From providing medical assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic to offering relief during natural disasters across the country, Sewa Bharti and other RSS-inspired organisations have set an exemplary standard of selfless service to the nation. To encourage those individuals, Sewa Bharti Delhi organised an event to honour individuals and organisations that rendered selfless service to the country during times of crisis.
The Seva Samman event took place on December 14 at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi.
Addressing the gathering, Alok Kumar, Sah-Sarkaryavah of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), emphasised that sewa is the only way to bridge societal inequalities.
Alok Kumar said, “Sewa is a divine act in which every section of society must participate”. He urged Sewa Bharati to honour four times as many people next year with the Seva Samman awards to significantly boost the morale of those engaged in selfless service.
Expressing his gratitude, he said, “This platform has brought together individuals dedicated to serving humanity. As we approach the RSS centenary next year, this event must be taken to an even larger scale, possibly at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, to inspire and guide all those connected to service.”
He further added that as mentioned in the Puranas, helping others is a virtue, while causing trouble to others is a sin. “Helping those deprived of basic needs is a virtuous act. Sewa Bharati believes service should be rendered at a personal level with a spirit of harmony.”
Chief Guest and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended Sewa Bharati for its tireless work in uplifting marginalised and underprivileged communities. He stated that these efforts would undoubtedly contribute to India’s goal of reclaiming its position as Vishwa Guru and fostering an inclusive society.
He emphasised that alongside Governments, awakened citizens of the nation must also work for holistic societal development. “The dedication of Sewa Bharati workers to the ideas of Ekatma Manavtavad (Integral Humanism) and Antyodaya (upliftment of the last person) is truly commendable,” he added.
He added, “Sewa Bharati was founded by Balasaheb Deoras, and people like Bhaiyyaji Joshi have made tireless efforts to strengthen the organisation. Those who understand the character of the RSS know that its purpose is not just nation-building but also character-building. The changes we see within ourselves, the way we communicate, and the language we use are results of the values instilled by the RSS. I believe that sewa is a crucial element of nation-building. Today’s program provides an opportunity for self-reflection. We must consider how we can adopt the spirit of service in our lives.”
Rajnath Singh further said, “Sewa Bharati is a living example of how organised efforts toward a goal can achieve the impossible. Service builds both individuals and the nation, and Sewa Bharati is continuously contributing to this cause.”
The Sewa Samman recognises individuals and organisations that have made social service their life’s mission. This year, 25 people across 10 categories were honoured with the Sewa Samman.
The recipients include Badri Bhagat Jhandewala Temple Society and Late Shri Subhash Gupta (posthumously), who were honoured with the Sewa Ratna.
The Sewa Bhushan awardees were Shri Yashpal Gupta, Shri Ved Kumar Wadhwa, Shri Tushar Gupta, Sardar Harmanjeet Singh, Shri Ajay Gupta, Petronet LNG Limited, Shri Satyabhushan Jain, Dr Sanjay Sachdeva, Bhaurao Deoras Sewa Nyas, Shri Sahil Mendiratta, Smt. Sanya Mendiratta, Shri Sanjay Dutta, Smt Seema Gupta, Shri Saurabh Garg, magician Samrat Shankar, Shri Bajrang Lal Agarwal, Shri Gopal Verma, Shri Rakesh Gupta, Shri Sanjeev Mongha, Shri Subhash Chander Agarwal, Smt Anju Jain, Smt Alka Baigani, and Sardar Narendra Singh Chahal.
The event was also attended by Surendra Arya, CMD of JBM Group.
Notably, Sewa Bharati has been active in education, healthcare, self-employment, women’s empowerment, orphan care, and Balwadis (children’s learning centers), among other areas. With over 1,80,000 service initiatives across the country, Sewa Bharati continues to serve society at multiple level.
