Sewa Samman 2024: Honouring the exemplary

From providing medical assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic to offering relief during natural disasters across the country, karyakartas of Sewa Bharti and other Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-inspired organisations have set an exemplary standard of selfless service to the nation. To motivate society to think on these lines, the Delhi-unit of Sewa Bharti organised an event to honour individuals and organisations that rendered selfless service to the country during times of crisis.

Reclaiming Vishva Guru Status

The Sewa 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, 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 Bharti to honour four times as many people next year with the Sewa Samman awards to significantly boost the morale of those engaged in selfless service.

Expressing his gratitude, Alok Kumar 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.”

Sewa Bharti has been active in education, healthcare, self-employment, women’s empowerment, orphan care, and Balwadis among other areas. With over 1,80,000 service initiatives across the country

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 Bharti believes service should be rendered at a personal level with a ­­­spirit of harmony.”

Applauding Sewa Bharti, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh who was chief guest on the occasion said Sewa Bharti’s efforts would undoubtedly contribute to Bharat’s goal of reclaiming its position as Vishva Guru and fostering an inclusive society. “Alongside Governments, awakened citizens of the nation must also work for holistic societal development. The dedication of Sewa Bharti workers to the ideas of Ekatma Manavtavad (Integral Humanism)  and Antyodaya (upliftment of the last person) is truly commendable”, Rajnath Singh emphasised.

Pointing out that Sewa Bharti was founded by Balasaheb Deoras, and people like Bhaiyyaji Joshi have made tireless efforts to strengthen the organisation, Rajnath Singh said, “Those who understand the character of the RSS know that its purpose is not just to instil 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 programme 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 Bharti is a living example of how organised efforts toward a goal can achieve the impossible. Service builds both individuals and the nation, and Sewa Bharti 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 Subhash Gupta (posthumously), who were honoured with the Sewa Ratna. The Sewa Bhushan awardees were Yashpal Gupta, Ved Kumar Wadhwa,Tushar Gupta, Sardar Harmanjeet Singh, Ajay Gupta, Petronet LNG Limited, Satyabhushan Jain, Dr Sanjay Sachdeva, Bhaurao Deoras Sewa Nyas, Sahil Mendiratta, Sanya Mendiratta, Sanjay Dutta, Seema Gupta, Saurabh Garg, magician Samrat Shankar, Bajrang Lal Agarwal, Gopal Verma, Rakesh Gupta, Sanjeev Mongha, Subhash Chander Agarwal, Anju Jain, Alka Baigani, and Sardar Narendra Singh Chahal. The event was also attended by Surendra Arya, CMD of JBM Group.

Notably, Sewa Bharti 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 Bharti continues to serve society at multiple levels.