NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
The spirit of youth leadership and community service took center stage as VT Seva Atlanta hosted its 5th annual flagship event, SUBHA – a celebration of light, leadership, and lasting change on September 21 at Gurukul in Duluth. The evening, held on September 21, was a vibrant showcase of music, dance, storytelling, and a shared vision for a more compassionate and sustainable world.
The celebration opened with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony and prayers by Prajna students, symbolizing the event’s core message of light and hope. Distinguished guests in attendance included Shri Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, Consul General of India, Mr. Corey Jackson, CEO of Laurel Heights Hospital, Dr. Madhuri Seth, Mr. Pramod Sajja, CEO of Farm to Plate, and Dr. Venkat of Cumming Dental.
After the American and Indian national anthems were presented, Dr. Madhu Nemani, Director of VT Seva Atlanta, welcomed the audience and reflected on the chapter’s remarkable growth. Since 2021, the organization has expanded to over 1,500 volunteers, 22 youth clubs across middle schools, high schools, and universities, and more than 70 service projects in 2025 alone. “More than the numbers, it’s the heart and humility of our volunteers that bring smiles, hope, and happiness to those we serve,” Dr. Nemani said.
This year’s theme, “My Power, My Planet,” honored Earth Day and celebrated the power of youth in protecting the environment. Through dance, music, spoken word, and original poetry, young performers conveyed powerful messages on sustainability and the collective responsibility to safeguard the planet.
The evening’s highlights included a youth-composed SUBHA poem performed by participants of all ages, a dynamic Parai percussion performance, and a series of dance performances focused on sustainability and service. Each performance captured the spirit of compassion, volunteerism, and community action that defines VT Seva’s mission.
“The joy is ours when we see others in joy,” is a guiding principle at VT Seva, and SUBHA 2025 embodied that philosophy throughout the evening. The program concluded with a vote of thanks from Hithesh Gazzala, who expressed gratitude to the volunteers, families, donors, and supporters whose dedication made the event possible.
VT Seva is a global non-profit organization powered by volunteerism and compassion. Founded in the USA in 2008 as a registered 501(c)(3), it is part of a broader service network alongside Vikasa Tarangini, its sister organization established in India in 1992. Together, they form a worldwide movement with a deep-rooted commitment to community service. With a vibrant network of volunteers across the U.S., India, England, Australia, and beyond, VT Seva and Vikasa Tarangini have mobilized thousands of individuals to create meaningful, lasting impact — demonstrating the extraordinary strength of collective action.
As the lights dimmed on SUBHA 2025, the glow of youth leadership and the promise of a better, greener future burned brighter than ever — a testament to the lasting impact of service and collective action.
