SEP 2018 – Youth for Sewa is a six-week summer internship program focusing on self-development through the service of underprivileged communities. Youth of HSS (UK) participated. This year, four adventurous students, Tamana Sharma, Harshik Joshi, Saagar Mehta, and Ushni Rabadia, went on a life-changing trip to India. They spent six weeks living, experiencing, and immersing themselves with their local communities while working on Sewa projects. At a presentation evening, ‘In Service’, on the 29th of September 2018, they shared their stories with an audience of 60 people consisting of family members, NHSF students, and the public. Below are summaries of their presentations.

Madhav Vidyapeeth in Gujarat

The thing that struck me most about the school is how amazing the teachers are. Their dedication and commitment to the children are incredible. They treat everyone as if they are their own children. It is something we can all work on. I thought that living in the UK, we could teach them as we are ‘advanced,’ but I learned so much from them. They all live in harmony with nature, and this is something I will develop on. I didn’t want to leave the kids; they are all amazing. It is sad to know that I won’t see some of them again, but I will keep in touch with the school and teachers and look forward to visiting them again.
— Harshik Joshi

Samatol in Mumbai, Aiding Runaway Children

My Youth for Sewa experience was like a roller coaster. The low point was my health issues, but it was totally worth it. I had an amazing experience, and my high points were teaching the kids how to play the harmonium and singing the national anthem. Being able to hoist the Indian flag at the Independence Day celebrations was a huge honor and made me realize that wherever I live, I am always Indian and take great pride in my heritage and culture. Seeing the kids reunite with their parents was heart-touching. Those emotions will never leave me. The whole experience taught me how lucky we are. We have everything but don’t appreciate anything. The people I interacted with had very little and had lots of problems but were content and happy and appreciated all the small things in life.
— Saagar Mehta

Sewa UK School for Children with Special Needs in Jawhar

I wanted to quit during my first week. I was lonely, missing home, and didn’t think I was strong enough to continue. But with the help of the amazing teachers, the children’s love, and the support of the Youth for Sewa team, I persevered, and it was the best experience of my life. I learned that despite lacking in IQ, the mentally challenged kids had great emotional intelligence. They are so loving and caring. We are so obsessed with grades and results, but being loving and empathetic is just as (if not more) important. The experience made me stronger, more resilient, independent, and gave me a greater understanding of Sewa.
— Ushni Rabadia

Women Empowerment Projects within the City in Aurangabad

I went to my project thinking I would teach and help them. In reality, I taught them nothing, but they taught me everything. During my six weeks, I learned that we are so lucky to have all these opportunities that we take for granted. We haven’t had to struggle; everything has come so easily. I am definitely more appreciative of all the opportunities I have in life following my Youth for Sewa experience. I can’t wait to go back to Aurangabad; it really is my second home now.
— Tamana Sharma