youth Lead: Rachana Raghunathan Youth Volunteers:   Rachana Raghunathan, Ishaan Jaseen, Xiangxiang Zhou, Varun Aerabati, Shiv Ramamurthy, Rajguru Reddy Are, Yathi Debbata, Nemish Debbata, Sri Bhargava Samudrala, Rithika Bommathi, Anisha Sharma, Kanak Taware, Advik Ramesh, Ruthvik Mullapudi, Vanya Srivastava Adult Volunteers: Ranjani Shankar, Vanitha Gopalan, Raju Brahmandhabheri, Suresh Rajan, Tapaswi Rajapantula FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/vtseva.detroit/posts/on-aug-13-vt-seva-detroit-volunteers-teamed-up-with-fleece-thank-you-to-do-some-/1174112631418906/   INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNpDjGhu8nT/   Fleece and Thank You Volunteering (August 20): VT Seva Detroit volunteers split into two groups, each taking on important behind-the-scenes tasks to bring comfort and hope to children facing hospital stays. One group focused on quality-checking blankets, carefully inspecting over 30 blankets to ensure each one was soft, secure, and prepared with care before reaching a child. Meanwhile, the second group organized and lined more than 12 shelves, transforming the storage area into an efficient and orderly system to support ongoing volunteer efforts. Through these combined efforts, the team helped ensure that every child receives warmth and every operation runs smoothly. Youth Lead: Rithika Bommathi Youth Volunteers:   Sri Bhargava Samudrala, Akshara Datla, Jeeja Desai, Aarush Kollu, Sanjay Ramamoorthy, Ram Suda, Sai Suda, Ram Mullapudi, Varun Aerabati, Yathi Debbata, Nemish Debbata, Vihaan Subharwal, Rithika Bommathi Adult Volunteers: Sirisha Pallaboina, Vanitha Gopalan, Radhika Muttineni FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1LeL4k6m3T/   INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNw3iX0QBwW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==   DRAW Warehouse (August 23): VT Seva Detroit volunteers worked on two important projects aimed at supporting families in need. First, they packaged over 200 large rolls of garbage bags, which are placed into cleaning and outdoor buckets to be distributed to families during times of disaster. In addition, the volunteers created more than five large buckets of plarn (plastic yarn) from recycled grocery bags. This plarn will later be crocheted into durable, reusable bags, providing a practical and sustainable resource for survivors during recovery. Through these efforts, the volunteers demonstrated creativity, dedication, and a commitment to serving the community in meaningful ways. Youth Volunteers:   Tarun Senthilkumar, Mihir Inamdar, Shreeya Sahu, Varun Aerabati, Tejas Raja, Rithvik Mullapadi, Saanvi Rameswarapu, Jishnu Kandalam, Kalki Reghunathan Adult Volunteers: Vanitha Gopalan, Suresh Rajan, Vaishnavi Aerabatiq, Rajesh Raja, Anand Reghunathan FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1PdfhmJ4mo/   INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DN4g8ABDqy3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==   Forgotten Harvest Volunteering (September 6): VT Seva Detroit volunteers sorted and packaged 5,000 pounds of frozen baked food items that were donated to families in need, supporting the fight against hunger within our community. Everyone worked together to carefully pack food for distribution to over 140 partner institutions, including food pantries, schools, local community churches, and service groups. Volunteers showed great teamwork and dedication throughout the process, ensuring a clean and organized sorting environment. This effort not only helped provide nourishment to those in need but also strengthened the spirit of service and compassion within the community. Youth Lead: Rana Nagoji Youth Volunteers:   Yathi Debbata; Nemish Debbata; Harini Kopparapu; Sri Bhargava Samudrala; Dharani Samudrala; Siddarth Ram;Shreeya Sahu;  Arav Patel; Avni Patel; Sanjay Ramamoorthy; Rithvik Mullapudi; Varun Aerabati Adult Volunteers: Ram Mullapudi; Suresh Rajan; Vanitha Gopalan FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ZfthmrbDg/   INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DOfLCN8DNVn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Group 5 Remote Grab & Go Quality Check Project (September 6): With the help of VT Seva Detroit youth volunteers, Fleece & Thank You successfully quality-checked 98 blankets. This remote opportunity allowed volunteers to bring home kit bags containing seven blankets each and carefully inspect every blanket according to the provided guidelines. Over the course of two weeks, the youth volunteers worked diligently to ensure each blanket met quality standards and was ready to bring warmth and comfort to children in hospitals. Their dedication and attention to detail reflected the spirit of compassion and service that VT Seva strives to uphold. Youth Lead: Rachana Youth Volunteers:   Supraja Pattangi, Ram Suda, Valli Nagamalli, Rithika Bommathi, Snigdha Lakkakula, Sanjay Ramamoorthy, Shruthi Adduri, Akshara Datla, Aarush Kollu, Shiv Ramamurthy, Paheli Jain, Sankeerth Enganti, Vihaan Sabharwal, Sai Sahasra Namuduri FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/vtseva.detroit/posts/pfbid0cphwUQBuWSs6jmq24cizNizCnstxySHuTNyEcEJ9MRYapA7KfsmWMG3oAYEGeg8el?rdid=pdzb5eI2vaaInDDi#   INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPK4MaxDgfS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==   Make a Blanket Day Volunteering (September 20): With the help of VT Seva Detroit youth volunteers, Fleece & Thank You successfully quality-checked 98 blankets. This remote opportunity allowed volunteers to bring home kit bags containing seven blankets each and carefully inspect every blanket according to the provided guidelines. Over the course of two weeks, the youth volunteers worked diligently to ensure each blanket met quality standards and was ready to bring warmth and comfort to children in hospitals. Their dedication and attention to detail reflected the spirit of compassion and service that VT Seva strives to uphold. Youth Lead: Tejas Raja Youth Volunteers:   Tejas Raja;Videep Rothu; Vedtrayi Trivedi;Snigdha Lakkakula;Rohit Makkena Adult Volunteers: Bindhya Raja;Rajesh Raja;Ramesh Routhu;Jyothi Bodapati FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/vtseva.detroit/posts/pfbid0oXMCFsGQxCg8j1at9NYEUVNsezdvsDnjwnhriRVxPpPxGPfPAp1ER5kSKeFkBEQml?rdid=P5zEWpSWU3CxdxHE#   INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPQAVbNjP2R/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==   VT Seva Detroit’s 5th Annual Police Appreciation Day (September 20): VT Seva Detroit proudly celebrated its 5th Annual Police Appreciation Day on September 20, 2025, at the Novi Police Department—a tradition that began five years ago as a simple gesture of gratitude and has grown into a meaningful annual event. Nearly 30 adult and youth volunteers came together to serve lunch, desserts, and handmade “Thank You” cards created by our youth for the officers. The atmosphere was warm and full of appreciation as volunteers connected with the department, and Police Chief Erick Zinser and his team expressed sincere gratitude for this special moment of community connection. Youth Volunteers:   Sai Karnati, Advithi Kaustubh,  Rithika,  Srivibha,Varun, Mihir, Tarun, Ishaan Jaseen Adult Volunteers: Suresh Rajan, Srinath Karnati, Vanitha Gopalan,  Aravind,  Durga Nalini,  Priya Jaisankar,  Nandhini,  Keerthi Dingari,  Srivardhan Dingari,  Sreenivas , Asha Puranam, Sowmya Angusamy,  Nesneen,  Architha,  Vaishnavi,  Anand, Vidya, Savita,  Raj  Patil FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DKEzHRQbU/   INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQGFvk6DE_Q/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==   Annual/Fundraiser Projects: VT SEVA Detroit YB Walkathon (June 6 - July 11, 2025): The VT Seva Detroit 5th Annual Walkathon was a community fundraiser held at Shiawassee Park in Farmington Hills to support families impacted by cancer through the organization’s long-time partner, Angels of Hope. Over 35 days, more than 170 participants walked over 8,600 miles in a hybrid challenge, with each step taken in the spirit of purpose and compassion. Beginning on June 6, team leads recruited participants and tracked their miles online. The event concluded with a joyful gathering at Shiawassee Park, where participants celebrated with dancing, their final steps, and meaningful community bonding. The Walkathon embodied VT Seva’s mission of “service through humanity,” uniting youth and community members in an inspiring journey of hope, healing, and togetherness. BLOG: https://www.vtsworld.org/post/vt-seva-detroit-youth-led-5th-annual-walkathon   2nd Annual Basketball Tournament (Aug 9): VT Seva Detroit’s 2nd Annual Basketball Tournament, organized to support the education of visually challenged children of Nethra Vidyalaya and underprivileged students of Jeeyar Gurukulam, took place on August 9th, 2025, starting at 9:00 a.m. at Legacy Church in Novi. The event brought together players, families, and community members for a day filled with energy, teamwork, and purpose. Participants showcased their skills on the court while uniting for a meaningful cause that promotes education and empowerment. Volunteers worked diligently to ensure the event ran smoothly, spreading awareness about VT Seva’s mission and encouraging others to get involved. Overall, the tournament was a wonderful success, combining sportsmanship, community spirit, and compassion for a greater good. Youth Volunteers:   Khushi, Shiv, Varun, Akshara, Paheli, Hemaksh, Kaustubh Adult Volunteers: Vanitha, Sudheer, Srinath, Praveen, Suresh, Tejas, Rajesh, Keerthy FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/vtseva.detroit/posts/on-%F0%9D%97%94%F0%9D%98%82%F0%9D%97%B4%F0%9D%98%82%F0%9D%98%80%F0%9D%98%81-%F0%9D%9F%B5-%F0%9D%9F%AE%F0%9D%9F%AC%F0%9D%9F%AE%F0%9D%9F%B1-vt-seva-detroit-hosted-its-%F0%9D%9F%AE%F0%9D%97%BB%F0%9D%97%B1-%F0%9D%97%94%F0%9D%97%BB%F0%9D%97%BB%F0%9D%98%82%F0%9D%97%AE%F0%9D%97%B9-%F0%9D%97%95%F0%9D%97%AE%F0%9D%98%80%F0%9D%97%B8%F0%9D%97%B2%F0%9D%98%81%F0%9D%97%AF%F0%9D%97%AE%F0%9D%97%B9%F0%9D%97%B9-%F0%9D%97%A7%F0%9D%97%BC%F0%9D%98%82%F0%9D%97%BF%F0%9D%97%BB%F0%9D%97%AE%F0%9D%97%BA%F0%9D%97%B2%F0%9D%97%BB%F0%9D%98%81-bri/1179890870841082/   BLOG: https://www.vtsworld.org/post/vt-seva-detroit-2nd-annual-basketball-tournament 12nd Annual Volleyball & Throwball Tournament (Sept 13): VT Seva Detroit successfully hosted its 12th annual Volleyball & Throwball Tournament, raising enough funds to sponsor the education of five visually challenged students for an entire year. With 11 adult teams, over 90 players, and four girls’ teams with more than 30 players, the event brought together players, referees, coaches, families, and supporters for a fun, action-packed indoor tournament. Thanks to the incredible dedication of volunteers, sponsors, and the SPARC facility, the day ran smoothly and wrapped up VT Seva’s final scheduled sports event of 2025 in an inspiring way. Youth Volunteers:   Kushi, Aadhya, Aaryaman, Vrishank, Sanjay, Rithika, Tritha, Aaryan, Kaustubh, Sai Karnati, Akshara, Dhruva Adult Volunteers: Venkat, Sudheer, Anand, Srinathbabu Karnati, Keerthy, Jaisankar, Priya Jaisankar,  Suresh Rajan, Praveen Kanumuri Game Leads: Venkat, Suresh and Praveen FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bk1cucGev/   INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQVgzMMDFjO   BLOG: https://www.vtsworld.org/post/2025-vt-seva-detroit-volleyball-tournament   VTS Club Events: Freshmen Welcome Notes (August - September): To kick off the new school year, all VTS clubs created and distributed handmade welcome cards for the incoming freshmen. Members collaborated to write thoughtful advice and decorate each card with encouraging designs. Understanding how challenging the shift from middle school to high school can be, the goal was to offer emotional support and make freshmen feel seen and welcomed. Although the cards were small, they had a meaningful impact on students. This project reflected the club’s commitment to empathy and demonstrated how simple gestures can positively change someone’s day. NFHS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DOT7ccnD-b_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D   TROY HIGH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DOXLLUsEec_/?img_index=1   TROY IAE FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AuEhreC5y/?mibextid=wwXIfr   TROY IAE INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DN82_czEVGl/?igsh=cWVvcWQ5a21sNHZ0   WIHI INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DN9M07oEfRz/?igsh=bjllOWRvd3d4MXB5   Support Staff Appreciation Project (August - September): Support staff play a vital role in keeping the school running smoothly, yet their contributions often go unnoticed. To change this, all VTS clubs created heartfelt appreciation cards and gifted them to custodians and lunch staff as a way to express gratitude. While writing the messages, members reflected on how much these staff members do daily, often without recognition. The project not only made the service workers feel valued and appreciated but also helped students gain a deeper sense of empathy and awareness. Through this project, VT Seva spread gratitude and honored the essential contributions of these everyday heroes. NFHS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DO7ciQ2DfJY/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==   TROY HIGH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DOt8C_Ykm-h/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==   TROY IAE INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DOWs1_Ggepq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==   WIHI INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DOEI_kKDZRo/?igsh=MW9yeXRjamU3MjFoOA==   Club Fair (September 3): All VTS clubs participated in the annual Club Fair to welcome new students and families. Club members presented VT Seva’s mission of service, community impact, and volunteer opportunities. They engaged with freshmen, answered questions, and shared the value of being part of a service-driven organization. The event helped spark interest and excitement among potential new members, setting the stage for a meaningful year of service and collaboration. NFHS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPXw7mSDRiT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link   TROY HIGH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPQHbCwDAOH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==   TROY IAE INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DO7UNQ0DOXo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==   WIHI INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DOcfah7jTI8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==   Fleece and Thank You (September 13): NFHS VT Seva members partnered with Fleece & Thank You to support children in hospitals. Volunteers tied and packaged fleece blankets and labeled materials for the organization’s upcoming “Make A Blanket” event. With the help of dedicated students and VT Seva Detroit team members, over 40 blankets were hand-tied, 225+ blankets were packaged, and 2,000+ scissors were labeled for future volunteers. Each blanket symbolizes warmth, hope, and companionship for a child battling illness. The event was a powerful reminder that even small acts of kindness can bring comfort to those who need it most. Youth volunteers:   David Juncaj, Anisha Sharma, Izyan Zunair, Emilia Lamas, Tori Yang, Dominic Diego, Sofia Nammari, Aaryan Gajawada  Adult volunteers:   Anika Sharma, Saim Zunair, Sravanehi Seethamsetty NFHS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DOj6ZaDjZON/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==   Super Readers Program (July 21 - July 31): The Troy IAE team successfully completed the Super Readers summer event. This campaign was made possible thanks to the dedication of volunteers who helped inspire and support young readers. Organizers expressed gratitude for all the support and shared that more volunteer opportunities will be available in the fall. They look forward to welcoming both returning and new volunteers in future events. TROY IAE INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DM8MKBdRKVs/?igsh=MTRheG0yZnB6aGRtYw==   TROY IAE FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CbdQQEV1D/?mibextid=wwXIfr   United Community Family Service (July 7 - July 8): Troy High VT Seva volunteers partnered with United Community Family Services (UCFS) to assist local families. On the first day, volunteers packed backpacks filled with snacks and weekly food supplies for children and helped organize clothing, appliances, and household items in UCFS’s free community warehouse. On the second day, volunteers served as camp counselors for UCFS’s summer study camp—helping students with homework, serving meals, supervising free time, and teaching science lessons. The experience allowed volunteers to connect directly with families and support UCFS’s mission to empower and uplift the community. Project Lead:  Anirvin Ramanan Youth Volunteers:   Rathneesh Bala, Ahan Devraj, Shalini Srinivas, Shriya Doddugani Harish TROY HIGH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DL3zdhmtY2F/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==   TROY HIGH FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16pABEi2zW/?mibextid=wwXIfr   HOCO Decoration (September 23): Troy IAE club members participated in the first group activity of the year—decorating for homecoming. The event helped build teamwork and excitement for the year ahead. Thanks to the strong turnout, both the meeting and the service activity were a success, setting the tone for a productive and engaging year! TROY IAE INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPZ90ADDJ2x/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==   Positivity Mural for Suicide Prevention/Awareness Month (September 19): The WIHI club created a large kindness banner filled with positive messages to support National Suicide Awareness Month. The project allowed new members to participate meaningfully while raising awareness about an important issue that often goes unnoticed in high schools. Each student contributed messages of hope and encouragement to remind others that they are valued and not alone. The final banner serves as a powerful visual reminder of compassion, support, and mental health awareness. The club is proud of the impact this project will have in bringing comfort and positivity to others. WIHI INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/DOcfah7jTI8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D

Frisco, TX, October 26, 2025   October marked a powerful turning point in our journey to fight cancer. VT Seva Dallas’ 15th Annual Cancer Awareness Walkathon united hearts across the DFW Metroplex, filling Warren Sports Complex with a wave of energy, optimism, and compassion. More than 100 spirited participants—families, youth, children, and friends from VT Seva and Prajna—came together, standing strong for those facing cancer. This wasn’t just a walk; it was a afternoon brimming with laughter, learning, and purpose, as our community championed early detection and cancer prevention. The day kicked off with Vinayak Devulapalli ji sharing the inspiring mission behind VT Seva’s global service, followed by warm welcomes from Youth Director Maala Kaundinya ji and an engaging introduction of our keynote guest. Branch Director Neha Bodanki shone a light on the tangible impact of our efforts: just $20 sponsors a cancer screening kit, while $750 covers an entire cancer camp, empowering everyone present to take action and save lives. Excitement soared as volunteer Siddhant Gurav led a fast-paced Kahoot quiz that turned cancer awareness into a fun, interactive challenge for all ages. Young Akshara Kovvuru wowed the crowd with her confident overview of cancer basics and smart steps for prevention, inspiring youth to be health advocates. Dr. Sunil Tummala, neurologist and certified yoga trainer and President of Yoga Bharathi, Dallas chapter, energized the gathering with a keynote on yoga’s role in cancer prevention and holistic wellness, then led participants in an uplifting yoga stretch before the big walk. With motivational placards in hand, walkers promenaded along the route, spreading hope with every step. Our diligent youth team kept the event running smoothly and safely, while everyone recharged afterward with fresh fruit, drinks, and wholesome snacks. Creativity sparkled at the fundraising stalls run by our unstoppable Youth Team in support of Mahila Arogya Vikas, VT Seva’s essential women’s health initiative. The aroma of chai and samosas mingled with artful henna, bright face painting, and seriously delicious cookies—all for a great cause. Huge shoutout to our incredible youth and adult volunteers, whose dedication powered every moment. Thanks to everyone’s generosity, we raised enough to fund TWO mobile cancer screening camps or provide 80 free cancer screening kits. That’s real impact—real lives changed. We closed the day beaming with pride, unity, and renewed determination. Every step taken gets us closer to helping one more woman, one more family, one more life. Together, we walk not just for awareness—but for lasting prevention and unyielding hope! We thank you all the volunteers and participants for their support and energy Youth Volunteers: Sairam Koneru, Saikrith Koneru, Vedhas Samdudrala, Soham Gurav, Siddhanth Gurav, Medhashree Bhatter, Akshaya Kovvuru, Nishka Pydimarri, Keerthana Kolluri, Kirthi Kolluri, Siya. Adult Volunteers: Deepti ji, Shobhana ji, Madhavi ji, Sunitha ji, Praveena B ji, Gowri ji, Mohan ji,Aparna ji, Rajiv ji, Paidi ji, Praveena Pirala ji, Rohini Gurav ji, Vijaya Bhatter ji, Raj Bhatter ji, Ragini Ji.

What an incredible way to wrap up the last scheduled sports event of 2025! VT Seva Detroit successfully hosted its 12th annual Volleyball on Sept 13 th  2025 , raising funds to support the education of 5  visually challenged children! The tournament featured two exciting categories: - Girls' Volleyball- Men's Volleyball For Men’s Volleyball, we had two Pools with Six teams and Five teams. Initial Pool play was Round Robin with pool that had Six teams play 21 points and pool that has Five teams play 25 points. Top three teams from each pool qualified for Gold Bracket with leading two teams Farmington Fighters and KMA auto-qualifying for Semi-finals spot in Gold Bracket. Rest of the teams qualified for Silver Bracket with top two teams On The Rocks and Net Force X auto-qualifying for Semi-finals spot in Silver Bracket. Pool Play Standings In Gold Bracket, we crowned a new champion this year: Farmington Fighters ! They faced off against the hard-hitting KMA, the defending champions in a thrilling final that went down to the wire, with Farmington Fighters securing victory in a nail-biting and thrilling second set. What a fantastic display of sportsmanship and talent by all teams involved! In Silver Bracket, we crowned On The Rocks ! They faced off against the relentless Lansing Spartans. Both the teams displayed tremendous grit and sportsmanship to qualify for the finals and face off. Overall, it was our first indoor , fun-filled , and action-packed day  of Volleyball! A heartfelt ‘thank you’ goes out to all the players, referees, line referees, coaches, family members, SPARC facility, viewers and parents who participated and supported this great cause. This tournament, featuring 11 adult teams  and over 90 players  and 4   Girls Teams  with over 30 players , wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our amazing volunteers. Thank you for making it a success! Youth Volunteers: Kushi, Aadhya, Aaryaman, Vrishank, Sanjay, Rithika, Tritha, Aaryan, Kaustubh, Sai Karnati, Akshara, Dhruva Adult Volunteers: Venkat, Sudheer, Anand, Srinathbabu Karnati, Keerthy, Jaisankar, Priya Jaisankar,  Suresh Rajan, Praveen Kanumuri Game leads: Venkat, Suresh and Praveen did a great job in managing the teams, rules, refereeing and games management on the event day!   A huge shoutout and heartfelt appreciation Chanakya Financial Services – Ganga & Lenin for sponsoring a child’s education. We look forward to a long and continued partnership!           Pictures & videos from the event can be found here:   Photo Album

VT Seva Detroit marked a meaningful milestone this year by hosting its 5th Annual Police Appreciation Day at the Novi Police Department. What began five years ago as a small gesture of gratitude has now grown into a cherished annual tradition—one that Novi’s officers eagerly anticipate each year. As in years past, our VT Seva Detroit team provided lunch, beverages, and desserts for the on-duty officers. The department’s leadership, including Police Chief Erick Zinser and several Sergeants, joined the gathering and shared their heartfelt appreciation for this now-annual moment of connection with the community. Nearly *30 volunteers—both adults and youth—*came together to set up, serve, and personally thank the officers for their dedication and service. Our youth volunteers also created beautiful, handmade “Thank You” cards for the officers, expressing their heartfelt gratitude for the department’s selfless commitment to keeping Novi safe. During the event, a few youth representatives introduced VT Seva’s community initiatives, highlighting the organization’s local and international service efforts to uplift underprivileged communities. Chief Zinser and his team commended our youth and appreciated the positive impact of VT Seva’s ongoing contributions. Over the years, Police Appreciation Day has become a cornerstone in VT Seva Detroit’s annual calendar—reflecting our core belief that small, consistent acts of gratitude can strengthen the bonds of community. We are truly honored to stand with the Novi Police Department and to recognize the dedicated individuals who protect and serve our city every day. Our sincere thanks to Chief Erick Zinser, the Novi Police Department’s Sergeants and officers, and to all **VT Seva Detroit volunteers—especially our youth—*whose enthusiasm and compassion made this year’s celebration extra special. We extend special appreciation to our long-time sponsor, Mr. Kavikishen Kondala, and to Novi City Council Member Mrs. Priya Gurumurthy for joining us in honoring the Novi Police Department for their unwavering service. These are our volunteers who participated: Youth: Sai Karnati, Advithi Kaustubh, Rithika, Srivibha, Varun, Mihir, Tarun, Ishaan Jaseen Adults: Suresh Rajan, Srinath Karnati, Vanitha Gopalan, Aravind, Durga Nalini, Priya Jaisankar, Nandhini, Keerthi Dingari, Srivardhan Dingari, Sreenivas, Asha Puranam, Sowmya Angusamy, Nesneen, Architha, Vaishnavi, Anand, Vidya, Savita, Raj Patil 📸 Event Photos & Videos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/SwyDwNvtnGCSHxxd9

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, the season of giving is upon us, and this Fall, Youths from South Jersey’s schools are channeling that spirit into something truly impactful: Project Sanjeevini . Their goal? To collect and distribute 1,000 food kits  to families struggling with hunger. Each Sanjeevini Food Kit  provides essentials: rice, beans, pasta, and canned vegetables, enough to nourish a family and remind them that kindness still thrives in our community. But this mission isn’t just about food, it’s about hope . Every can you donate, every dollar you give, and every share of this message helps bring warmth to a dinner table that might otherwise go empty.   Every Can. Every Grain. Every Act of Kindness Matters. Together, we can ensure that no family in our community goes hungry this Fall. Join hands with these young changemakers. Your contribution, big or small, will help turn compassion into nourishment, and empathy into empowerment.   Donate today  and be a part of this movement to feed hearts and homes. Because when we give, we don’t just fill plates, we fill lives with hope.

Guiding Principles Youth Powered, Youth Driven. Own Your Adventure. Participate regularly in meetings to stay informed, share ideas, and collaborate with fellow members. Contribute your time and skills to various events and initiatives, making an impact. Approach all activities with empathy and kindness, understanding the importance of serving others selflessly. Upcoming Events Google Calendar Recurring Events OSL Serves for a day Join us in preparing and distributing meals to those in need. Your participation can bring nourishment and comfort to many in our community. Let’s come together to spread compassion and support through this meaningful initiative - Signup Here . Musical Volunteering at Ciel Memory Care Biweekly Music Volunteer Opportunity at the Memory Care Senior Center, spreading joy and warmth through music. Youth play instruments such as the guitar, violin, and piano. Time: 1:30-2:15pm Location: https://cielseniorliving.com/community/ciel-of-issaquah/ 23845 SE Issaquah-Fall City Rd., Issaquah, WA 98029 VT Seva Digital Library for Blind and Print Disabled An initiative to convert books and print material into digital content that can be accessed by the blind and visually challenged individuals. Past Events Summer of Service and Success Appreciation for Sammamish and Mill Creek Police Departments

Hunger remains one of the most pressing challenges in our world today. To support VT Seva’s Feeding Hope Annadanam Program, which provides nutritious meals to visually challenged students at Nethra Vidyalaya schools, colleges, and Tribal schools in India, Avni Patel, Arav Patel, Dhruvi Shah, and Shraya Ved came together to organize a bake sale. The event was held on August 2, 2025, in our subdivision. With the help of our parents, we baked and sold brownies, cookies, scones, banana bread, and fresh lemonade. Posters and flyers helped spread the word, and on the day of the event, we spent the afternoon from 1 PM to 6 PM interacting with neighbors, sharing information about Feeding Hope, and selling our baked goodies. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we raised $1,150, enough to provide over 9 days of meals for all the visually challenged students at Nethra Vidyalaya Institutions and Tribal schools in India. Reflections from the Team Shraya’s Reflection “My bake sale experience has been very rewarding as it feels amazing to help contribute to this cause. I’m very grateful that we could host the event again after last year’s success. We had so much fun baking, advertising, and learning life skills in event planning. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported this cause.” Dhruvi’s Reflection “My experience at the bake sale was incredibly positive. Seeing people enjoy the treats we prepared was truly rewarding. I’m proud that our efforts are helping provide nutritious meals for children—ensuring they not only get what they need, but also what they truly deserve.” Avni’s Reflection “Conducting the bake sale was a truly meaningful experience. From baking to marketing, it taught me the importance of teamwork and communication. Talking with people about Feeding Hope and encouraging them to support made me realize how even small efforts can make a big difference.” Arav’s Reflection “This year’s bake sale for Nethra Vidyalaya was amazing. From baking and decorating treats to setting up, it was wonderful to see so many community members stop by and support. Knowing that our efforts directly benefit visually impaired children gave me a deep sense of accomplishment.” A big thank you to everyone who came out, supported, and contributed. Together, we are spreading smiles and hope—one bake at a time!