ATLANTA CHAPTER OF SEWA INTERNATIONAL RAISED $ 540K

By Uma Banda

Atlanta, GA: Sewa International, Atlanta chapter, an Indian-American non-profit raised over $540,000 at its Annual Gala that was held on Saturday, December 7, at Twelve Midtown Autograph Collection, Atlanta. The fully packed Hall with guests showcased Atlanta chapter’s impactful work over the past year and raised significant funds to support ongoing humanitarian initiatives. The event welcomed over 250 attendees, including distinguished guests, dignitaries, community leaders and passionate volunteers, all united by a shared mission to serve the community. This year’s Gala marked a significant milestone for Atlanta chapter of Sewa International showcasing its growth, reach, and impact across key community programs.

Sewa International is guided by the Hindu principle -- that the world is one family “Vasudhaika Kutumbakam”. Sewa International has served, since its inception in 32 disaster recovery projects including, Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Harvey, California Wild Fires, and US COVID Relief 2020. Sewa International has presence in many countries world over and countries include Bangladesh, Colombia, Guyana, Haiti, Iraq (Yazidis), Kenya, Japan, Mozambique, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Trinidad & Tobago.

Sewa International was started in India in 1989. Outside of India, the Sewa movement took root in UK in 1991 and ever since has spread over 35 countries. Inspired by the international Sewa movement, Sewa International in the USA was started in Atlanta as an independent entity with an independent Board in 2003. Sewa is registered under the Internal Revenue Code 501(c) (3) as a humanitarian nonprofit charity since 2004.

The evening commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting by Mrs. Sophie Mookerji, Mr. Natvarlal Patel, Dr. Jagdish Sheth, Dr. Raghu Grandige and Mr. Vishal Khera, director of national board of SEWA International setting an auspicious tone for the Gala. The program unfolded with a warm welcome and reflections on Sewa’s guiding principles, followed by an overview of the year’s accomplishments, presented by Dr. Madhav Durbha and Mr. Raj Radhakrishnan, President and Vice President of the Atlanta Chapter: Educational Outreach: Expansion of the Sewa AmeriCorps Afterschool Tutoring Program, providing vital support to underserved children. Free Health Clinic in association with Georgia Association of physicians of India (GAPI): Delivering essential healthcare services to underserved populations in the community. Food Security Initiatives: Distribution of meals through food drives to address food insecurity in Atlanta and surrounding areas. A key highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards honoring volunteers and organizations whose dedication and service have been instrumental in advancing Sewa’s mission.

This year’s awardees included, Mrs. Sophie Mookerji and Mr. Sid Mookerji of Mookerji Foundation, Dr. Paul Lopez, Mr. Esteban Alarcon, Dr. Sreeni Gangasani, chairman of Georgia medical board and his wife Mrs. Madhavi Gangasani, director of GAPI SEWA clinic, Mr. Ravi R Ponangi, journalist and community leader and Mr. Bhikubhai Patel. The event also honored Mr. Vivek Srivatsav, who was felicitated for his years of dedicated service to Sewa International. His unwavering commitment and leadership in advancing the organization’s mission have had a profound impact on various community initiatives, and his contributions were commended by all in attendance.

The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Mohammed K. Ali, Co-Director at the Emory Global Diabetes Research Center (EGDRC). His inspiring speech shed light on the global diabetes crisis and the urgent need for interdisciplinary solutions to tackle the growing burden of diabetes. Alongside the awards and speeches, the evening highlighted vibrant cultural performances reflecting the Indian heritage of Atlanta’s communities. A stunning dance performance and musical ensemble offered a memorable experience for guests. Guests also enjoyed a sumptuous dinner at the elegant venue, both generously provided by Mr. Sam (Subhash) Patel, CEO of Natson Hotel Group, and his dedicated staff.

The cheerful atmosphere fostered meaningful connections among like-minded individuals dedicated to the values of selfless service, leaving attendees inspired and energized to continue making a difference. The event also included a successful fundraising effort, raising over $540,000 to support Sewa International’s ongoing programs, including the Sewa AmeriCorps initiatives, free health clinics, food drives, and disaster relief efforts. “Sewa International’s Annual Gala is a testament to the power of collective action. Tonight, we’ve celebrated not just our achievements but the spirit of community and selfless service that drives everything we do,” said Dr. Madhav Durbha, President of Sewa International Atlanta. The Gala also featured a special gift for all attendees, an autographed copy of the latest book by eminent professor and Padma Bhushan awardee, Dr. Jagdish Sheth. Each family present at the event received a copy of the book and a tree kit as a token of appreciation for their support of Sewa’s mission.

The evening was seamlessly hosted by two talented emcees, Prof. Devesh Ranjan, School Chair, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Mrs. Sheela Pailwan, Joint Coordinator, Atlanta Chapter, whose engaging presence and dynamic energy kept the audience captivated throughout the program. The evening concluded with a resounding call to action, encouraging everyone to continue their support for Sewa’s mission to serve humanity, uplift communities, and bring positive change.