BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Atlanta, GA, December 7, 2025: Atlanta witnessed an unforgettable evening filled with music, devotion, and purpose on Nov 1 at Berkmar High School, as AIM for Seva hosted its 2025 Donor Appreciation Event, titled He/ Govind | है गोविंद | An Ode to Krishna. The event showcased the rich spiritual heritage of Indian classical music while highlighting the transformative impact AIM for Seva continues to make in rural India through holistic education.
AIM for Seva, founded in 2001 by Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati, began with a simple yet powerful mission: to bridge the urban-rural divide by providing children from impoverished rural areas with access to quality education, accommodation, life skills, and value-based learning. Over the past two decades, it has grown into a nationwide movement, with 101 Free Student Homes known as Chatralayas and several Vidyalayas (schools) across 17 states in India. Each year, AIM for Seva supports over 9000 children, giving them not just education but the foundation to become confident, ethical, and self-reliant citizens. Charity Navigator has recognized this powerful work by awarding AIM for Seva its highest rating, 4 Stars, for more than six consecutive years, a testament to its integrity, transparency, and impact.
This year marked the 25th anniversary of the movement and the Atlanta chapter, now in its 14th year, set an ambitious fundraising goal: to sponsor 500 children, equivalent to 250,000 dollars at 500 dollars per child per year. The community’s response was deeply encouraging. Before the event, Atlanta had already secured support for 200 children. The live program inspired another 100 child sponsorships, bringing the running total to 300 children supported, and over 150,000 dollars raised. This marks the highest-ever fundraising achievement in the history of the Atlanta chapter. “This year has been truly historic for us in Atlanta. We have witnessed generosity on a level we have never seen before,” said Eashwar Money, Atlanta Chapter Lead.
In addition, several donors expressed interest in capital projects such as school and Chatralaya construction, including the inspiring contributions of Mr. Kirit and Meena Kanakiya, who supported the Roorkee Vidyalaya in Uttarakhand. They shared their heartfelt story of being moved by the tangible transformation AIM for Seva brings into the lives of rural children, calling it an investment in dignity and opportunity.
The evening brought together close to 300 attendees and would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of over 35 volunteers who handled planning, logistics, hospitality, and outreach with absolute precision. According to Eashwar Money, the event was executed with clockwork clarity, reflecting the spirit of seva, or selfless service, that is at the heart of the organization. “The beauty of AIM for Seva is that it is powered not just by donors, but by volunteers with heart,” he said. Eashwar expressed deep gratitude to all the donors, volunteers, and supporters who have stood by the movement over the years and helped build hope, one child at a time.
The evening opened with a graceful and heartfelt invocation performed by children trained by Guru Prashanth Krishnamurthy, who rendered compositions by Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati setting a serene, devotional atmosphere for the program.
The true highlight of the evening was the musical performance, He Govind, a devotional tribute to Lord Krishna. The program was more than a concert. It was an immersive spiritual experience. The legendary classical vocalist Jayateerth Mevundi led the performance, bringing to life soulful Krishna bhajans steeped in traditional ragas. His voice carried a rare blend of power and serenity, allowing listeners to journey through the many facets of Krishna: the playful child, the charming flute player, the cosmic teacher, and the divine protector.
Jayateerth’s rendition featured skilled improvisations, spiritually rich lyrics, and several traditional compositions that resonated deeply with the audience. His singing showcased technical brilliance and emotional depth. The improvisational swara patterns, the gradual build-up of melodic intensity, and the contemplative laya captured the divine essence of Krishna’s stories and teachings.
Joining him on stage were some of the finest instrumentalists in Indian classical music today. On flute was the renowned maestro Pravin Godkhindi, whose mellifluous playing brought a divine texture to the evening. His flute seemed to echo Krishna’s own murali, gentle and meditative one moment, and uplifting and joyous the next. The seamless jugalbandi between his flute and Jayateerth’s vocals was a highlight that left the audience awe-struck.
On the harmonium was Narendra L. Nayak, whose accompaniment provided a beautiful melodic foundation. His sensitive play supported the vocalist’s improvisations with grace and fluidity. Tabla maestro Rajendra Nakod maintained strong rhythmic structure, infusing the performance with energy through his articulate bols and dynamic patterns. His intricate rhythmic cycles complemented the vocals and flute, adding richness and depth to the compositions. The Pakhawaj, played by Sukhad Munde, offered a profound and earthy rhythm, traditionally used in devotional and spiritual compositions. It brought an ancient sound to the performance, grounding it in classical and temple traditions. Side rhythm percussionist Suryakant Surve added layers and helped create a fuller rhythmic experience.
What set this performance apart was not just musical brilliance, but its ability to evoke pure devotion and spiritual connection. The songs did not merely entertain. They transported the audience into a meditative, emotionally resonant space. Many described it as experiencing Krishna in the room. The audience did not just hear music. They felt it.
The presence of esteemed honorees added another dimension to the evening. Two community leaders were recognized for their service and support. Philanthropist Dhirendra Shah was honored for his unwavering contributions to AIM for Seva and his generous support toward capital projects and educational initiatives. Aparna Bhattacharya, Executive Director of Raksha, was celebrated for her impactful work supporting families, women, and communities facing hardship. Her efforts reflect the shared values of compassion, education, and empowerment.
Throughout the evening, the underlying message was consistently articulated. AIM for Seva functions not merely as a charity, but as an organized initiative with a structured and sustainable vision. The event underscored the organization’s purpose to broaden access to education, foster individual potential, and enable children from rural India to become responsible, capable contributors to their families, communities, and society as a whole.
In the words of Eashwar, “When you support one child, you are not helping just that child. You are touching a family, uplifting a community, and eventually changing a nation.” He also added, “Our founder Swami Dayananda Saraswathi wanted AIM for Seva to become a movement, and that is truly what has happened.”
He Govind brought music and spirituality to Atlanta. But more importantly, it helped bring education, dignity, and opportunity to children in rural India. This was not just an event. It was a celebration of service, music, hope, and humanity.
To learn more or support the mission, visit aimforsevausa.org
