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Friendship is a universal bond that connects hearts beyond borders, cultures, and distances. Celebrated around the world through occasions such as the International Day of Friendship on July 30, 2026. Friendship Day reminds us that kindness, understanding, and compassion have the power to bring people together and create meaningful connections across the globe. Embracing this spirit of global friendship, three VT Seva Detroit high school clubs, WIHI VTS Club, Troy IAE VTS Club, and Troy High VTS Club came together for a heartfelt service project. The students handcrafted 175 friendship bracelets, each carrying a message of love, hope, encouragement, and connection for their friends thousands of miles away. These special bracelets traveled from Michigan to Nethra Vidyalaya, Varija where VT Seva Detroit youth volunteer Akshara had the opportunity to personally deliver them during her visit to the school with her family. The simple act of sharing a handmade bracelet became a beautiful symbol of friendship between students across continents. During her visit, Akshara learned more about VT Seva’s Nethra Vidyalaya program and its mission to empower visually impaired students through education and opportunities. She was warmly welcomed by the school’s Secretary, Ms. Shireesha Latha ji, who shared the inspiring journey, vision, and impact of the school. Akshara spent time interacting with the students and distributed these friendship bracelets. The smiles, excitement, and gratitude of the students reflected the true meaning of friendship feeling remembered, valued, and connected even across thousands of miles. The visit also gave Akshara an opportunity to understand the determination and achievements of Nethra Vidyalaya students. She learned about their innovative learning methods, including the use of Braille templates, and witnessed their accomplishments in academics, sports, and activities such as robotics, swimming, and cricket at national-level competitions. These bracelets were more than just handmade gifts they became a bridge connecting young volunteers in Michigan with students in Vizag through compassion, friendship, and service. This Friendship Day initiative beautifully shows that friendship has no boundaries and that even a small gesture of kindness can connect hearts across the world. Reflections from Young Volunteers: Creating Connections Through Service For the VT Seva Detroit high school students who created these bracelets, the project was more than a service activity, it was an opportunity to send friendship, encouragement, and love to students they may never have met in person. Through their reflections, the students shared how this experience helped them understand the impact of small acts of kindness and the power of global connections. Manasa from Troy High School VTS Club: This spring I had the opportunity to help lead Troy High VTS Club's Bracelet Making Initiative to send it to Nethra Vidyalaya School. This project produced over 60+ handmade bracelets and gave our volunteers to truly reflect with empathy and kindness together. Not only did it bring joy to the children in the school but gave each and every one of us a chance to connect with kids across the world and become friends. I'm really grateful for leading this event as it truly enabled me to spread kindness to those who need it, along with my peers. Avantika from WIHI School VTS Club: WIHI VTS Club hosted a bracelet making event for creating bracelets for Nethra Vidyalaya students. It was such a great experience, hand-making bracelets, knowing it would bring joy to other children. Creating dozens of beautiful bracelets to make the students in India happy made us truly grateful for the opportunity. We had so many people come together and work on these bracelets, building our connection and friendship with others. We're thankful for all our volunteers who helped!

The VT Seva Detroit Youth Board initiated their first-ever charity walkathon in 2021. Not only was it a first for our group, but it was also a hybrid walkathon, taking place both virtually and in person. Walkathon participants were able to head to vtwalk.org, a custom website designed for this event. Rather than walking for just one day, the walkathon lasted all summer and supported two amazing causes. When someone is diagnosed with cancer, money becomes another issue on top of everything else. Angels of Hope provides financial assistance to Michigan families in need due to cancer so families can focus on supporting their loved ones. COVID-19 has hit India extremely hard, and the entire nation is in desperate need. VT Seva Bharath has been working relentlessly to support the nation with its fight against the pandemic. All the proceeds from this event were donated to Angels of Hope and Cancer Screening Camps conducted by VT Seva Bharath . It was a very successful Walkathon, raised $3214 and donated 50% to each organization. We received a Thankyou letter from Angels of hope. So proud of all youth volunteers who made a difference in so many people's lives. The first step was building a brand new website for participants to register at and track their steps on. Weeks before the walkathon, the Detroit team worked with the Dallas team to create this website. It was amazing to collaborate with other branches and the website was done very professionally. A special thanks to Dallas Branch Director, Uttam for his dedication and support towards our website development and thanks to Harish, Oviya & Priya for doing the QA testing and load testing. Thanks to Harish for creating a flyer for Walkathon. On June 18, 2021, vtwalk.org was launched at our Walkathon Kickoff Meeting. We had a ton of youth board volunteers in attendance, allowing for an interactive discussion to better understand our hybrid walkathon and the responsibilities associated with being a team lead. The youth board members who signed up as team leads created their own teams for the walkathon and motivated their team members to actively walk and track their steps. 29 team members 162 participants, 43 days walked more than 20 Million steps (1000+ miles) VT Seva Detroit has always wanted to contribute towards its healthcare pillar. In 2020, the VTS Detroit Youth Board started off by supporting the St. Mary Mercy hospital in Livonia by raising money to fund the purchase of N-95 masks and other COVID-19 treatment supplies. In 2021, the youth board continued this mission by supporting Angels of Hope and VTS Bharath’s COVID-19 relief activities. All of our 29 team leads worked incredibly hard to promote the cause and get more people to join their team. This event’s success could not have been accomplished without these team leads. Our wonderful Team Leads were Hiba, Oviya, Harish, Kaavya, Sanjith, Amogh, Supraja, Udhayaa, Srihari H, Niharika, Hrudya, Rashmitha, Nikita, Siddharth, Sai Sahasra,Abishristi, Pranav T, Saisha, Arya, Teja, Shrikha, Eesha, Kalki, Chakrika, Rohan, Sanjana, Genea, Aditi & Peter Genea, a company that provides property tech solutions, partnered with us to support our causes. 15 of their employees joined us virtually and supported our cause. Peter Trajkoski’s family also joined in his memory to support our cause. Linda Auge’s family from Trinity Health also joined us to support our cause. All of our team lead family members and friends participated in our first walkathon and made it a real success. Special shout out to Chandrashekhar ji for donating towards this great cause. For the first 42 days, all the volunteers walked virtually and motivated each other with friendly competition by logging their steps at vtwalk.org. On the 43rd day, they all met for an in-person walkathon. Suzie Jovcevski and her family also joined us in representing Angels of Hope. In-Person Walkathon was conducted on July 31, 2021 at Shiawassee Park, Farmington. Starting at 8 AM, volunteers helped with the set-up, check-in, snack distribution, and cleaning. Suzie and her family members set up a stall to explain about Angels of Hope and distributed promotional materials. Our set-up volunteers made a balloon arch, tied the balloons and ribbons on the trees in the park with the VT Seva Walkathon Flyers, arranged the tables for check-in, a t-shirt stall, and a Gatorade stall. All of our VT Seva Detroit members who all showed up chipped in all of the activities made this a true family event. Our check-in volunteers did an awesome job at the registration desk by going through the COVID-19 questionnaire and checking in walkers. Once the check-in was over, our snack table volunteers handed out gift bags to the registrants. Once again, without our amazing team, it would not be possible to hand out gift bags filled with water bottles, apples, snack bars, and hand sanitizer. Special shout out to Zahara for sponsoring water bottles, Vani for apples, Architha for snack bars and Priya for hand sanitizers. Geetha sponsored the Gatorade bottles to sell during the event. Architha & Venkat for printing out certificates for the winners. Priya for printing out the flyers to distribute in stores and parks. Sudheer for getting balloons for the arch. Our RAAS promotion volunteers were doing an awesome job in explaining our annual fundraising event RAAS to the newcomers and our t-shirt stall was handled by our treasurer and the youth volunteers. Our volunteering coordinator Vanitha made sure all of the tasks had been done properly. Priya Jaisankar, the VT Seva Detroit Youth Board Director, started our walkathon with her welcome speech. Each one of our participants walked 3000 meters! The park was lively, buzzing with happy chatter and beautiful morning weather. Many youth members began to race down the track, inspiring other adult participants to start racing to finish their 3Ks. This event was insanely fun, jovial, and light-hearted. All the moments were captured beautifully by our Media volunteers. Our wonderful volunteers who signed up to help with In-Person Walkathon were, Youth Volunteers: Amogh, Arya, Eesha, Harish, Hiba, Hrudya, Jethri, Kaavya, Oviya, Sai Sahasra, Sai Karnati, Shruthi, Siddharth, Teja & Udhayaa Adult Volunteers: Architha, Nandini, Suresh, Durga, Anitha, Geetha, Kishore, Vani, Bhanu, Sreenivas, Anand, Veena, Vanitha, Srinath, Jyothi, Sudheer & Priya Whole team was doing such an awesome job entering their steps every day during the virtual walkathon, even though it was virtual there was a friendly competition going on to see who walked more steps each day. Every night there was a statistics posted in the walkathon group to provide updates on walkathon statistics. Our special guests Latha and Suzie handed over the certificates to our winners Top 3 teams who had more steps were Hiba, Siddharth, and Genea Top 3 individuals who had more steps were Abhinav, Zahara, and Zareena Top 3 team leads who had more participants were Peter Trajkoski, Harish, and Genea Detroit Branch Director Srinath and National Secretary Sudheer and Youth Board Director Priya gave a thank you speech appreciating all the volunteers The clean-up volunteers did an amazing job at taking down all the decorations and stalls, leaving the park even better than we found it. Thanks to our Detroit Communications team (Nandini) for her continuous support in publishing content provided by event leads in all our Social media channels ( Youtube, Whatsapp, Facebook, VTSworld Blogs, and Event logs) from start to the completion of the event. Even though we had volunteers sign up for specific tasks, lots of our volunteers and participants pitched in any area without any hesitation. They made this event feel like a family event rather than a charity event. Our Detroit Team rocks without any doubt they will keep rocking and shake the world with their compassion! Watch the compilation of the VT Seva Detroit First-Ever Virtual Walkathon Video below. Please visit our Facebook page for the Live Videos (Round 1 and Round 2) captured on the event day, and also for other VT Seva Detroit events and activities. Please do like and share and spread the news about VT Seva. Blog created by: Priya Jaisankar Blog Published By: Nandini Cheemalamarri (VTSeva Detroit Communications)

By Mridula Vasudevan, Mentor, VT Seva Maryland Youth Chapter One of the greatest gifts we can offer is our time! The following reflections are based on the event write-up by our youth volunteer and event lead, Anwesha Parida, whose leadership, compassion, and thoughtful planning made this senior center visit a truly memorable experience. On July 19, 2026 while millions of sports fans around the world were eagerly watching the FIFA Club World Cup Final, our VT Seva Maryland Youth Chapter volunteers made a different choice. Instead of gathering around television screens, they chose to spend their Sunday afternoon at a local senior center, bringing companionship, joy, and smiles to our elderly community members. Our Youth Chapter Mentor enjoying Music Session with seniors! As a mentor, this decision filled me with immense pride. It reflected the very essence of VT Seva's mission - placing service before self and choosing compassion over convenience. Anwesha beautifully captured the spirit of the event in her reflections: "As the lead for our Senior Center visit on July 19th at 2:30 pm, this experience has been especially meaningful to me. Spending time with the residents, organizing activities, sharing laughter, and seeing their smiles brought me so much joy. It was incredibly rewarding to know that, through our time and efforts, we could brighten their day and make them feel cared for and connected. This has been one of the most fulfilling and meaningful experiences of my journey with VT Seva." The afternoon began with an engaging trivia session that quickly became the perfect icebreaker. What started as a fun game soon transformed into something much deeper. The seniors enthusiastically answered questions in their own unique and often humorous ways, sharing stories from their lives that sparked conversations across generations. Those moments reminded us that every senior carries a lifetime of experiences and wisdom, and all they often need is someone willing to listen. A special highlight of the visit was the gentle yoga session led by our Branch Director Mrs. Sobana Vasudevan. The residents enthusiastically participated in simple stretches and breathing exercises that encouraged relaxation, movement, and wellness. Watching their smiles and enthusiasm during the session was heartwarming and demonstrated how meaningful even simple activities can be. This successful event was truly a team effort. We sincerely thank Mrs. Sandhya Kakani for her unwavering support throughout the visit and Mrs. Megan and Mrs. Deepa Parida for coordinating this wonderful opportunity for our youth to serve the community. As a Youth Chapter Mentor, I was honored to support Anwesha Parida throughout the event along with Taara Vasudevan. It was inspiring to watch our youth volunteers interact so naturally with the residents - with patience, kindness, and genuine compassion. These are the qualities that define servant leadership and the values VT Seva strives to instill in every volunteer. The Bonding! What made this day especially meaningful was not just the activities we organized, but the choices our youth made. While a major international football championship was unfolding, our volunteers demonstrated that some moments are bigger than sports. They chose to invest their time where it mattered most - creating happiness for seniors who genuinely appreciated their presence. That afternoon reinforced an important lesson: memories are not always made by watching history unfold on a screen. Sometimes, they are created by sitting beside someone, listening to their stories, sharing a laugh, offering a helping hand, or simply reminding another person that they are valued and remembered. At VT Seva, we believe that service is not measured by grand gestures but by the impact we make in another person's life. The smiles we witnessed, the conversations we shared, and the connections we built on July 19 are a testament to that belief. To Anwesha and every volunteer who chose service over spectacle - thank you. You embodied the true spirit of VT Seva and demonstrated that the greatest victories are not always won on the field; they are won in the hearts we touch through selfless service. "When the world was watching a championship unfold, our youth were quietly creating victories of compassion, one smile at a time." Trivia Questions Time!! Trivia Fun Time - Our Outreach Lead Mrs. Deepa Parida enjoying time with Seniors!! Arts Prep Time by our Event Lead Anwesha Parida! Our Youth Lead Taara Vasudevan & Mrs. Sandhya Kakani enjoying the Riddle time!

By Mridula Vasudevan, Youth Chapter Mentor, VT Seva Maryland The incredible women of VT Seva Maryland decided to celebrate Mother’s Day by giving back to the community they love and nurture every day! 🌿 Service in Action: Adopt-A-Road Cleanup 🌿 Led by Mrs. Deepa Parida, our dedicated volunteers spent Sunday morning clearing litter and debris to keep our community clean, safe, and green. A huge thank you to Branch Director Sobana Ji, Prasamsha Ji, Arti Ji, and Sandhya Ji for your hard work and leadership! ✨ Deepa Ji shares: "I had the privilege of leading this Adopt-A-Road initiative alongside such dedicated volunteers. Working together reinforced how powerful service can be — through teamwork and environmental stewardship, we make a real difference in our neighborhoods." Thank you to Deepa Ji and the entire team for showing how small actions create big impact. Environmental stewardship starts with us! 💚 Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AWyQene1v/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/p/DZN2OiDiQcK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

By Mridula Vasudevan, Youth Chapter Mentor, VT Seva Maryland On March 22, 2026, from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM, the VT Seva Maryland community gathered for a day of discovery and dedication. Led by Youth Advisor and Coordinator Mridula Vasudevan, the 3rd Annual SAMATHA Science Fair Competition proved to be a remarkable success, showcasing the incredible talent of our youth and our collective commitment to STEAM education. Event Overview The atmosphere was electric as seventy student participants and over two hundred attendees - including families, volunteers, and STEAM organizations - filled the venue. This year was defined by a high level of innovation. Students across all grade levels presented creative projects that tackled real-world applications with critical thinking. The dedication was evident in the results: participants achieved an impressive average score of 39.5 out of 50, reflecting the outstanding quality of work presented to our judges. Celebrating Our Winners and Runners-Up We are incredibly proud to recognize the following students for their scientific achievements: Pre-K: Viraj Venuturimilli (1), Daksh Sharma (2), Jaitra Danturti (3) Kindergarten: Adhrith Navalgund and Ronin Valpadasu (1), Ayaan Garg (2), Avyaan Nasini (2), Mihira Anjali Muddada and Veda Gupta Boorugu (3) Grades 1 to 3: Tejas Anand (1); Varuni Vijai, Samritha Krishnanand, and Magilini Balakumar Sindhu (2); Jay Gupta Boorugu and Vihaan Muddada (2); Anvith Komperla (3); Radhika Raghavendra (3) Grades 4 to 5: Samarth Sinha (1); Srivatsav Ponnuru, Eshaan Dasa, and Sridatta Kakkireni (2); Ayaansh Bejgam and Surya Muddam (2); Samhitha Sri Kosana and Devayani Sharma (3); Tanushree Bonla and Avighnya Krishnaswamy Rajashekar (3) Grades 6 to 8: Ishaan Krishnan (1), Pranay Swaminathan (2), Parikrithi Bonla (3) High School: Aditya Samarth Community Partners and Sponsors The fair was enriched by partners who connected scientific concepts to community impact: Teja Pusunuri (AATS Financial): Provided vital insights into financial literacy and resource planning for families. The RAY Foundation (Founded by Anvi and Tanvi Chaturvedi): This youth-led organization inspired students through their focus on service and leadership. Youth Climate Institute: Empowered attendees to take action on climate change through sustainability education. Vivia Chipley (Volunteer): Led an interactive water filtration activity, teaching students about clean water solutions and hands-on science. Youth Leadership & Service Initiatives At VT Seva, science and service go hand-in-hand. Several youth-led initiatives added a unique layer of impact to the event: Healthcare & Social Media Branch: President Divya Putthana led a "Forget-Me-Not" flower project. “Seeing everyone come together to make the flowers was inspiring... we got to educate many people about how much veterans do for us,” Divya shared. Environmental Branch: President Tejasvi Divi organized a plant sale that raised $47. “The funds will support a school for the visually challenged, helping provide meals for students,” Tejasvi noted. Education Branch: President Manasvi Divi held a book sale that raised $41 for schools for the visually challenged. “Every contribution, big or small, made a difference,” said Manasvi. Feeding Hope Maryland: The team, including Mrs. Shwetha Sannenalli, Keerthi Siripurapu, and Anwesha Parida, hosted a henna stand while spreading awareness about their mission. A Special Thank You to Our Judges Our distinguished panel of judges provided the expertise and feedback that made this a true learning experience: Dr. Bharathi Subramaniasiva: Associate Professor of Physics and STEM educator. Dr. Balamurugan Kuppusamy: Associate Scientist and accomplished researcher. Dr. Mahesh Aitha: Translational scientist and STEM advocate. Mrs. Rebecca Clark: Dedicated CTE teacher. Mr. Vasudevan Akkoor: AI product leader and longtime VT Seva volunteer. Our Dedicated Volunteers The seamless execution of this event—from setup to cleanup—was made possible by our selfless volunteers: Youth Leaders: Akanksha Subramaniam, Divya Putthana, Tejasvi Deivi, Manasvi Divi, Mikaela Abobar, Taara Vasudevan, Anwesha Parida, Inika Keranahalli, Akul Pallerla, Misha Nabel, Keerthi Siripurapu, and Vishan Das Mukkapally. Youth Volunteers: Saanvi, Chaithra S., Deethya B., Anvi G., and others who contributed their time. Adult Volunteers: Mr. Srinivasa Putthana, Mr. Vasudevan Akkoor, Mrs. Sobana Vasudevan, Mrs. Swetha Sananelli, and Mrs. Prashamsa Muppavaram. Looking Ahead The SAMATHA Science Fair is more than a competition; it is a commitment to the next generation of innovators. We look forward to watching this initiative grow as we continue to promote STEAM education and service in our community. Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18eR2BvezG/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/p/DWhN3ZxEf3e/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Best regards, Mridula Vasudevan Youth Chapter Mentor and Coordinator, VT Seva Maryland

By Mridula Vasudevan, Youth Chapter Mentor, VT Seva Maryland 🌱 190 Trees, Zero Excuses: How VT Seva Maryland Smashed Earth Day Goals! Earth Day 2026 was more than just a date on the calendar for VT Seva Maryland, it was a weekend of action, community, and growth. While the VT Seva National Earth Day Project set an ambitious goal to plant 2,026 trees across all chapters for 2026, our Maryland team was determined to go above and beyond. We originally committed to 150 trees, but we were honored to receive 190 Fraser Fir saplings from the Neighborhood Forest Team on April 22nd. Putting Down Roots Over a hardworking weekend between April 25th and April 26th, our volunteers traded their usual routines for shovels and soil. It was a massive effort spread across two beautiful locations: Landsdale Community (Monrovia, MD): 170 trees planted in collaboration with the Landsdale HOA. Lake Linganore (Woodridge Community): 20 trees planted to help expand the local canopy. It Takes a Village This green milestone was truly a team effort, made possible by our incredible community partners. We followed expert planting techniques shared by Michael Holland (BrightView Landscape Services), spacing each tree 11 to 12 feet apart to ensure long-term health. Special thanks to Melanie Mullaney (Landsdale HOA) for the logistical support, including the orange flags to protect our saplings from mowers, and Paula from Landsdale for her guidance during the planning stages. At Lake Linganore, we are grateful to Colton Brady and Sam Hunter for their support. Leadership and Spirit A special shout-out goes to our Adult Lead Coordinator, Arti Ji, whose unwavering dedication kept the project on track. We also thank Sandhya ji and Pratibha ji for coordinating our volunteers and leading the successful planting at the Woodridge Community. 🌟 Our Volunteer Champions The heart of this project was our dedicated team. We are incredibly proud of every individual who showed up to make Maryland greener. Student Volunteers: Taara Vasudevan, Mridula Vasudevan, Sanjay Guda, Inika Keranahalli, Misha Nabeel, Aarush Srivasta, Nayan Chintalapati, Abhinav Komperla, Tejasvi Divi, Manasvi Divi, Akanksha Subramaniam, Sana Shenoy, Joanne Kim, Hyela Djoko, Chiddharthan Karunanithi, Pradyun Peddi, Brayden Wang, Adrith Kalluri, Divya Putthana, Rohan Putthana, Anwesha Parida, Eshaan Konala, Radhika Raghavendra, Shreevidya Raghavendra, Sameer Khan, Chetan Sai Kankanala, Ishitha Taritla, Abhinav Taritla, Vihaan Krishnan, Ishaan Krishnan, Adithiya Venkatakrishnan, Bhargav Srivasta, Azad Khan, and Nylah Taylor. Adult Volunteers: Vasudevan Akkoor, Sobana Vasudevan, Ravindhar Guda, Shwetha Sannenalli, Sindhu, Prashamsa Muppavaram, Siressha Gadiraju, Rajitha Mukkapally, Ramesh Chandra Aditya Komperla, Swetha Laggishetty, Murali Divi, Subramaniam Chidambaram, Srinivasa Putthana, Deepa Parida, Aparna Hemchandra, Raghavendra Padmanabhan, Arti Bhatt, Sandhya Kakani, Pratibha Rani Pammi, Shashikanth Peddi, and Rahsaan Taylor. As these 190 Fraser Firs take root, they stand as a living testament to what we can achieve when a community grows together. 💧 The Work Continues: Beyond the Planting Our job doesn’t stop once the last shovel of dirt is in place! To ensure these 190 Fraser Firs thrive and reach their full potential, our dedicated crew is now moving into the maintenance phase. Following the expert guidance of our landscapers, our team will be actively monitoring and maintaining the trees throughout the summer. Planting is just the beginning, care is what makes them grow! Happy Earth Day from VT Seva Maryland! 🌎

By Mridula Vasudevan, Youth Chapter Mentor, VT Seva Maryland One of the most beautiful aspects of community service is that even the simplest acts, when done with compassion and teamwork, can create a lasting impact. Our recent DAV Flower Making Project was a wonderful reminder of this truth, bringing together youth volunteers, adult mentors, and senior community members to support a meaningful cause. The reflections below are inspired by the heartfelt event write-up from our youth event lead, Divya Putthana, whose thoughtful planning and leadership made this project a tremendous success. The project was more than just making flowers - it was about creating connections, serving with purpose, and working together across generations. It was inspiring to watch our youth volunteers dedicate their time and energy with enthusiasm, knowing that every flower they crafted would contribute to supporting our nation's veterans through the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) initiative. One of the most heartwarming aspects of the event was the participation of the wonderful residents of Northampton Manor. During our senior center visit, the residents eagerly joined our volunteers in making flowers, filling the room with creativity, conversation, and smiles. Their willingness to participate transformed the activity into an experience of shared purpose rather than simply a service project. It was a beautiful example of how service can unite generations while creating meaningful memories for everyone involved. As mentors, we often speak about the importance of leadership, empathy, and teamwork. During this project, our youth demonstrated all three. They collaborated seamlessly, encouraged one another, and embraced every opportunity to learn from the seniors while working side by side. These experiences help shape compassionate leaders who understand that serving others begins with building genuine human connections. Divya expressed her appreciation to everyone who made the project possible: "The project went very well, and we were able to accomplish so much because of everyone's valuable contributions and support. Thank you once again to everyone for your time, commitment, and support. Your teamwork and dedication made this project a success, and together we were able to contribute to a truly meaningful cause." Our sincere appreciation goes to our incredible youth volunteers: Akanksha, Arjun, Inika, Taara Vasudevan, Mridula Vasudevan, Josh, Abhinav, Akul, Anwesha, Rohan, and Keerthi, whose enthusiasm, dedication, and teamwork made the project successful. We are equally grateful to our dedicated adult volunteers: Mrs. Sobana Vasudevan, Mrs. Prashamsa Muppavaram, Mrs. Shwetha Sannenalli, Mrs. Deepa Parida, Mrs. Swetha Tirumuru, Mrs. Sandhya Kakani, Mr. Srinivasan Putthana, and Mrs. Chaithanya Arem, whose encouragement, guidance, and unwavering support ensured that every aspect of the project ran smoothly. A special thank you goes to the wonderful seniors at Northampton Manor. Your creativity, warmth, enthusiasm, and willingness to work alongside our youth volunteers made this event truly unforgettable. You reminded us that community service is most meaningful when it brings people together across generations. As a Youth Chapter Mentor, moments like these reaffirm why VT Seva's mission is so impactful. While the flowers we created will support a meaningful cause, the true success of this project lies in something even greater - the friendships formed, the lessons learned, and the spirit of selfless service demonstrated by every participant. At VT Seva, we believe that service is not measured by the size of the task but by the heart with which it is performed. Every flower created during this project represents gratitude, compassion, and respect for those who have served our country. More importantly, each flower symbolizes the dedication of volunteers who chose to give their time for the benefit of others. To Divya and every volunteer, mentor, parent, and senior who participated - thank you for reminding us that when we work together with kindness and purpose, even a simple handmade flower can blossom into something truly extraordinary. "Every flower we created was more than a craft - it was a symbol of gratitude, teamwork, and the enduring spirit of service that defines VT Seva."

By Mridula Vasudevan, Youth Chapter Mentor, VT Seva Maryland Our VT Seva Maryland family has been incredibly busy cultivating meaningful change right here in our neighborhoods! Thanks to the tireless energy of our youth leaders and adult advisors, we recently rolled up our sleeves to plant 190 Fraser Fir trees across the beautiful Landsdale and Lake Linganore communities. This green initiative is just one of the many ways our chapter is dedicated to environmental care and local civic engagement. Spotlighted by Stroll Landsdale Magazine Our environmental efforts caught the direct attention of local media! We are incredibly honored to announce that Mrs. Michelle Rankin, the publisher of Stroll Landsdale, featured our chapter's hard work in their special July print edition. Seeing our youth leaders highlighted in a community publication is a wonderful testament to the visible impact they are creating.We extend a special thank you to Melanie from the Landsdale HOA for her incredible support and for introducing our organization to Mrs. Michelle Rankin, which made this entire media feature possible! Stroll Landsdale is an exclusive, community-focused monthly publication dedicated to sharing the inspiring stories, milestones, and achievements of local residents and families. By turning a bright spotlight on neighborhood initiatives and youth accomplishments, the magazine plays a vital role in building strong local connections and fostering a beautiful culture of unity and civic pride. Anchoring the Live Screen on the Good Morning Frederick Show Blown away by our community milestones, Mrs. Michelle Rankin personally recommended that our story be shared on a wider stage and connected us to the local broadcast network. Because of her wonderful advocacy, our core VT Seva Maryland team volunteers were invited to speak live on the Good Morning Frederick show on the Everything Frederick Live channel! The Everything Frederick Live channel is a premier local media platform dedicated to spotlighting the heartbeat of our Frederick county. Through engaging interviews, business spotlights, and community storytelling, the network serves as a powerful megaphone for local nonprofits, civic leaders, and grassroots initiatives that make Frederick a vibrant place to live. The following branch directors and youth officers went on set to share our mission: Mrs. Sobana Vasudevan – VT Seva Maryland Branch Director Mr. Vasudevan Akkoor – VT Seva Maryland Youth Director Akanksha Subramaniam – VT Seva Maryland Youth President Divya Putthana – VT Seva Maryland Youth Communication Lead Akul Pallerla – VT Seva Maryland Youth Secretary Taara Vasudevan – VT Seva Maryland Youth Secretary for Environment Branch Our team had a fantastic time being interviewed live by the wonderful host, Dani Gurrie, detailing VT Seva’s core pillars, from youth mentorship to global educational sponsorships. To support our mission, Dani made an incredibly generous announcement during the broadcast. 📢 The 30-Day Challenge: How You Can Help Us Today! For the next 30 days, Dani Gurrie has pledged that the Everything Frederick Live channel will donate $1 directly to VT Seva for every single new subscription to their channel! This is a beautiful, easy opportunity for our community to make a massive difference. By simply hitting the subscribe button, you are directly helping us fund life-changing programs, meals, and education for underprivileged and visually challenged children. We need your help to maximize this drive! Here is what you can do right now: Watch Our Segment: Check out our official live broadcast link below to watch our team in action. Hit Subscribe: Subscribe to the Everything Frederick Live channel to automatically trigger a $1 donation to VT Seva. Share the News: Forward this blog post to friends, family, and local group chats to amplify our reach! Let’s come together to turn simple clicks into massive community support. Thank you for your unwavering generosity! 📺 Watch Our Live Interview & Subscribe Here: 🔗 Good Morning Frederick Show - Everything Frederick Live Channel Segment [31 minutes through 46 minutes] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep4uJ-3yj_M&t=1081s 📖 View Our July - Stroll Landsdale Magazine Feature - Spread: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CdS53Veky/ FB : https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1MiEGr3CRw/ Instagram :

By Mridula Vasudevan, Youth Chapter Mentor, VT Seva Maryland Following the monumental success of our 3rd Annual SAMATHA Celebration and our vibrant local 4th of July community parade, the VT Seva Maryland chapter is keeping the momentum rolling! Our youth leaders and adult coordinators are already gearing up for our next wave of seasonal initiatives. From local civic engagement drives to senior care visits, patriotic history projects, and lifesaving medical drives, here is a chronological look at our upcoming schedule and how you can get involved to make a lasting impact. Event 1: Spreading Joy at the Northampton Manor Senior Care Visit (July 19, 2026) Compassion is at the heart of everything we do. Back on June 22nd, our dedicated youth leaders went to visit the wonderful residents at Northampton Manor in Frederick. During that heartwarming visit, our volunteers spent quality time connecting across generations. Together, they led relaxing senior yoga activities, applied beautiful henna designs on the residents' hands, and crafted handmade DIY flowers to honor our veterans. Because of the deep bonds formed, we are returning to Northampton Manor on Sunday, July 19th! Our team is already designing a fresh lineup of interactive games, crafts, and activities to bring smiles, warmth, and engagement to the seniors. Event 2: The 30-Day "Good Morning Frederick" Subscription Challenge (Active Now through July 31, 2026) If you missed our live television broadcast on July 1st, our core leadership team and youth officers went on set to share VT Seva’s core pillars on the Good Morning Frederick show on the Everything Frederick Live channel! To celebrate our recent milestone of planting 190 trees across Landsdale and Lake Linganore, the show’s wonderful host, Dani Gurrie, launched an incredible 30-day challenge: For every single new subscription to their channel over the next month, they will donate $1 directly to VT Seva! We are rallying all of our supporters to take three seconds out of their day to help us maximize this free fundraising opportunity. 📺 Watch Our Live Interview Segment & Hit the SUBSCRIBE Button Here! https://www.youtube.com/live/ep4uJ-3yj_M?is=0SwZori9PgLU7f9P Event 3: The "Tribute to Bharat" Poster Launch for the 80th Indian Independence Day (Early August 2026) Fresh off the success of our America 250 history project, our youth leaders are shifting their creative talents to a brand-new cultural milestone. Our Monrovia team, New Market team, and MCPS (Montgomery County Public Schools) team are actively rolling up their sleeves to collaborate on a special educational poster series! As part of the national Tribute to Bharat initiative, our student squads are researching, designing, and editing a comprehensive history series to honor the upcoming 80th Indian Independence Day. Stay tuned as our youth prepare to share these inspiring educational resources, honoring the legacy and freedom fighters of India with our wider community! Event 4: 🩸 American Red Cross Blood Donation Drive (August 15, 2026) VT Seva Maryland, in partnership with the American Red Cross, invites you to join our upcoming Blood Donation Drive and make a life-saving difference in our community! Every single blood donation can save up to three lives, providing critical hope to patients undergoing surgeries, cancer treatments, trauma care, and other medical emergencies. 📅 Date: August 15, 2026 ⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM 📍 Venue: Landsdale Clubhouse, Great Room (4500 Arboretum Drive, Monrovia, MD 21770) ⚠️ IMPORTANT ELIGIBILITY DETAILS: The American Red Cross relies on healthy habits to ensure a safe, successful donation. To ensure your safety, men must have a hemoglobin level of at least 13.0 g/dL and women must have at least 12.5 g/dL. You can boost your iron leading up to the event by eating iron-rich foods (like lean meats, fish, beans, and spinach) combined with Vitamin C, while avoiding caffeine with meals. Please get a good night's sleep, drink extra water, and eat a healthy meal within 2–3 hours before arriving. Please review the official informational guides below before scheduling your appointment: 📊 Sickle Cell Fighter Donor Information – Learn how closely matched blood types support patients fighting sickle cell crises. 💥 Power Red Donation Guidelines – Double your impact if you are type O-, O+, B-, or A-. 🥩 Iron & Hemoglobin Eligibility Info – Tips to maintain healthy iron levels for a great donation experience. 💧 General Donor Experience Prep – Requirements, hydration tips, and what ID to bring on site. 📲 RapidPass® Pre-Donation Questionnaire Link – Save up to 15 minutes by completing your health history online on the morning of your drive! Please scan the QR code on our flyer to schedule your appointment slot! If you experience any technical issues with the flyer graphic, you can use the Alternative Appointment QR Code Image backup to lock in your time. Event 5: The Annual "Stuff the Bus" School Supply Drive (Ongoing through late August) VT Seva Maryland is proud to partner with the United Way of Frederick County to supply local FCPS students with the academic essentials they need to start the school year with confidence. Drop Off Physical Supplies: We are actively collecting brand-new essentials (backpacks, scissors, notebooks, markers, and folders) at any of our four convenient local porch drop-off points: 🏡 4714 Hazelnut Ct, Monrovia, MD 21770 🏡 4500 Arboretum Dr, Monrovia, MD 21770 🏡 11030 Cornerstone Ln, Monrovia, MD 21770 🏡 7101 Starmount Ct, New Market, MD 21774 Make a Financial Donation Online: Cash donations are used to purchase grade-specific learning kits, ranging from a $25 Kindergarten kit to a complete $150 middle school pack. 👉 Click Here to Donate Directly to the VT Seva Maryland Team Fundraiser Page! https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/STB26/team/VTSevaMD Chapter Progress: Regional Expansion & Launching New Local Branches VT Seva Maryland is growing! Backed by our recent state and county government honors, we are officially expanding our grassroots footprint into three new cities to empower even more youth changemakers: New Market Chapter: Our newly established squad just wrapped up a highly successful plant sale fundraiser led by our youth leaders. Look out for their upcoming green initiatives and neighborhood cleanup dates! Montgomery County Chapter: A brand-new branch is currently organizing its core committee across local MCPS families. Ellicott City Chapter: Several local parents have reached out showing immense interest, and we are currently setting up foundational meetings to map out their launch. 🌟 Join the Movement Whether you are a parent looking to build leadership skills in your children, a local business wanting to sponsor a cause, or a neighbor looking to donate school supplies, there is a place for you in the VT Seva family. True freedom and community spirit thrive when we use our hands to lift others up! 📞 Contact Us to Get Involved: Branch Director: Sobana Vasudevan (maryland.director@vtsworld.org | Cell: 201-920-2934) Youth Director: Vasudevan Akkoor 📸 Youth volunteers making crafts and doing yoga with seniors at Northampton Manor 📸 American Red Cross Blood Drive Details 📸 The "Stuff the Bus" Campaign Flyer 👇 Want to catch up on our previous milestones? Read the full recap of our historic SAMATHA celebration and view our complete photo gallery here: 🔗 Read the Full SAMATHA 2026 Event Recap Here https://www.vtsworld.org/post/rooted-in-love-blooming-in-peace-vt-seva-maryland-hosts-highly-successful-3rd-annual-samatha-celeb 👇 Want to catch up on our previous milestones? Read the full recap of our AMERICA 250 initiative poster series completion report here: https://www.vtsworld.org/post/from-snack-sales-to-sponsoring-smiles-vt-seva-maryland-feeds-netra-vidyalaya-this-4th-of-july

By Mridula Vasudevan, Youth Chapter Mentor, VT Seva Maryland Sometimes, the greatest act of service is simply showing up with a smile, a listening ear, and a caring heart. VT Seva Maryland recently had the privilege of hosting a Wellness & Henna Day at Northampton Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, creating an afternoon filled with compassion, creativity, wellness, and meaningful connections. The event brought together volunteers and senior residents to celebrate the joy of community while reminding us all of the profound impact that small acts of kindness can have. The event was led by Abhinav Komperla, Vice President of the VT Seva Maryland Healthcare Branch, under the mentorship of Anwesha Parida and Inika Keranahalli. Their vision was to create an experience that promoted wellness, encouraged social engagement, and brought happiness to the residents through interactive and thoughtful activities. The afternoon featured a variety of engaging experiences. Residents participated in gentle yoga exercises designed to promote relaxation and well-being, enjoyed beautiful henna designs created by our volunteers, and enthusiastically joined in crafting handmade flowers for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) appreciation campaign. Their creativity, enthusiasm, and warm smiles transformed the event into an unforgettable celebration of togetherness. While the activities brought excitement, it was the personal interactions that made the day truly special. Volunteers spent time listening to residents' stories, sharing conversations, exchanging laughter, and building genuine friendships across generations. These moments reminded everyone present that compassion and human connection are among the greatest gifts we can offer one another. Reflecting on the experience, Abhinav shared: "I was honored to lead the VT Seva Maryland Senior Center Visit, and it was a truly rewarding experience. Working alongside our volunteers and interacting with the seniors was incredibly meaningful. They were kind, welcoming, and eager to participate in every activity. The visit taught us the importance of listening, adapting our communication, and simply being present. Knowing that we could brighten their day meant so much to me, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to lead another senior center visit in the future." VT Seva Maryland extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Megan of Northampton Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for partnering with our team and helping make this event such a wonderful success. Her coordination, encouragement, and support were instrumental in creating a welcoming and enriching experience for everyone involved. A special thank-you goes to Mrs. Sobana Vasudevan for leading a calming and uplifting yoga session with warmth, patience, and enthusiasm. Her guidance created a peaceful atmosphere that the residents truly enjoyed. Mentors Anwesha Parida Inika Keranahalli Volunteers Mrs. Sobana Vasudevan Mrs. Deepa Parida Mr. Aditya Komperla Mridula Vasudevan Akanksha Subramaniam Inika Keranahalli Divya Puttana Anwesha Parida Taara Vasudevan Every volunteer, mentor, and supporter played an essential role in making this event meaningful. Through their dedication, compassion, and willingness to serve, they helped create an afternoon filled with happiness, dignity, and belonging for our senior community while also honoring our veterans through the flower-making activity. At VT Seva Maryland, we believe that service is about building bridges between generations, strengthening communities, and touching lives through kindness. Events like Wellness & Henna Day remind us that the smallest gestures - a conversation, a smile, a helping hand, or a beautiful henna design - can leave lasting memories and make a meaningful difference. Together, we are not just organizing events - we are building a more compassionate and connected community, one act of service at a time. FB: Instagram:

By Mridula Vasudevan, Youth Chapter Mentor, VT Seva Maryland 🧸💙 VT Seva Maryland – New Market Spreads Joy Through Its Community Toy Drive! 💙🧸 The VT Seva Maryland – New Market Team proudly organized a successful Toy Drive, bringing together families, youth volunteers, and the Lake Linganore Woodridge community to make a difference—one toy at a time. With the theme "Giving Toys a Second Life," the drive encouraged families to donate gently used toys that could bring happiness to children in need while also promoting sustainability by reducing waste and encouraging reuse. Together, the community donated stuffed animals, action figures, LEGO sets, toy cars, balls, bowling sets, and many more toys, which were donated to Goodwill to help brighten the lives of children. Our sincere thanks go to all the parents, community members, and volunteers whose generosity and enthusiasm made this initiative such a meaningful success. 🌟 A Message from Event Lead, Ishaan Krishnan Thank you to all the wonderful parents, and all Lake Linganore Woodridge volunteers for being a part of VT Seva Maryland New Market branch Toy Drive. Parents - thank you for your constant support and encouragement to VT Seva Maryland New Market Toy Drive. Toy drive is about Giving Toys a second Life, where we collected gently used toys to donate to the kids in need to put a smile on their face. It helps us protect our planet by reusing materials, so that we don't cause much harm to the earth. A special shout out to our Lake Linganore Woodridge community volunteer team for supporting me in planning and organizing this event. Thank you to the community people who donated to this event, for your generosity. We collected soft toys, action figures, balls, legos, stuffed animals, bowling sets, toy cars and toy animals and donated items to Goodwill. This event wouldn't be possible without few key people. Few special call outs - @Sobana auntie - for encouraging me, trusting and giving me this opportunity. This is my first event and it has given me confidence to lead and inspire me to do more. @Sandhya Kakani - adult lead - Thank you for your support and help to start the toy drive. Navaneetha Krishnan Balraj - adult - Thank you for your support by helping me with the toy drive. Reshmi Ravindran Nair - Thank you for your support by helping me with the toy drive. I would also like to sincerely thank VT Seva Maryland New Market volunteers for helping me conducting this event so seamlessly: Ethan Joseph, Vihaan Krishnan, Neil Joseph, Reyansh T and Chetan Sai Kankanala Your time, energy, and dedication truly made a genuine impact in the lives of countless children throughout the nation, and I am so grateful for each one of you. Best Regards Ishaan Krishnan VTSeva Maryland New Market Branch

VT Seva Detroit is hosting its inaugural Pickleball Tournament on August 23rd, 2026 (Sunday), from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at SPARC in Novi. All proceeds go toward supporting the education of visually challenged and underprivileged children. VT Seva supports Schools for the visually challenged in India such as Nethra Vidyalaya. These schools provide higher education to visually challenged students and enable them to be independent and compete with other students. VT Seva Detroit is conducting its 1st Annual Pickleball Tournament this summer. All the proceeds go to VT Seva supported Schools for the visually challenged Date: August 23rd, 2026, Sunday, from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Venue: SPARC - 42775 9 Mile Rd, Novi, MI 48375 Register as a team of two — $40 per team Contact: Praveen – 248-342-3940 Suresh – 734-612-4961 Venkat – 313-587-8011 Detroit.SportsCoordinator@vtsworld.org Detroit.Director@vtsworld.org Come join us and play for the cause! VTSEVA PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT LIABILITY WAIVER FORM Participant Waiver & Liability Agreement I understand that there are risks associated with playing all sports and court-related activities. In consideration for the privilege to use the SPARC facility and/or attend the VT SEVA Pickleball tournament, my participation indicates that I assume the risk of any injuries that myself or my children/wards may sustain while participating in any VT SEVA organized sports activity and for any injuries which myself or my children/wards may sustain while on the premises of SPARC, Novi. I assure that I am, or my child is, physically and mentally able to participate in physical activities and have been examined by a licensed medical physician within one (1) year prior to attending this tournament. By registering for the tournament, I am signing this Waiver and Liability Agreement. I acknowledge that I HAVE READ AND FULLY UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO ALL OF ITS TERMS AND CONDITIONS INCLUDING PERMISSION TO TREAT AGREEMENT. I further state that I have executed this waiver and liability voluntarily and with full knowledge of its significance to be binding on my, my heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns. ___Signature assumed automatically if you register_______ Participant's Signature (Parent/Guardian if under 18)

By: Mridula Vasudevan, Maryland Youth Chapter Mentor Date: July 4, 2026 As citizens across the United States gather today to celebrate the 4th of July with fireworks, parades, and family barbecues, the VT Seva Maryland chapter is reflecting on a deeper meaning of independence. To us, true civic pride means nurturing a spirit of global empathy and empowering our youth to take care of those who need it most. Part 1: Celebrating Local Community Spirit at the Landsdale Parade While our fundraising efforts reached across the globe, our local team was equally busy creating a vibrant impact right here at home! Today, the VT Seva Maryland team proudly celebrated July 4th, 2026, by jumping headfirst into the local Landsdale community parade and festivities. The successful day was anchored by several of our outstanding student leads: The Parade Procession was masterfully led by our youth leader, Taara Vasudevan. The Snack, Refreshment Distribution, and Poster Features were expertly managed and led by Akanksha Subramaniam. The Face Painting Stations, which brought endless smiles and artistic fun to local children, were directed by Mridula Vasudevan. A Firsthand Account from Our Youth Leads Here is how our young changemakers who anchored the day described the experience: "Today, on American Independence Day, VT Seva Maryland proudly supported the Landsdale community's Fourth of July parade and festivities. Our youth leaders took full ownership of the day, handing out American flags along the route, boosting civic pride, and spreading joy to local families. Following the parade, we continued the celebration by distributing complimentary refreshments outside the Landsdale Community Center and pool area. Our volunteers also ran a lively face painting station, adding extra fun and excitement for the children. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve our neighborhood, celebrate our nation's independence, and work alongside such a dedicated team of volunteers. Happy Fourth of July!" "For the Independence Day festivities, our team successfully managed the clubhouse refreshment stand, overseeing both setup and breakdown operations. We provided complimentary snacks and drinks to parade participants of all ages. Beyond refreshments, we actively engaged with the public to promote our upcoming 'Stuff the Bus' campaign for local FCPS students and shared our youth-designed educational posters honoring the America 250 milestone." Part 2: The America 250 National Initiative VT Seva Maryland proudly participated in the organization's national civic project, an educational campaign where chapters nationwide collaborated to honor America's history across ten distinct thematic pillars: Founding Fathers & Nation Building Presidents & Government Leaders Civil Rights & Social Justice Science, Technology & Innovation Business & Entrepreneurship Medicine & Public Health Military & National Security (VT Seva Maryland Focus) Education, Literature & Academia Arts, Media & Culture Community Service & Philanthropy For our local contribution, the Maryland team developed an educational poster series centered on Military & National Security. Our youth leaders curated historical insights on prominent military officers and freedom fighters, sharing these resources to educate local residents. To complement this historical outreach, our student volunteers distributed commemorative America 250 flags to parade attendees, successfully fostering community-wide civic engagement. 🎨 America 250 Initiative: Project Creative Credits An immense amount of research, design, and editing went into bringing this national history project to life. We are proud to recognize the brilliant youth team and adult reviewers behind this campaign: Poster Research & Design Team (Youth Leaders): Abhinav Komperla, Akanksha Subramaniam, Akul Pallerla, Anay Pallerla, Arjun Chintalapati, Aryan Shriramoju, Chetan Kankanala, Joshua Cabral, Mridula Vasudevan, and Taara Vasudevan. Multimedia & Video Production: Anwesha Parida (Lead Video Editor) Content Review & Quality Assurance Panel: Mrs. Sobana Vasudevan (Branch Director), Mrs. Prashamsa Muppavaram (Donor Engagement Lead), and Mrs. Deepa Parida (Outreach Lead & Volunteer Manager). Part 3: Turning Grassroots Sales into Global Sponsorships With immense joy, we are thrilled to share that today, July 4, 2026, our chapter officially sponsored nutritious holiday meals for the remarkable, visually challenged students at the Netra Vidyalaya School for the Visually challenged in India through our Maryland Feeding Hope program! 🤝🌟 What makes this holiday milestone so special is that it was entirely funded and driven by our incredible youth leaders. Back on June 20, 2026, during our highly successful 3rd Annual SAMATHA Celebration, our student volunteer squad rolled up their sleeves with a mission in mind. They organized and executed a high-energy Samatha Snack Sale, managing everything from vendor logistics and inventory setup to customer transactions on a busy event day. 🍿🥤 Every single treat sold at their booth carried a promise. Today, on American Independence Day, those exact grassroots proceeds were transformed into vital nutritional care across the ocean, giving the brilliant students at Netra Vidyalaya a festive meal to celebrate the holiday. Freedom Thrives Through Service Watching our youth leaders connect their local volunteer work in Maryland to a direct global impact in India beautifully reflects the core values of VT Seva. True freedom thrives when we use our hands to lift others up and break down barriers to equity, both in our neighborhoods and around the world. We extend our deepest gratitude to our passionate young changemakers, our incredibly dedicated parent volunteers, the Landsdale community, and every single person who supported our initiatives this summer. You are the heartbeat of our mission! 🤝 VT Seva Maryland Official Volunteer Roster A massive thank you to our incredible team of adult leaders and youth volunteers who dedicated their holiday to make this 4th of July celebration a tremendous success: Adult Leadership & Advisory Leads: Mrs. Swetha Timmuru Mr. Subramaniam Mrs. Sandhya Kakani Mrs. Anju Tiwari Mrs. Sobana Vasudevan Mr. Vasudevan Akkoor Mr. Chitrasen Parida Youth Leadership & Event Coordinators: Taara Vasudevan (Parade Procession Lead) Mridula Vasudevan (Face Painting Station Lead) Akanksha Subramaniam (Snack Distribution Lead) Dedicated Youth Volunteers: Arjun Subramaniam Anwesha Parida Inika Keranahalli Anmol Tiwari Aniket Tiwari 👇 Want to read the full recap of our historic 3rd Annual SAMATHA Celebration and view the entire event photo gallery? Click the link below: 🔗 Read the Full SAMATHA 2026 Event Recap Here https://www.vtsworld.org/post/rooted-in-love-blooming-in-peace-vt-seva-maryland-hosts-highly-successful-3rd-annual-samatha-celeb 🔗 Read the Full AMERICA 250 Event Recap Here https://www.vtsworld.org/post/america-250-initiative-by-vt-seva-youth Facebook: Instagram:

Led By Chetan Sai Kankanala (Vice President, Feeding Hope, VT Seva Maryland - New Market Team) The VT Seva Maryland - New Market team recently concluded its community plant sale, an environmental initiative that brought together local families to witness the beautiful journey of seeds growing into saplings. Thanks to the overwhelming support of our community, the event was a resounding success, raising a total of $120 for our branch's philanthropic goals. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful parents and Lake Linganore volunteers who made this event possible. To the parents, your constant encouragement provides the foundation we need to create meaningful environmental experiences for our youth. I also want to give a special shout-out to the Lake Linganore Woodridge community volunteer team for their dedicated assistance in planning and organizing the logistics from day one. As this was my very first time organizing an event, it has served as a major milestone that has given me the confidence to lead and inspire others. I am deeply grateful to Shobana Auntie for her mentorship, trust, and for providing me with this invaluable leadership platform. I also want to express my sincere appreciation to our adult leads - Sandhya Kakani, Prathibha Rani, and Prashamsa Muppavaram - for their unwavering guidance, support, and encouragement of our youth throughout the sale. Finally, this event ran seamlessly due to the dedication of our youth volunteer squad. Sincere thanks to Ethan Joseph, Isheetha Taritla, Ishaan Krishnan, Abhinav Taritla, Neil Joseph, and Reyansh T. Your collective time, energy, and enthusiasm made a lasting impact, and I am incredibly grateful to each of you for making this fundraiser a reality. The VT Seva Maryland - New Market team looks forward to growing this initiative even further in our upcoming seasonal events. FB : https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EHj8edRVK/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/p/DaTnrrPxqbc/?igsh=MTJxdTNhaHV3aHJxdA==

To celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary, VT Seva Youth has launched the America 250 Initiative across the country. As part of this special project, our youth will create informative and engaging infographics highlighting the achievements of Founding Fathers, freedom advocates, visionaries, scientists, entrepreneurs, and other influential leaders who have helped shape America’s growth, progress, and prosperity. Project Highlights: * 10 VT Seva branches across the nation are participating. * Each branch created 25 infographics within its assigned category. The 10 Categories 1. Founding Fathers & Nation Building 2. Presidents & Government Leaders 3. Civil Rights & Social Justice 4. Science, Technology & Innovation 5. Business & Entrepreneurship 6. Medicine & Public Health 7. Military & National Security 8. Education, Literature & Academia 9. Arts, Media & Culture 10. Community Service & Philanthropy Together, let us honor the America 250 milestone 🇺🇸 by recognizing and celebrating the leaders, innovators, visionaries, and advocates whose contributions have helped shape the United States and inspire future generations.

Every Step Matters: Walking for Women's Health with VT Seva Boston Every year, thousands of women across rural India face breast and cervical health issues without access to regular screenings, medical care, or even basic health education. Many don't recognize early warning signs, and by the time treatment is available, it may already be too late. And that is our reason why. At the heart of this mission is Mahila Arogya Vikas (MAV), an initiative dedicated to ensuring that women, regardless of where they live or their financial circumstances, have access to life-saving preventive healthcare. Since its launch in 2007, Mahila Arogya Vikas has transformed the lives of millions of women through awareness campaigns, free medical camps, and early cancer detection programs. What began as a small effort has grown into a movement driven by dedicated volunteers, healthcare professionals, and supporters. MAV focuses on prevention rather than waiting for illness to become terminal. Through free cervical and breast cancer screenings, educational workshops, and follow-up care, the program helps women identify health concerns early. Women who require additional medical attention are guided toward further diagnosis and treatment, making sure that screening is only the beginning of their healthcare journey. Beyond screenings, Mahila Arogya Vikas has also embraced innovation. The program developed a low-cost colposcope that dramatically reduces the cost of cervical cancer screening equipment, making quality healthcare accessible to communities that previously had no access to these services. Today, the impact is extraordinary. Millions of women have been reached through awareness initiatives, thousands of free health camps have been organized, and countless lives have been changed through early detection and timely treatment. Behind every statistic is a mother, daughter, sister, or friend whose future became brighter because someone cared enough to make healthcare accessible. This year, VT Seva Boston invites you to become part of that story. By participating in our 5K Walk for Women's Healthcare, you are doing more than walking a few miles. Every registration, every donation, and every step helps support programs that provide free screenings, medical equipment, awareness campaigns, and healthcare services for women who need them most. Together, we can prioritize women's healthcare before it is too late because when a woman is healthy, families grow stronger, communities become healthier, and future generations thrive. So join us in our mission and truly make a difference.

By: Sobana Vasudevan, VT Seva Maryland Branch Director VT Seva Maryland successfully hosted its 3rd Annual SAMATHA Celebration, centered around the deeply meaningful theme, Rooted in Love, Blooming in Peace. The prestigious event brought together local community leaders, distinguished scientists, passionate youth volunteers, and dedicated advocates to celebrate service, culture, and philanthropy. Government Recognitions: Honoring Our Community Impact A crowning moment of the evening was the presentation of an official proclamation from the local government. Frederick County Council President Brad Young formally recognized the SAMATHA event, commending VT Seva's profound impact on youth development, humanitarian service, and civic engagement across Maryland. In addition to this county honor, VT Seva Maryland was deeply privileged to receive an official Governor’s Citation from the State of Maryland. These prestigious recognitions serve as a powerful testament to the hard work of our volunteers and the lasting positive impact our initiatives bring to the community. The Visionaries Behind the Scenes: Our Advisory Leadership While our youth leaders shone brightly on stage, the overwhelming success of SAMATHA 2026 was powered by a dedicated team of advisors, directors, and officers. Working tirelessly behind the scenes, this team expertly orchestrated the event's overall strategy, administrative governance, financial compliance, and community outreach. Mr. Vasudevan Akkoor (Youth Director, VT Seva Maryland): Serving as the foundational operational bridge for the event, Mr. Akkoor played a monumental role in designing and executing the overarching strategies for SAMATHA. He took the lead on speaker relations, successfully assembling our distinguished guest panel, and engineered the high-impact operational framework that transforms community funding into youth opportunities. As an exceptional mentor, he ensures our youth leaders strictly adhere to VT Seva policies while guiding them through crucial best practices. He is a trusted advisor for both adult and youth leads, offering strategic direction, career pathway recommendations, and highly effective conflict resolution by listening impartially to all sides. On the day of the event, Mr. Akkoor seamlessly managed guest relations, supported volunteers, and monitored venue operations to guarantee absolute success. Furthermore, his exceptional presentation skills allowed him to effectively highlight and elevate the individual talents of our team members on a public stage. Mr. Srinivasa Putthana (Secretary & Board Officer): Serving as our official custodian of records and governance administrator, Mr. Putthana ensured the structural integrity of the entire event. He managed all venue bookings, collaborated directly with facility hosts, and navigated the complex logistical demands required to securely house our large celebration. Beyond his administrative duties, Mr. Putthana excelled at vendor conflict resolution and remained on his feet throughout the entire event. From arrival to departure, he actively moved across the venue to support our volunteer teams and maintain exceptional crowd management. Mr. Dillibabu (Treasurer & Board Officer): Serving as our primary financial officer, Mr. Dillibabu provided the vital fiscal oversight necessary to safeguard the event's financial health. He developed the initial event budgets, managed operational expenses across all committees, and ensured complete transparency and accountability for every dollar raised. Beyond his critical financial duties, he also took full ownership of the audio and projector setup on the day of the event - a highly demanding and labor-intensive task. We are immensely grateful to Mr. Dillibabu for his tireless volunteerism and multi-faceted dedication. Mrs. Prashamsa Muppavaram (Donor Engagement Leader & Education Branch Coordinator): Mrs. Muppavaram skillfully secured the financial foundation of SAMATHA by driving corporate and individual sponsorship campaigns. Her creative contributions were equally vital; she penned the master emcee script and carefully mentored our youth speakers to ensure they commanded the stage with confidence. A sound professional, she brings exceptional corporate insight to our branch, helping to shape a stronger volunteer network. She is a proactive problem solver who expertly identifies and resolves organizational gaps. Beyond her stellar leadership, she is a trusted friend and go-to teammate whose timely, insightful questions consistently inspire and elevate the entire VT Seva Maryland team. On any given day, she is ready to roll up her sleeves to provide hands-on help for any event, serving as an invaluable second-in-command who always has my back. A potential candidate to oversee and lead youth initiatives in Monrovia. Mrs. Deepa Parida (Outreach Lead & Volunteer Manager): Mrs. Parida serves as the backbone of our volunteer operations, expertly vetting and deploying our workforce to eliminate any friction on the day of the event. She approaches every challenge with unmatched patience and a warm smile, paying close attention to even the finest logistical details. Once she commits to a task, her dedication is absolute, making her a leader the Maryland team can completely rely upon. In her role as Outreach Lead, she builds critical partnerships with local vendors and community organizations. She is exceptionally responsible and maintains high standards for accountability, rigorously tracking volunteer hours so that every individual's hard work is fairly documented and rewarded. Her structured yet supportive management style ensures our team stays motivated and productive. Mrs. Sandhya Kakani (Feeding Hope Program Lead & New Market Youth Lead): Mrs. Kakani skillfully anchors our grassroots efforts, driving student-led initiatives and expanding our presence into the New Market area to bolster statewide food-security programs. She defines patience and empathy, always making time to listen to and support others. During SAMATHA, she was actively on the move, meticulously overseeing venue logistics to ensure every guest and volunteer felt welcomed and cared for. Her exceptional leadership successfully united the entire New Market team, and she makes it a priority to celebrate everyone’s contributions. A highly collaborative and generous leader, Mrs. Kakani frequently crosses over to assist other departments and never turns down a request for help. Mrs. Padmaja Vedantam, Mrs. Ramya and Mrs. Sudha Konduri (Samatha Decoration Leads): As our creative designers, they established the visual identity, thematic elegance, and cultural ambiance of the showcase. They directed the design and setup of the main stage, interactive photo booths, and welcoming entrance boards, transforming the theme "rooted in love, blooming in peace" into a vibrant physical reality using traditional accents and sustainable materials. They also successfully managed a team of youth volunteers to coordinate props and signage safely within strict venue timelines, beautifully elevating audience engagement. Mrs. Swetha Timmuru & Mrs. Chaitanya Arem (Cultural Leads & Heritage Coordinators): Serving as the creative storytellers of the evening, they were responsible for organizing and preserving cultural authenticity on stage. They carefully coordinated the traditional performances and diverse artistic showcases, ensuring that the programming remained deeply rooted in heritage and inclusivity. Mrs. Shwetha Keranahalli (Communication Lead): Mrs. Keranahalli serving as the central public voice of the celebration, driving the public narrative and non-profit brand consistency. She manages all digital and print promotional channels, curated compelling impact stories, and steered media outreach to maximize the event's regional visibility. The Event Lead Coordinators - comprising Mr. Murali Divi, Mrs. Bhanu Priya Viyyuri, Mr. Aditya Komperla, Mr. Venkat Konnala, Mrs. Swathi Chava, Mrs. Sirisha Chintalapatti, and Mrs. Mounika Shriramoju - Act as the main logistical hub coordinating venue operations, vendor contracts, sound production, and specialized internal committees. Within this team, Mr. Murali Divi directs general decor, crowd management, and volunteer care, while Mrs. Bhanu Priya Viyyuri manages the technical decoration setup. Mr. Aditya Komperla controls microphone and sound operations, Venkat Konnala handles post-event cleanup, and Swathi Chava bridges both the initial setup and final cleaning workflows. Additionally, Sirisha Chintalapatti leads the dedicated chess competition, and Mounika Shriramoju coordinates guest management and registration. Ultimately, they serve as the vital conductors who manage the master timeline, direct rehearsals, and troubleshoot on-site challenges to ensure that the visual efforts of the decoration team, the marketing of the communication team, and the dedication of the volunteers unite seamlessly to deliver a polished, impactful guest experience. Impact and Donor Appreciation This incredible program is made possible entirely through the generosity of our community and corporate donors. Through the SAMATHA 2026 initiative, VT Seva Maryland successfully raised enough funds to sponsor the education of 22 visually challenged and underprivileged students. We extend our special gratitude to the following key donors, each of whom generously sponsored the education of at least one visually challenged student: AATS Financial – Mrs. Teja Pusunuri Minnodi LLC – Mrs. Santhana Shanmugam Minnodi LLC partners with community organizations to remove barriers to tech education. Founded on the principle of seva through skill-building, we offer no-cost IT training programs for job seekers, youth, women, and professionals re-entering the workforce. Our flagship 10-day “IT Basics” course has helped over 500 DMV residents begin careers in cloud computing, networking, and IT. We are honored to collaborate with VT Seva to expand access to digital literacy and create pathways to economic empowerment. Frederick Desi District – Mr. Sam Mullapudi Uday Nasini Photography – Mr. Uday Nasini If you are looking to capture your next big milestone and make memories forever, we want to give a huge shoutout to Uday nasini photography business. This is a fantastic local photography and videography service based in Frederick area and also serving DMV area specializing in everything from stunning event photography to cinematic video, and drone aerials. Whether you need a quick portrait session or a full crew for your next big event, they deliver amazing, high-resolution galleries. Get his contact and check out their work to capture and create your memories forever! The beautiful moments from our event were captured perfectly by Uday ji. You can view and download the complete photo gallery here: VT Seva Annual Day 2026 Photo Gallery. https://uday.smugmug.com/VTSEVA-2026-Temp-folder/n-HtvSmc Best Brains Learning Centers (Monrovia) – Mrs. Swathi Kapoor At Best Brains of Monrovia we specialize in teaching students ages 3 to 14 Math, English, Abacus, and Coding. Our innovative teachers and staff help children reach their full potential. Roots Product Lab Associates LLC Swaraalaya School of Music and Arts Mrs. Aparna Hemchandra Mr. Ashok Aedla Mr. BalaPrakash Rajan Mr. Dillibabu Pammi Venkateswaralu Mr. Chandu Kankanala Mrs. Swathi Chava Mrs. Prashamsa Muppavaram Mr. Adharsh Nair Mrs. Anjana Konduri Volunteer Felicitations VT Seva's core mission thrives on grassroots community and family involvement. To honor this spirit, our distinguished chief guests presented special felicitations to our dedicated community leaders, individual youth helpers, and core family teams (including students, mothers, fathers, and siblings) who stepped up to serve together. The following volunteers were recognized for their outstanding service, sorted in alphabetical order along with their respective local chapters: Abhinav Komperla (The Komperla Family – Monrovia) Abhinav Sathvik Taritla (New Market) Adithiya Venkatakrishnan (New Jersey) Akanksha Subramaniam (The Subramaniam Family – Monrovia) Akul Pallerla & Anay Pallerla (The Pallerla Family – Monrovia) Anwesha Parida (The Paridas Family – Monrovia) Arjun Chintalapati & Nayan Chintalapati (The Ratnakar Family – Monrovia) Aryan Krishna Shriramoju (The Shriramoju Family – Monrovia) Chetan Sai Kankanala (The Kankanala Family – New Market) Dillibabu (The Dillibabu Family – Monrovia) Divya Putthana & Rohan Putthana (The Putthana Family – Monrovia) Eshaan Konala (The Konala Family – Monrovia) Ethan Joseph & Neil Joseph (New Market) Inika Keranahalli (The Keranahalli Family – Monrovia) Isheeta Shree Taritla (New Market) Joshua Cabral (Monrovia) Kaviya Karthick Kumar & Dheesidan Karthick Kumar (Monrovia) Keerthi Siripurapu (Monrovia) Manasvi Divi & Tejasvi Divi (The Divi Family – Monrovia) Misha Nabeel (The Nabeel Family – Monrovia) Mridula Vasudevan & Taara Vasudevan (The Vasudevan Family – Monrovia) Rathish Pandian (New Market) Reyansh Takallapally (New Market) Sameer Khan (The Khan Family – Monrovia) Sana Shenoy & Family (Monrovia) Sanjay Guda (The Guda Family – Monrovia) Vihaas Ventrumulli (The Ventrumulli Family – New Market) Vihaan Krishnan & Ishaan Krishnan (New Market) Vishan Das Mukkapally (The Mukkapally Family – Monrovia) A warm welcome and heartfelt thank you to our newly formed VT Seva Maryland New Market volunteer team! Established through the dedicated efforts of Sandhya ji and Chetan, this dynamic group is already rolling up their sleeves to create a meaningful community impact. From tree planting initiatives and toy drives to cultivating and selling organic plants, their energy is truly inspiring. In fact, during our recent Samatha Day event, the team’s organic plant sales successfully raised enough funds to sponsor meals for the entire student body at Netra Vidyalaya for the day! Thank you to the entire New Market team for your outstanding dedication and incredible start. Special Competitions and Events Beyond the main stage, the SAMATHA celebration featured a diverse lineup of engaging tournaments and shows, expertly coordinated by our youth and community leaders: Chess Tournament Led by: Arjun Chintalapati & Mrs. Sirisha Chintalapati Tournament Report by Arjun Chintalapati: The 2026 SAMATHA Chess Tournament concluded as a resounding success, filled with memorable moments, laughter, and high-level strategy. Serving as the event lead, Arjun Chintalapati oversaw close to 30 enthusiastic participants of all ages. The tournament showcased an incredible array of skills, highlighting intense, high-pressure games where participants displayed fierce competitiveness while maintaining a wonderful spirit of sportsmanship. Reflecting on the leadership role, Arjun noted gaining invaluable personal growth in logistics, time management, and multi-sectional tournament coordination. Special recognition goes to Akul, Aryan, Deechu, Collin, and Abhinav for their indispensable assistance in organizing tournament boards, managing the room atmosphere, and solving technical issues during active play. Heartfelt appreciation is also extended to the entire VT Seva Maryland core team, whose collective marketing and logistical planning made this annual tournament possible. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the tables in 2027! Spelling Bee Competition Led by Akul Pallerla & Anay Pallerla Event Report by Student Leads: Akul Pallerla & Anay Pallerla On June 20, 2026, we had the wonderful opportunity to organize and conduct the VT Seva Samatha Spelling Bee for students from Kindergarten through 8th Grade. It was an exciting and deeply rewarding experience to see so many young participants challenge themselves, master new words, and showcase their skills on stage. We extend our warmest congratulations to all of our participants. Standing before an audience to compete takes tremendous courage and confidence. Every student should be incredibly proud of their determination and effort, as they all beautifully demonstrated the true spirit of learning and growth. An event like this requires a dedicated community, and we extend a heartfelt thank you to the parents and families whose encouragement created such a positive environment. We express our sincere gratitude to Mrs. Sobana Vasudevan, VT Seva MD Branch Director, for her trusted guidance, and to Chetan Sai Kanakanala for co-facilitating the event to ensure it ran smoothly. Most importantly, a special thank you goes to our mom, Prashamsa Muppavaram, for her unwavering support, motivation, and belief in us throughout the planning and execution stages. We are incredibly grateful to VT Seva Samatha for providing this platform. Managing this project allowed us to develop vital leadership, teamwork, and communication skills while actively giving back to our community. Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and supported the Spelling Bee, and we look forward to welcoming even more young spellers in future events! Kids Fashion Show 2026 - Brings Confidence and Creativity to the Stage! Event Leads : Taara Vasudevan & Mridula Vasudevan Event Report Prepared by Mridula Vasudevan and Taara Vasudevan Our recent Annual Day celebration featured a vibrant and heartwarming Kids Fashion Show! On June 20, 2026, students from across Maryland took the runway, showcasing incredible confidence, creativity, and enthusiasm. The children arrived dressed in their finest attire, representing a beautiful blend of styles. The audience cheered for everything from elegant traditional Indian outfits to imaginative character costumes—including inspiring roles like police officers and local community heroes. Each participant brought their unique personality to the stage, proudly celebrating individuality and self-expression. We are immensely proud of all the participants for their courage to perform in front of family, friends, and our community. Huge congratulations to the children who took home prizes for their exceptional hard work and creativity! We also want to recognize every single child who participated; stepping onto that stage makes each and every one of you a winner. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the children, parents, volunteers, and supporters who made this event possible. Your energy and encouragement created a joyful, unforgettable experience. We cannot wait to see you all again at our upcoming events! Women's Ramp Walk Show Led by: Akanksha Subramaniam & Mridula Vasudevan Cultural Highlights and Teacher of the Year The prestigious SAMATHA stage came alive with incredible classical showcases and musical expressions. A primary highlight of the evening was the special announcement honoring Vidushi Aparna Gurumurthy of the Nrityasamarpan School of Bharatanrityam as the SAMATHA 2026 Teacher of the Year for her exceptional dedication and contribution to arts education and community service. We extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our participating academies and educators for their tireless support in bringing their schools to perform: Nrityasamarpan School of Bharatanrityam – Vidushi Aparna Gurumurthy (SAMATHA 2026 Teacher of the Year) https://www.facebook.com/aparnaguru21/ https://www.nrityasamarpan.com/about-the-teacher/ Padma Paadam School of Performing Arts Inc. – Vidushi Thejashwini Ramarao https://ppspa.org/ https://ppspa.org/teacher Swaraalaya School of Music and Arts – Vidushi Sobana Vasudevan (Founder & Artistic Director, Swaraalaya School of Music and Arts) Sobana Vasudevan brings an extraordinary musical lineage to her teaching, having mastered Carnatic classical music under Guru Radha Vishwanathan, the daughter of the iconic trailblazer M.S. Subbulakshmi. For more than 20 years, Sobana has shared her expertise with diverse students of all ages. Her teaching philosophy bridges history and innovation: she preserves the traditional guru-shishya parampara while dynamically adapting her curriculum to meet current cultural and educational trends. Through Swaraalaya, Sobana goes beyond teaching technical skill - she inspires global citizens to explore the profound beauty, science, and cultural identity embedded within Indian classical arts. Performers: Thumak Dance Academy Other individual group performers Youth Leaders Singing performances Youth Leaders dance performances Other Solo Performers Distinguished Guests and Speakers The celebration was honored by the presence of several prominent Maryland leaders who shared inspiring insights and voiced their strong support for VT Seva’s humanitarian mission: Mr. Brad W. Young: President of the Frederick County Council and lifelong financial planner. He brought decades of civic expertise from his prior leadership on the local Board of Education and the Frederick Community College Board of Trustees. Ms. Christina Wong Poy: Administrative Director for the Governor's Commissions on Asian Pacific American and South Asian American Affairs. She highlighted the vital state resources connecting minority constituents to economic and healthcare opportunities. Dr. Yang Yu: Chair of the Governor's Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs and Dean of the Liberal Studies Division at Howard Community College. She emphasized state-level advocacy and community resource connectivity. Dr. Balamurugan Kuppusamy: Acclaimed cancer researcher at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Principal of the Frederick Tamil School, recognized for his contributions to both oncology and grassroots cultural preservation. Dr. Mahesh Aitha: Biomedical research scientist at the NIH’s National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) and dedicated education advocate, known for his work with the ManaBadi Telugu language program and legislative advocacy for inclusive curricula. Dr. Amit Kumar: NCI Program Director and Founder of Urbana STEMM. He was celebrated for his federal scientific portfolio management and his award-winning local youth mentorship initiatives. Mrs. Kathleen Reilly: Highly accomplished Speech-Language Pathologist with over 20 years of experience helping children overcome communication challenges. The VT Seva family extended its deepest gratitude to Mrs. Reilly for her invaluable time, unwavering support, and beautiful dedication to community service. A huge thank you to the incredible crew from Station 17 of the Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services! They joined us at our VT Seva Maryland Samatha event from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, giving our community members and youth wonderful up-close tours of their fire apparatus. We are deeply grateful to our local first responders for taking the time to show their support and engage so meaningfully with our team! A heartfelt thank you to Ms. Miranda Sly, School Counselor at Urbana High School, for attending and supporting our recent event! Ms. Sly serves as our dedicated advisor for the UHS VT Seva Club, and we are incredibly grateful for her ongoing guidance, mentorship, and support of our youth leaders. A huge thank you to Kicks 4 Karate for joining us and putting on an incredible live demonstration at our event! Our attendees were absolutely thrilled by their skills and energy. Here is a brief glimpse into their fantastic performance! Award Ceremony Samatha Event : Competition Awards and Recognition The Samatha Day event successfully concluded with formal award ceremonies celebrating the outstanding achievements of our community participants. Prizes and certificates were distributed across four major competitions, recognizing excellence in strategy, academics, and creative self-expression. We officially commend the participants and award recipients of the following programs: Chess Tournament: Recognizing exceptional tactical and strategic skills among our competitors. Spelling Bee: Commending advanced academic focus, preparation, and linguistic excellence. Kids Fashion Show: Celebrating youth confidence, individuality, and creative presentation on stage. Women's Ramp Walk: Honoring community leadership, grace, and cultural expression. We extend our gratitude to the event organizers and volunteers who ensured the smooth execution of these competitive segments and their corresponding ceremonies. 📊 SAMATHA 2026: Youth Fundraising Leaderboard & Impact Update Our VT Seva Maryland youth leaders have shown incredible dedication to supporting the Netra Vidyalaya School for the Blind in India! With an individual goal set at $365 to fund one full student education, here is where our team stands. https://givebutter.com/vt-seva-maryland-samatha-2026/ Netra Vidyalaya provides visually challenged students with standard educational tools and specialized digital literacy training. These incredible students continue to defy all limits - learning to navigate laptops using audio-screen readers, mastering coding, and routinely outperforming sighted students in state-level board exams and sports competitions. 🏆 Exemplary Leadership: Met & Exceeded Goals A massive congratulations to our top fundraisers who completely smashed past their initial goals to maximize their philanthropic impact for these brilliant students: Mridula: $2,429 (Top Campaign Leader) Taara: $1,382 Anwesha: $440 Abhinav: $440 Akul: $425 Tejasvi: $400 Manasvi: $386 Keerthi: $384 Anay: $377 🎯 Mission Accomplished: Met Goal Exactly Kudos to these youth leaders who successfully reached their baseline milestone, each ensuring a full year of specialized education, technology, etc., for a Netra Vidyalaya student: Arjun: $365 Akanksha: $365 Divya: $365 Chetan: $365 🌱 In Progress & Gaining Momentum These dedicated team members have launched their campaigns and are actively rallying our community to build up their sponsorship totals: AryanKrishna: $65 Misha: $25 Vishan Das: $25 Vihaan: $25 We also look forward to supporting Kaviya, Inika, Ishaan, and Sameer as they kickstart their upcoming outreach efforts! Thank you to all of our incredible youth volunteers, parents, and donors for driving such a profound civic impact across Maryland. Conclusion VT Seva Maryland extends its heartfelt thanks to all attendees, donors, performers, and distinguished guests who made SAMATHA 2026 a resounding success. Together, we continue to cultivate a global community rooted in love and blooming in peace. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18jmbCcRqB/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DaTqHG7EYcO/?igsh=MWkzaHdodWwxZ3lreQ==

Vijayalakshmi*, a 40-year-old widow and daily-wage agricultural worker, lived a life defined by relentless labor and quiet sacrifice. As a mother of two, her days began before sunrise and ended long after sunset in the fields under the scorching sun. By the time she returned home each evening, exhaustion outweighed everything else. Her priorities were simple yet overwhelming her children’s education, putting food on the table, and holding her family together financially. When she first heard about a Mahila Arogya Vikas (MAV) screening camp in her community, hesitation took over. Like many women in underserved communities, she carried the weight of social stigma surrounding breast and cervical cancer. Fear of diagnosis, fear of judgment, and fear of the unknown kept her from stepping forward. But the MAV volunteers did not give up on her. With patience and compassion, they visited her neighborhood, explained the importance of preventive screening, and reassured her that she would not face anything alone. They emphasized that early detection could save lives and that full support including follow-up care would be provided if needed. Slowly, her fear gave way to trust. On a rare day off a Sunday Vijayalakshmi made a decision that would change her life. She attended the MAV camp and underwent a series of screenings, including breast health checks, blood tests, and the WHO-recommended VIA cervical cancer screening (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid test). What followed was not easy to hear. With great sensitivity and care, the Lead MAV Coordinator, Madhavi Ravindra, informed her that the screening indicated a serious concern requiring immediate further investigation. Subsequent tests confirmed the diagnosis: Stage 3 cervical cancer. In that moment, fear could have taken over but she was not left alone. The MAV team immediately stepped in, guiding her through every next step. She was connected to specialized doctors, arranged for free-of-cost treatment, and supported with financial assistance so her children would continue to be cared for while she underwent treatment. What could have been an isolating and overwhelming journey became one carried collectively by a dedicated support system. Vijayalakshmi underwent nine months of grueling chemotherapy. The path was painful and uncertain, but she was surrounded by unwavering encouragement from MAV volunteers who stood by her, and medical professionals who treated her with commitment and care. Against the odds, she emerged victorious. Today, Vijayalakshmi is in complete remission. She has returned to a healthy life and continues to provide for her children with renewed strength and hope. In a powerful full circle, she now attends MAV camps regularly not as a patient in distress, but as a voice of encouragement for other women who stand where she once stood. Her story is not just one of survival, it is a reminder of what early detection, awareness, and community-driven healthcare can achieve. Mahila Arogya Vikas, a secular initiative founded by VT Seva CEO HH Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, continues to transform lives through its cancer awareness programs and screening camps. Reaching women across all backgrounds, MAV ensures that care is not limited by fear, stigma, or financial barriers but guided by dignity, compassion, and action. Vijayalakshmi’s journey stands as one among many yet it carries a powerful truth: when awareness meets timely care, life can be given a second chance. *Name changed to respect patient confidentiality. For more details and support, please click here: www.vtsworld.org/healthcare

VT Seva Detroit's 6th Annual Police Appreciation Day — Novi Police Department What started as a quiet act of community gratitude 6 years ago has blossomed into one of VT Seva Detroit's most beloved traditions. This year, we were proud to return to the Novi Police Department for our 6th Annual Police Appreciation Day — a celebration that grows more meaningful with every passing year. A Tradition Rooted in Gratitude As part of the National Police Appreciation week (Sunday, May 10 through Saturday, May 16, 2026), once again, our VT Seva Detroit team arrived with warm meals – Pizzas, Breadsticks, Samosa, refreshing beverages, and an assortment of desserts (Cinnabon rolls, French Patries) to honor the officers serving on duty that day. What makes this gathering special isn't just the food — it's the spirit of genuine appreciation that fills the room. Police Chief Erick Zinser, joined by several Sergeants and department leadership, took time out of their busy schedules to be part of the event, sharing warm words of thanks for VT Seva's continued commitment to this cherished community moment. Volunteers Who Made It Happen Our amazing 30+ volunteers—youth and adults alike—showed up with enthusiasm and open hearts to set up, serve, and personally express their gratitude to the men and women in uniform. Our youth volunteers once again stole the spotlight with their handcrafted "Thank You" cards, each one a heartfelt reminder to the officers that the community sees, values, and deeply appreciates their daily sacrifices. Watching our young volunteers interact with the officers—with such confidence, warmth, and sincerity—was a highlight of the day for everyone present. Volunteers who participated. Youth: Tushita Saravanan, Rohith Makkena, Kriti Makkena, Yathi Debbata, Nemish Debbata, Sri Bhargava Samudrala, Anika Dacharaju, Sanjay Ramamoorthy, Siddharth Ramamoorthy, Rithika Bommathi ,Reyaansh Bommathi, Rudraan Dacharaju Adults Vanitha Gopalan , Durga Nalini Sangeetha Adduri, Architha Pisipati, Sirisha Lakkakula, Bhargavi Venkataraman, Sudheer Koppu, Suresh Rajan, Narsaraj Kompelly, Aravind Narayan, Naresh Ojha, Praveen Kanumuri, Rama Chandra Vatsavyai, Srikanth Dacharaju, Anil Samudrala, Krishna Ramamoorthy Youth Voices at the Forefront A standout moment of the afternoon came when several youth representatives took the floor to introduce VT Seva's wide-ranging community initiatives—from local outreach efforts to international programs serving underprivileged communities. Chief Zinser and his team were visibly moved by the passion and poise of our young ambassadors, offering generous praise for both the youth and the broader impact of VT Seva's ongoing service work. It was a proud reminder that the next generation of community leaders is already showing up and making a difference. The youth volunteers proudly showcased how we have been positively impacting the underserved and underprivileged communities through our selfless service. Six Years Strong With each passing year, Police Appreciation Day has cemented its place as a cornerstone of VT Seva Detroit's annual mission—a living reflection of our belief that consistent, heartfelt acts of recognition can deepen the ties that hold a community together. To stand alongside the Novi Police Department year after year, to look these officers in the eye and say thank you — it means more each time. We extend our deepest gratitude to Chief Erick Zinser, the Novi Police Department's Sergeants, and every officer who dedicates themselves to keeping our community safe. A heartfelt thank you to the JET MI team — Narsaraj ji, Rama ji, and Srikanth ji for taking the time to stop by and show appreciation to the Novi Police officers and their dedicated support for the Novi community. We also would like to thank Paris baguette , Novi, for coming forward to sponsor some delicious baked desserts for our police officers. To our incredible volunteers—your enthusiasm, compassion, and willingness to show up year after year are the heartbeat of everything VT Seva stands for. Please encourage our volunteers hard work by visiting and liking our Facebook and Instagram posts - Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1H6aRDff75/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/DYk5JoIkSES/?igsh=N3V2YXNhcWFlb2Vk

Celebrate a decade of service, compassion, and community at the 10th Annual RAAS by VT Seva Detroit, successfully held on November 15, 2025! As we mark this special milestone, we invite you to explore our exclusive RAAS Flipbook a journey through the impact, memories, achievements, and inspiring stories that define our mission. From empowering underserved communities to nurturing youth leadership and supporting education, every page reflects the collective efforts of volunteers, donors, and well-wishers who continue to make a difference. A heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers, donors, sponsors, and supporters for being the strength behind this incredible journey. Your kindness, dedication, and belief in our mission continue to inspire change and bring hope to many lives. Take a moment to flip through the story of service, hope, and transformation that has touched countless lives over the past 10 years. Click below to open and read the RAAS Flipbook. 👇