BY UMA BANDA
Atlanta, GA, December 19, 2024: Sewa International’s Atlanta chapter raised over $540,000 at its Annual Gala held on Saturday, December 7, at the Twelve Midtown Autograph Collection in Atlanta. The fully packed hall showcased the 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 the Atlanta chapter of Sewa International, highlighting its growth, reach, and impact across key community programs.
Sewa International is guided by the Hindu principle that the world is one family—Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Since its inception, Sewa has served in 32 disaster recovery projects, including Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Harvey, California wildfires, and U.S. COVID-19 relief efforts in 2020. The organization has a global presence in countries such as Bangladesh, Colombia, Guyana, Haiti, Iraq, Kenya, Japan, Mozambique, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Trinidad & Tobago.
Sewa International was started in India in 1989. Outside India, the Sewa movement took root in the U.K. in 1991 and has since expanded to over 35 countries. Inspired by the international Sewa movement, Sewa International USA was established in Atlanta as an independent entity with its own board in 2003. It has been registered as a 501(c)(3) humanitarian nonprofit organization since 2004.
The evening commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony led by Mrs. Sophie Mookerji, Mr. Natvarlal Patel, Dr. Jagdish Sheth, Dr. Raghu Grandige, and Mr. Vishal Khera, a member of Sewa International’s national board, 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.
Highlights included:
- Educational Outreach: Expansion of the Sewa AmeriCorps Afterschool Tutoring Program, providing vital support to underserved children.
- Free Health Clinics: Delivered in partnership with the Georgia Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPI), offering essential healthcare services to underserved populations.
- Food Security Initiatives: Distribution of meals through food drives to combat 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 the Mookerji Foundation
- Dr. Paul Lopez
- Mr. Esteban Alarcon
- Dr. Sreeni Gangasani, Chairman of the Georgia Medical Board, and Mrs. Madhavi Gangasani, Director of the GAPI Sewa Clinic
- Mr. Ravi R. Ponangi, journalist and community leader
- Mr. Bhikubhai Patel
Additionally, Mr. Vivek Srivatsav was honored for his years of dedicated service to Sewa International. His unwavering commitment and leadership have profoundly impacted various community initiatives.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Mohammed K. Ali, Co-Director at the Emory Global Diabetes Research Center. His inspiring speech shed light on the global diabetes crisis and the urgent need for interdisciplinary solutions.
The evening also featured vibrant cultural performances reflecting the Indian heritage of Atlanta’s communities, including a stunning dance performance and musical ensemble. Guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner generously provided by Mr. Sam (Subhash) Patel, CEO of Natson Hotel Group, and his team.
The event concluded with a successful fundraising effort, raising over $540,000 to support Sewa International’s 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.
As a token of appreciation, each family received an autographed copy of a book by Dr. Jagdish Sheth, an eminent professor and Padma Bhushan awardee, along with a tree kit to symbolize growth and sustainability.
The event was seamlessly hosted by two talented emcees, Prof. Devesh Ranjan, Chair of the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech, and Mrs. Sheela Pailwan, Joint Coordinator of the Atlanta Chapter. Their engaging presence and dynamic energy kept the audience captivated throughout the program.
The evening concluded with a resounding call to action, inspiring attendees to continue supporting Sewa’s mission to serve humanity, uplift communities, and bring positive change.
