August 28, 2011: International News From the Field

Sewa Day (http://www.sewaday.org), scheduled for September 25th, is an international day of volunteering "where thousands of good-hearted people across the world come together to experience the joy of giving (sewa) in its truest sense."  As the Sewa Day Web site explains, sewa, also spelled seva, is a word in the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit that means “an act of kindness without expectation…The term invokes a spirit of community and selfless service for a just and fair society.”
 
It is a bit hard to trace the origins of this day of service.  The international site is sponsored by Sewa UK but you can select from a long list of other countries also commemorating the day.   Throughout the site are references to “Be the Change” (seemingly unconnected to the U.S.-based organization of the same name).  “Be the Change” was an annual event sponsored by SAALT (South Asian Americans Leading Together) to foster leadership and community engagement.  It was formerly known as the National Gandhi Day of Service, based on the values espoused by Mahatma Gandhi, and occurred during the weekend of his birthday (October 2). “Be The Change empowers participants to engage in collective civic action based on Gandhi's values of equality and compassion.”  In 2003, ISSO-Seva formally joined SAALT's Be The Change movement.  

Despite the various origins and players, it is clear that Sewa Day is gathers together people with Indian and south Asia roots, as well as anyone wishing to do meaningful community service.  So check out the various Web sites and see if you can tap into any events occurring in your area.